Nissan NV1500 Cargo: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Nissan NV1500 Cargo is a full-size commercial work van built for hauling tools, materials, and business equipment. It is known for its large, upfit-friendly cargo area, truck-based design, and straightforward approach to hard use.
The NV1500 Cargo followed the same basic formula throughout its 2012-2021 run: a standard-roof, rear-wheel-drive work van powered by a gas V6. Its flat load floor, wide-opening rear doors, and space for 4x8 sheets between the wheel wells kept the focus on practical hauling. The cabin was designed to serve as a mobile office, while newer technology and advanced driver aids remained secondary.
Strengths
- The cargo area has a flat floor, wide-opening rear doors, and enough width between the wheel wells for 4x8 sheets.
- Its reinforced mounting points make the cargo space well suited to shelving, racks, and other job-specific equipment.
- The truck-based design gives it useful hauling and towing ability, with the 2021 model rated to tow up to 6,900 pounds.
- The long front end provides easier access to the engine than the short-nose layout used by many traditional vans.
- Its two-trim lineup and largely unchanged mechanical design keep the used-van shopping process relatively simple.
Who it's for
It fits contractors, delivery operators, mobile service businesses, and other commercial buyers who need a large enclosed workspace for two people. It makes the most sense for jobs centered on carrying cargo or installed work equipment rather than transporting a crew.
Nissan NV1500 Cargo lineup
The lineup stayed simple with S and SV trims. Pick the S for the straightforward base work van, especially if the vehicle's condition and installed equipment matter more than convenience extras. The SV is the step-up version for shoppers who want a better-equipped example without changing the van's core layout. Both trims use the same standard-roof body, rear-wheel drive, and V6 powertrain.
Nissan NV1500 Cargo generations
From 2012 to 2021, the NV1500 Cargo spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2012.
1st Generation (2012–2021)
Nissan’s first full-size commercial van used truck-style construction and a work-focused cargo body. The NV1500 stayed a standard-roof, rear-wheel-drive van with a 4.0-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic throughout this generation.
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2021
Final model year, with the same S and SV trims and no significant updates.
2020
Carried over with the same two-trim lineup, V6, and work-focused interior.
2019
A 7-inch touchscreen system became standard, adding Bluetooth streaming and USB connectivity.
2018
A backup camera, 5-inch screen, Bluetooth, text-message assistance, and a USB port became standard.
2017
Carried over with the same two trims, standard-roof body, and V6 powertrain.
2016
Front-seat side airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags became standard.
2015
The NV1500 S and SV carried over without significant standard-equipment changes.
2014
Carried over with the same S and SV trims, standard roof, and V6.
2013
The front cloth seats gained vinyl wear patches for added durability.
2012New generation
The all-new NV introduced Nissan’s full-size commercial van line in the U.S., including the standard-roof NV1500 Cargo.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan NV1500 Cargo.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of van is the Nissan NV1500 Cargo?
The Nissan NV1500 Cargo is a full-size, two-seat work van. Its truck-based design, flat load floor, wide-opening rear doors, and reinforced mounting points suit tools, supplies, shelving, and other business equipment.
Does the Nissan NV1500 Cargo have a high roof?
No. The NV1500 Cargo uses the standard-height roof. High-roof cargo bodies belonged to heavier models elsewhere in the Nissan NV range, so shoppers needing standing room should not assume an NV1500 has it.
How much room does the Nissan NV1500 Cargo have?
The NV1500 Cargo has 234.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the latest lineup. Its flat floor fits 4x8 sheets between the wheel wells, and the split rear doors open up to 243 degrees for easier loading.
How many people does the Nissan NV1500 Cargo seat?
The NV1500 Cargo seats two people in front. It is a dedicated cargo van rather than a passenger van, so the space behind the seats is intended for freight, tools, shelving, or other work equipment.
Is the Nissan NV1500 Cargo a hybrid?
No. The NV1500 Cargo is a gas-powered van. It uses a 4.0-liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission rather than a hybrid or electric powertrain.
Does the Nissan NV1500 Cargo have all-wheel drive?
No. The NV1500 Cargo is rear-wheel drive. That truck-like layout supports its hauling role, but shoppers who need power sent to all four wheels will need to look beyond this model.
How many generations of the Nissan NV1500 Cargo are there?
There is one generation. The NV1500 Cargo ran from 2012 through 2021 without a full redesign, although safety, cabin technology, and standard features changed at points during that run.
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Nv Cargo Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Nv Cargo Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Nissan Nv Cargo Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Nv Cargo Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2017 / 2017 Nv Cargo Brochure En