Nissan Urvan: Overview of Configurations, Performance, and Maintenance

Summary

The Nissan Urvan, also known as the Nissan Caravan, is a versatile light commercial van and passenger vehicle that has been in production since the mid-1960s. Originally introduced as the Prince Homy before Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motor Company in 1965, the Urvan has evolved through multiple generations, serving a wide range of markets worldwide under various names and configurations. Renowned for its reliability and adaptability, the Urvan is designed to meet diverse transport needs, from cargo hauling to passenger conveyance.
The model offers a broad lineup of configurations, including cargo vans, passenger shuttles, and upscale variants, with seating capacities ranging from three to sixteen passengers. Powered by a variety of petrol and diesel engines paired with manual or automatic transmissions, the Urvan emphasizes fuel efficiency, durability, and practicality, making it a popular choice in commercial and public transport sectors. Safety features such as ABS, multiple airbags, and vehicle stability controls further enhance its appeal in demanding environments.
Throughout its history, the Nissan Urvan has been notable for strategic collaborations and market-specific adaptations. A prominent example is the OEM agreement with Mitsubishi Fuso, under which the NV350 Urvan is rebadged and sold as the Fuso Canter Van in the Middle East. The vehicle has also undergone significant updates, including a 2021 facelift introducing advanced infotainment systems and the incorporation of Mitsubishi’s 4N16 diesel engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission, reflecting ongoing technological enhancements.
Despite its long-standing reputation for dependability, the Urvan has faced challenges typical of commercial vehicles, including competition in the increasingly stringent emissions and safety regulatory landscape. Maintenance requirements and adherence to service schedules remain critical to sustaining performance and longevity. Nonetheless, the Nissan Urvan continues to maintain a strong presence in multiple global markets, supported by its extensive range of configurations and continuous improvements.

History

The Nissan Urvan, also known as the Nissan Caravan, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1960s. Prior to 1973, the model had a twin known as the Homy, which was offered as a standalone generation from 1965 until 1976. The Homy was originally built and sold by the Prince Motor Company before its merger with Nissan in 1965. After the merger, the Homy became Nissan’s first acquired vehicle, and in August 1966, the Prince Homy was badge-engineered as the Nissan Caravan, transitioning the brand name from Prince to Nissan due to Nissan’s lack of a large passenger platform at that time.
The second generation of the Nissan Urvan/Caravan, known as the E20 series, was produced until 1996 in some markets like South Africa, where it sold 77,000 units. This generation saw various upgrades such as redesigned bumpers from 1984, square headlights, a 5-speed gearbox, and an engine replacement from the H20 to the L18 motor with twin Hitachi carburetors between 1981 and 1996. The second generation Homy was essentially a rebadged Caravan sold through Nissan Prince Stores beginning in January 1976, with no mechanical differences between the two models.
The third generation Nissan Urvan/Caravan, designated the E23 series, was introduced in August 1980. This generation continued the tradition of offering the Homy as a twin model sold through Prince dealerships, distinguishable mainly by a different grille. The E23 shared much of its bodywork with the Nissan Cabstar and Homer, differing primarily in frontal design and a small side window in the front doors of the Caravan/Homy models.
In more recent developments, on 11 September 2013, Mitsubishi Fuso and Nissan reached a basic agreement for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supply deal. Under this agreement, Nissan would supply NV350 Urvans to be sold as the Fuso Canter Van in the Middle East from 2014, offering both van and microbus versions. Additionally, the E26 model is marketed in Mexico as the NV350 Urvan.
The second facelift of the Caravan was launched in Japan on 20 October 2021. This update introduced a new flat-bottom steering wheel, while maintaining the existing dashboard layout. High-trim variants were equipped with automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, copper accents on air-conditioning vents, and the latest version of Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies. Concurrent with the facelift, Nissan incorporated Mitsubishi’s 4N16 diesel engine paired with a new 7-speed automatic transmission in the Caravan line.
The facelifted Urvan was introduced in the Philippines on 24 October 2022, offered in five different grades ranging from the entry-level 3-seater Cargo Hi-roof to the top-spec 15-seater Premium Hi-roof. The range includes both manual and automatic transmissions, marking the first time the Urvan in the Philippines came standard with an automatic transmission, with the high-top-of-the-line 8-seater Premium S model launching in March 2018 also available in both transmission options. Throughout its history, the Nissan Urvan has also been sold outside Japan under various names, including Nissan Urvan, Nissan King Van, and earlier, with Datsun badging.

Configurations

The Nissan Urvan is offered in a variety of configurations designed to meet diverse passenger and cargo transport needs. The lineup includes models such as the Urvan Cargo, Urvan Standard, Urvan GX, and Urvan Premium, each catering to different usage scenarios and preferences.
The Urvan Cargo variant is the most basic and affordable, featuring a 3-seater layout primarily aimed at commercial use for transporting goods. It measures 5080 mm in length, 1695 mm in width, and 2285 mm in height, with a ground clearance of 195 mm and a wheelbase of 2940 mm, making it well-suited for urban driving conditions. This model emphasizes maximum cargo space and utility, with a fuel tank capacity of 65 liters.
For passenger transport, the Urvan Standard and Premium models provide spacious seating arrangements. The Standard model offers seating for up to 15 passengers with five rows of bench seats designed to maximize space, making it ideal for group travel or commercial passenger transport. The Premium model features upscale styling and comforts while maintaining the robust durability associated with the Urvan line. Additionally, a wide long body Micro Bus configuration increases the seating capacity to 16 passengers, offering even more room and versatility.
The Nissan Urvan is available with different transmission options, including manual and automatic, paired with petrol or diesel engine variants depending on the model and market. Diesel versions, for example, include models like the Urvan Cargo 3-Seater priced at ₱1.26 million and the Urvan Premium 15-Seater variants priced up to ₱2.115 million in the Philippines.

