2020 Nissan NV3500 HD: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Nissan NV3500 HD is that the SV trim's touchscreen became standard. Otherwise, this heavy-duty van carried over without a redesign or major mechanical, safety, or styling updates.
About the 2020 Nissan NV3500 HD
1st generation (2012-2021), ninth model year and second-to-last year before discontinuation.
Nissan positioned the NV3500 HD as a heavy-duty full-size van for work crews, shuttle duty, big families, and anyone who needed towing strength and simple utility more than cutting-edge tech. Its core appeal is a truck-like body-on-frame design, straightforward controls, a roomy and flexible interior, and strong towing capability, especially with the V8. Compared with more car-like rivals, the NV’s identity is durability, easy upfitting, and honest work-van practicality.
The 2020 NV3500 HD remains a work-focused, rear-wheel-drive van sold in cargo and passenger configurations. S emphasizes basic utility, SV adds daily-use conveniences such as rear parking sensors and cruise control, and the V8-only SL brings towing hardware, heated extendable tow mirrors, and a power driver's seat.
What changed, by category
2020 Nissan NV3500 HD specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter / V8, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter / V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd / Automatic, 7-Spd | Automatic, 7-Spd | Automatic, 7-Spd / Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Horsepower | 261–375 hp | 375 hp | 261–375 hp |
| Torque | 281–387 lb-ft | 387 lb-ft | 281–387 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6200–9400 lb | 8700–9400 lb | 6200–9400 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 323.1 cu-ft | 323.1 cu-ft | 323.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 2–12 | 2–12 | 2–12 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Tow Hooks | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2020 Nissan NV3500 HD redesigned?
No. The 2020 NV3500 HD continued the first-generation design with the same rear-wheel-drive layout, truck-based frame, and basic S, SV, and SL trim structure.
What changed on the 2020 Nissan NV3500 HD SV?
The SV's touchscreen became standard for 2020, while satellite radio changed from standard equipment to an option. No other major SV update is identified for the year.
Did the 2020 Nissan NV3500 HD receive a new engine or transmission?
No. The engine and transmission lineup carried over for 2020 without a major powertrain change. The SL remained the V8-only trim and paired its 5.6-liter V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2020 Nissan NV3500 HD get new safety features?
No. The 2020 lineup received no new standard driver-assistance features or safety-hardware upgrades. SV still included rear parking sensors as a useful trim-specific feature.
How do the 2020 Nissan NV3500 HD trims differ?
S is the basic work trim, SV adds conveniences such as cruise control, extra storage, more power outlets, and rear parking sensors, and SL is the V8-only, tow-focused trim with heated extendable tow mirrors, a hitch receiver, and a power driver's seat.