If you’ve been relentlessly looking for a Nissan NV Passenger for sale like me to fulfil the need for a spacious, reliable multi-seater, then you’re probably wondering if it’s been discontinued.
And it has, so I wanted to cover what happened to the model, and what alternatives there are to save some your time.
What Was the Nissan NV Passenger?
The Nissan NV Passenger (NV3500) was a full-size van designed to carry up to 12 passengers comfortably. It was particularly popular in North America, where it was used for commercial fleets, shuttle services, large families, and businesses.
Was the NV Passenger Ever Sold in the UK?
No, Nissan never officially sold the NV Passenger in the UK or Europe. Instead, its UK van line-up focused on models like:
- Nissan NV300 – A mid-size van with passenger-carrying configurations.
- Nissan NV400 – A larger van, sometimes converted for minibus use.
- Nissan e-NV200 Combi – A fully electric passenger van, ideal for urban driving.
Since 2021, Nissan replaced the NV vans in the UK with three new models:
- Nissan Townstar (replacing NV200) – A compact van, available in an electric version.
- Nissan Primastar (replacing NV300) – A medium-sized van, ideal for shuttle services.
- Nissan Interstar (replacing NV400) – A full-size van, suitable for passenger conversions.
Why Was the Nissan NV Passenger Discontinued?
In 2020, Nissan confirmed the end of NV Passenger production, focusing instead on electric and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
In a move that surprised many fans, Nissan officially discontinued the production of the Nissan NV Passenger in 2020, focusing instead on electric and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
How Did NV Passenger Sales Compare to Competitors?
The Nissan NV Passenger had steady but modest sales figures in the U.S. market compared to its competitors. At it’s peak in 2019, it shifted 20,022 units and struggled to compete with long-established competitors like the Ford Transit Passenger Wagon, Chevrolet Express Passenger, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger and Ram ProMaster Passenger
While the NV Passenger was respected, it never gained the mass-market dominance of Ford and Chevrolet vans.
Why Would Someone Want a Nissan NV Passenger?
Despite being discontinued, the Nissan NV Passenger had unique benefits that made it appealing to buyers.
Built Tough: Truck-Based Durability
Unlike most passenger vans, the NV was based on the Nissan Titan Truck chassis, making it:
- More durable for heavy loads.
- More resilient to wear and tear.
- Easier to service with truck parts (in the U.S.).
Why It Mattered: Many commercial operators preferred a van with truck-like toughness, which competitors like the Ford Transit didn’t offer.
Spacious Interior & Seating for 12
The roomy cabin was designed to seat up to 12 passengers, featuring:
- 4 rows of seating, offering more flexibility than many rivals.
- Removable & adjustable seats to customize the layout.
- High roof clearance, allowing for a spacious, comfortable ride.
Why It Mattered: Unlike Chevrolet Express and Ford Transit, the NV Passenger had more interior flexibility for business and family use.
Strong Towing & Payload Capacity
Available with a 5.6L V8 engine, the NV Passenger could tow up to 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg), some serious towing power. Making it:
- More powerful than most passenger vans
- Ideal for hauling trailers, boats, or work equipment
Why It Mattered: Compared to alternatives like the Ford Transit, which had lower towing capacities, the NV Passenger was preferred by business owners and large families needing extra strength.
Reliable & Easy-to-Maintain Engine Choices
Two Engine Options:
- 4.0L V6 (261 HP) – Fuel-efficient, durable.
- 5.6L V8 (375 HP) – More power, great for towing.
Why It Mattered: These were the same engines used in Nissan trucks, making servicing easy and affordable.
More Affordable Than Luxury Passenger Vans
The NV Passenger was more affordable than high-end rivals like:
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van – More expensive upfront & costly to maintain.
- Ford Transit Passenger Wagon – Competitive, but higher trims cost more.
Why It Mattered: The NV Passenger provided full-size seating at a lower cost, making it a great value for budget-conscious buyers.
UK Alternatives to the Nissan NV Passenger
If you’re looking for a passenger van similar to the NV Passenger, here are some of the best UK alternatives:
- Nissan Primastar Combi – A 9-seater van, ideal for businesses and shuttle use.
- Nissan Interstar (Minibus Conversions) – A full-size van for larger passenger needs.
- Ford Tourneo Custom – One of the UK’s best-selling passenger vans, with modern tech.
- Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer – A luxury passenger van, often used for chauffeur services.
- Volkswagen Caravelle / Multivan – A versatile people carrier, blending comfort and practicality.
- Vauxhall Vivaro Combi – A strong alternative, sharing similarities with the Nissan Primastar.
Looking for an electric option? The Nissan e-NV200 Combi is still available in limited stock.
Final Thoughts: Should You Still Consider the NV Passenger?
If you’re in the UK and need a passenger van, there are better options available, but in the USA it’s a real beast and highly regarded.
