The NV lineup gives two powerful choices to suit your needs. Both engines feature molybdenum-coated piston skirts and microfinishing of key components to help reduce friction for smooth response and less wear and tear. Teamed to a rugged 5-speed automatic transmission, you're up to the big tasks you face day in and day out.

The 24-valve, 4.0-litre V6 features an advanced Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System that delivers seamless power with optimum fuel efficiency.

Step up to the 5.6-litre V8 and you'll find an aluminum block with a forged crankshaft and cast-iron cylinder liners for maximum strength.

¹ With available tow hitch accessory. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for proper use.

² Available on SV V8 models

The 2012 Nissan NV is loaded with a 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine or a 317-hp 5.6-liter V8. Both engines are paired to a five-speed automatic. We've sampled both powertrains and could easily recommend either one, depending on one's needs. V6 has established a good reputation for strong performance and reliability, and even with our NV loaded up with building materials to donate to Habitat for Humanity, it provided smooth and ample performance on city streets and while running 70 mph on the freeway. As expected, the V8 offers more effortless thrust, and its performance was less affected when the van was burdened with sheet rock and lumber. In both cases, the automatic furnishes smooth and timely gear changes, while the brakes feel reassuringly firm and progressive.

For its considerable size (we're talking 18 inches longer than a Chevy Suburban), the Nissan NV is fairly easy to handle thanks to good sight lines to each front corner, precise steering and solid tracking at higher speeds.

The NV's comprehensive safety strategy uses smart technology to help protect your most valuable assets.

6 Air Bags

The air bag system incorporates seat belt sensors to inflate the dual-stage supplemental front air bags according to crash severity and seat belt usage. Also available are side-impact supplemental air bags built into the seat, so they move with you. In addition, available roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags help provide head protection in the event of a side impact or rollover.¹

Heavy Duty to the Core

A fully boxed full-length ladder frame is at the core of every NV. This frame was specifically designed for the NV, and is not shared with any other Nissan vehicles. Some of our competitors use 3-sided open "C" rails instead. But you don't need to be a structural engineer to know the obvious - when building, 4 walls are stronger than three.

14 inch Disk Brakes

When Nissan engineers talked to commercial vehicle drivers, one of their greatest concerns was inadequate braking power and a soft, spongy feel to the brake pedal. To answer those concerns, the NV series features 4-wheel disc brakes with massive 14" front and rear ventilated discs, to provide maximum contact area for rapid heat dissipation, long-lasting durability and confident towing.

To make the most of the brakes, advanced technologies are always there to help protect you. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) rapidly pumps the brakes during hard braking to help keep your wheels from locking up, thus helping you to steer around an obstacle. Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) senses additional weight, whether it's a loaded cargo area or a full tank of gas, and sends extra force to the rear brakes.

¹Air bags are only a supplemental restraint system; always wear your seat belt. Even with the occupant-classification sensor, rear-facing child restraints should not be placed in the front-passenger's seat. Also, all children 12 and under should ride in the rear seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts according to their size. Air bags will only inflate in certain accidents; see your Owner's Manual for more details. Inflated air bags shown for illustration purposes only. Actual air bags deflate after deployment.