2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo is essentially a carryover, with one minor equipment change: the SV trim's touchscreen became optional instead of standard. The body, engine, transmission, styling, and safety equipment otherwise stayed the same.
About the 2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo
1st generation (2012-2021), final year.
Nissan positioned the NV1500 Cargo as a full-size work van for businesses that needed big cargo room, towing ability, and a front cabin that could double as a mobile office. Official materials emphasize the flat load floor, wide-opening rear doors, room for 4x8 sheets between the wheel wells, and a truck-based design built for hauling and work equipment. Its appeal was straightforward usefulness rather than the newest tech or driver-assist features.
The S is the basic work-van trim, pairing a 4.0-liter V6 with practical touches such as reinforced cargo tie-down points and wide-opening rear doors. The SV uses the same rear-wheel-drive foundation but adds hardboard cargo-wall panels, cruise control, power mirrors, and rear parking sensors for everyday work routes.
What changed, by category
2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 261 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6900 lb | 6900 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 234.1 cu-ft | 234.1 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Power Mirrors | ||
| Privacy Glass | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo?
Only one minor equipment detail changed: the SV trim's touchscreen became optional rather than standard. The powertrain, body, styling, and standard safety equipment carried over from 2020.
Is the 2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo a major upgrade over the 2020 model?
No, the 2021 model is not a major upgrade over the 2020 version. It uses the same standard-roof, rear-wheel-drive layout, 4.0-liter V6, and 5-speed automatic, while the SV's touchscreen changed from standard to optional.
Does every 2021 NV1500 Cargo SV have a touchscreen?
No, the touchscreen was optional on the 2021 SV rather than standard. Check the individual van's cabin equipment to confirm whether it has one.
What trims does the 2021 Nissan NV1500 Cargo have?
The 2021 NV1500 Cargo comes in S and SV trims. The S is the simpler work van, while the SV adds hardboard cargo-wall panels, cruise control, power mirrors, and rear parking sensors.
Is 2021 the final model year for the Nissan NV1500 Cargo?
Yes, 2021 is the final model year for the first-generation Nissan NV1500 Cargo. It ended its run without a redesign or major mechanical update.