5 Things I Learned Moving With the Nissan NV

3. A Cargo Van Doesn’t Have to Drive Horribly

I’ve moved many times before, though they were all more simple than this one. Moving into apartments and from an apartment to townhouse I’ve driven my share of Econolines and GMC whatevers. They were all pretty terrible.

Obviously ride quality on a true body on frame truck is never going to be spectacular. Still, the NV was smooth on the road.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes Sprinter to Get AWD

The most praise, however, goes to the throttle. It’s much more progressive than normal truck gas pedals. As a result, it accelerates smoothly and doesn’t have the nothing, nothing, instant-on reaction with a wave of torque slamming your China hutch into the back doors of the van.

The big 5.6-liter V8 used in the HD model makes no shortage of pulling power with 317 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque, and it’s nice to be able to control it.

If there is a down side it’s that fuel economy isn’t great. We averaged around 15 mpg. Perhaps it’s time Nissan swapped out the 5-speed auto for a transmission with an extra gear, or two.