Performance

The Nissan NV350 Urvan is engineered to deliver reliable and efficient performance, making it an ideal vehicle for work and passenger transport. It is equipped with fuel-efficient gasoline engines, notably the high-performance in-line 4-cylinder QR25DE engine, which provides powerful acceleration even when carrying heavy loads. This engine setup contributes to a smooth and quiet ride, enhancing comfort and reliability for all occupants.
Fuel efficiency is a key strength of the NV350 Urvan, with improvements of around 5% over previous models. Fuel consumption ranges from approximately 11 km/liter to 13.53 km/liter, depending on the variant and transmission type. For example, the 2021 Urvan Premium automatic 15-seater has a fuel consumption rating of about 12.3 km/l, while the Standard and Premium manual 15-seater and Standard 18-seater models achieve up to 13.53 km/l. This makes the NV350 Urvan one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its category.
Transmission options include a five-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and effortless driving, and a five-speed manual transmission, which provides drivers with greater control over the vehicle’s operation. The manual transmission is standard across most models, while the automatic is typically available on higher trims such as the GX and Premium grades.
The NV350 Urvan also stands out for its versatility and durability. It comes in various configurations tailored to different needs, such as the upscale Urvan Premium, the versatile Urvan Standard, and the cargo-focused Urvan Cargo and Urvan GX. This variety ensures that the vehicle can efficiently meet diverse operational demands while maintaining dependable performance.

Safety Features

The Nissan Urvan is equipped with a comprehensive range of safety features designed to enhance occupant protection and vehicle stability. Key safety systems include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which work together to maintain control during various driving conditions. Additionally, the vehicle incorporates multiple airbags for occupant safety, including driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags, and front side airbags.
Other notable safety elements include seat belt warnings for both front and rear passengers, door ajar warnings, crash sensors, and front and side impact beams that provide structural protection in the event of a collision. The Urvan also features Hill-Start Assist Control to prevent rollback on inclines and an engine check warning system that aids in the early detection of potential mechanical issues.
Additional convenience and safety enhancements include a day and night rearview mirror and automatic headlamps with high beam assist, improving visibility and reducing driver fatigue during night driving. Collectively, these features contribute to a robust safety package aimed at ensuring driver and passenger security under diverse driving scenarios.

Maintenance

Maintenance for the Nissan Urvan NV350 follows a detailed periodic service schedule based on either kilometers driven or months elapsed, whichever comes first. The maintenance tasks include routine inspections, oil and filter changes, as well as the replacement of air and fuel filters. These tasks are structured to ensure the vehicle’s reliability and longevity. Additionally, more frequent maintenance is required when the vehicle is operated under severe driving conditions, with specific items designated for increased service intervals as outlined in the manufacturer’s maintenance guide.
Owners are advised to adhere strictly to the recommended service intervals to prevent potential wear and to maintain optimal vehicle performance. Maintenance beyond the periods indicated in the service tables should follow the same procedures to ensure continued care. Furthermore, electrical accessories connected to the vehicle’s power outlets should not exceed a power consumption of 120 watts to avoid electrical system issues.
For hands-on assistance, there are numerous repair guides and video tutorials available that enable owners to perform many maintenance tasks themselves. These resources provide detailed instructions and tips for carrying out the recommended service schedule efficiently and safely.

Market and Availability

The Nissan Urvan has seen various configurations and adaptations to cater to different regional markets since its introduction. The NV350 Urvan, which succeeded the Nissan Caravan, was first revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and officially went on sale in June 2012. It initially launched with diesel engine options and later expanded to include super long body variants in July 2012 and a wide version model in winter 2012.
In the Middle East, the NV350 Urvan is sold under the badge of the Fuso Canter Van, a result of a basic agreement reached between Mitsubishi Fuso and Nissan in September 2013 for original equipment manufacturer supply of finished commercial vans. This agreement enabled Nissan to supply NV350 Urvans for export as Fuso-branded vans starting from 2014. Similarly, in Mexico, the E26 model is marketed as the NV350 Urvan.
The vehicle is also available in the Philippines, where a 15-seater model comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission, marking the first Urvan in the country to offer a standard automatic transmission option. In March 2018, Nissan introduced a high-top, 8-seater Premium S variant, available with the same transmission choices.
The latest facelift for the Japanese market was launched on 20 October 2021, featuring modern updates such as a flat-bottom steering wheel and, in higher trims, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and copper accents on the air-conditioning vents. Despite these updates, the dashboard layout remained consistent with previous versions.
Historically, the earlier generations of the Urvan, including the first and second generations, were sold under the Datsun brand in export markets before being rebranded worldwide as Nissan vehicles in the early 1980s. The model has been offered with various engine options over the years, including 1.5-, 1.6-, and 2.0-liter petrol engines, alongside a 2.2-liter diesel unit, with production of earlier models ceasing in August 1980 to make way for successors.

The content is provided by Sierra Knightley, Scopewires