Nissan NV Passenger Van 2016 Road Test & Review: Multiple seating arrangements

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• published: 10 Apr 2016
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Edmunds Summary Review of the 2016 Nissan NV Passenger Van The 2016 Nissan NV Passenger is a solid choice in the passenger van market, thanks to its capable engines, pleasant driving dynamics and attractive pricing. Pros Simple model and option structure; multiple seating arrangements; easy-to-use cabin controls; solid driving dynamics. Cons No 15-passenger option; not as fuel-efficient as some competitors; hard plastic in armrest areas; less cargo capacity than rivals. What's New for 2016 For 2016, what was previously the SL Technology package has become standard content on the 3500 SL. This includes a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, navigation, a rearview camera, various NissanConnect smartphone apps (such as Pandora, iHeartRadio and Facebook), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a USB input and satellite radio. Full Expert Review: 2016 Nissan NV Passenger What's New for 2016 For 2016, what was previously the SL Technology package has become standard content on the 3500 SL. This includes a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, navigation, a rearview camera, various NissanConnect smartphone apps (such as Pandora, iHeartRadio and Facebook), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a USB input and satellite radio. Introduction If you have a family the size of the Brady Bunch, or regularly cart around large groups of people, minivans and large SUVs simply don't cut it. You're going to need a full-size passenger van. Long ruled by pickup-based American vans, these days full-size vans fall into two camps: tougher, more traditional pickup-based vans with lower roof lines, or the newer, taller, more carlike vans with European heritage. Nissan's NV Passenger van falls neatly in between the two. The 2016 Nissan NV Passenger is a workhorse van that can carry up to 12 passengers. Thanks to its multi-configurable seating options, you can switch it up to carry fewer folks while loading up cargo. It should be noted that several rivals offer seating for up to 15. Nissan gives you a choice of V6 and V8 engines, along with a surprisingly responsive five-speed automatic transmission. But unlike several competitors, a fuel-efficient diesel isn't available. Once a dying segment, in the last few years the full-size van class has blossomed with numerous great choices beyond the Nissan NV. One of our top picks is the almost-carlike Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which started the tall-roof trend in the U.S. Not surprisingly, as a Mercedes product, it's relatively expensive. American companies are producing tall vans, too. There's the Ram ProMaster Window Van as well as the Ford Transit Wagon Van, both of which offer diesel engine options. If you prefer a true American old-school workhorse, there are the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana twins. Their designs are dated and roof heights are lower, but they can be optioned with a positively burly 6.6-liter diesel V8. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2016 Nissan NV Passenger full-size van comes in just a single model: the 3500. There are three trims: S, SV and SL. The base S comes with 17-inch steel wheels, a sliding passenger-side door, privacy glass, water-repellent cloth upholstery, a four-way manual driver seat, a tilt steering wheel, air-conditioning and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Optional on the S is the Power Basic package, which includes power windows (driver's with one-touch auto-down) and locks, cruise control and keyless entry. The SV gets the Power Basic package's contents, along with rear parking sensors, chrome exterior accents, an eight-way power driver seat, manual lumbar adjustment, a center console, two additional 12-volt power outlets, two 120-volt power outlets, a six-speaker sound system, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, overhead lamps for the second, third and fourth rows and two extra cupholders for a total of 10. The S V8 and SV V8 both add extendable tow mirrors, two front tow hooks, a Class IV receiver hitch, seven-pin connector pre-wiring and Brake Controller pre-wiring. The V8-only SL trim level adds front parking sensors, foglights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, navigation, a rearview camera, various NissanConnect smartphone apps (such as Pandora, iHeartRadio and Facebook), a USB input and satellite radio. Optional for the SV (and previously optional on the SL but now standard) is the Technology package, which includes a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, navigation, a rearview camera, various NissanConnect smartphone apps (such as Pandora, iHeartRadio and Facebook), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a USB input and satellite radio. Powertrains and Performance I created this video with the YouTube Slideshow Creator (http://www.youtube.com/upload)