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Nissan offers a varied range of vans, from compact models that are easy to drive around town to larger vehicles designed for transporting heavier or bulkier loads. Whether you're looking for something practical for everyday use or need additional space for tools, equipment or deliveries, there's a Nissan van to suit different requirements.
In this guide, we compare the Nissan Townstar, Primastar and Interstar, looking at their sizes, features and specifications to help you decide which model is right for you.
The Nissan Townstar is the smallest van in Nissan's current range, offering a compact and practical option for anyone who doesn't need the dimensions of a medium or large van.
Available with petrol or fully electric power, the Townstar offers up to 4.3m³ of cargo space in L2 versions, while petrol models can provide a payload of up to 774kg, depending on specification.
Its compact dimensions make it particularly convenient for driving through towns, navigating narrow streets and parking in tighter spaces.
If you regularly carry smaller loads, tools or equipment, the Townstar provides useful space without the added dimensions of a larger van.
For those who occasionally need additional passenger seating, the Nissan Townstar Crew Van offers a flexible alternative to the standard Panel Van.
Based on the longer wheelbase, current Crew Van versions can accommodate up to five people. With the rear seats in position, there's up to 2.1m³ of loading space, increasing to approximately 3.1m³ when the rear seats are folded.
This makes the Townstar Crew Van particularly useful for:
However, if you rarely need more than two seats, the standard Townstar Panel Van may be a better choice thanks to its additional load space.
The Nissan Townstar EV is the fully electric alternative to the petrol-powered Townstar, offering a practical option for drivers considering an electric van.
Current electric models provide up to 4.3m³ of cargo capacity and a maximum payload of up to 713kg. Nissan quotes an official WLTP driving range of up to 178 miles, although actual range will depend on factors such as temperature, driving conditions, speed and the weight being carried.
The Townstar EV features a 45kWh battery and supports rapid charging at up to 80kW.
An electric Townstar may be particularly appealing if you:
When comparing used Townstar EV models, check the battery specification, charging capabilities and estimated driving range, as these can vary depending on the vehicle's age and configuration.
Positioned between the Townstar and Interstar, the Nissan Primastar offers a balance of interior space, carrying capacity and manageable exterior dimensions.
The current Primastar is available with diesel power and comes in Panel Van and Crew Van configurations. Selected versions offer up to 6.7m³ of cargo space and a maximum payload of 1,144kg.
For drivers who need more loading room than a compact van can provide, the Primastar offers greater flexibility without stepping up to the largest model in the Nissan range.
Features and equipment can vary between model years, so it's worth checking the specification of any used Primastar you're considering.
The Nissan Primastar is available with several diesel engine options, allowing drivers to choose a level of performance that matches their requirements.
Current versions offer outputs of 110hp, 130hp, 150hp and 170hp. Lower-powered models feature manual gearboxes, while selected 150hp and 170hp versions are available with manual or automatic transmissions.
For regular local journeys and lighter loads, a lower-powered Primastar may offer everything you need. However, drivers who frequently travel on motorways or carry heavier items may prefer the additional performance of a more powerful engine.
An automatic Primastar is also worth considering if you regularly encounter stop-start traffic or simply prefer the convenience of an automatic gearbox.
The Nissan Primastar Crew Van combines the practicality of a medium-sized van with additional passenger accommodation.
Current models feature six seats and are available in L1H1 and L2H1 configurations. The shorter model offers approximately 3.2m³ of cargo space, increasing to 4m³ in the longer version.
This additional seating makes the Primastar Crew Van a versatile option for anyone who needs to transport both passengers and equipment.
Compared with the Townstar Crew Van, the Primastar offers significantly more room behind the seating area, making it particularly useful when both passenger comfort and carrying capacity are important.
If you frequently travel with several passengers but still need room for tools, luggage or larger items, the Primastar Crew Van could provide a suitable balance.
The Nissan Interstar is the largest van in Nissan's current range, offering substantial load space and a variety of body configurations.
Current diesel Panel Vans provide up to 14.8m³ of cargo space, with maximum payload reaching 1,726kg on selected versions. Manual and automatic transmission options are also available across the wider range.
The Interstar comes in several lengths and roof heights, making it easier to choose a vehicle based on the size and shape of the items you need to transport.
The Interstar is worth considering if you regularly transport large items, need maximum storage space or find that a medium-sized van doesn't provide enough room.
However, its larger dimensions are an important consideration, particularly if you frequently drive through narrow streets or have limited parking space. Depending on the vehicle's plated weight and your driving licence, additional driving restrictions may also apply.
For drivers considering a larger electric van, the Nissan Interstar-e offers an alternative to traditional diesel models.
Current electric versions provide up to 13m³ of cargo capacity and a maximum payload of up to 1,557kg. Selected configurations offer an official driving range of up to 283 miles.
The Interstar-e combines the carrying capabilities of a large van with electric power, making it an option for those looking to move away from diesel.
It may be worth considering if you:
As with any electric van, real-world range will depend on driving conditions, temperature, speed and payload. It's important to consider these factors alongside your usual mileage before choosing a used electric Interstar.
The Nissan Interstar is also available as a Chassis Cab, providing a flexible base for several different vehicle body styles.
Unlike a traditional Panel Van, a Chassis Cab can be fitted with specialised rear bodies designed to accommodate different types of loads.
Typical applications include:
Current Double Cab chassis versions can carry up to seven occupants, depending on configuration.
For a used converted van, check the condition and suitability of the fitted body alongside the mileage, mechanical history and general condition of the base vehicle.
The Nissan Interstar Dropside and Tipper offer two alternatives to the traditional enclosed Panel Van.
Both are designed to make transporting and unloading certain types of materials easier, but they offer different advantages.
Current Interstar Dropside models are available in several configurations, with selected 4.0-tonne diesel versions offering payloads exceeding 1.8 tonnes. Tipper versions are also available with different wheelbase and weight options.
A Nissan Interstar Dropside is useful when you need to load or unload items from different sides of the vehicle. Its open design makes it particularly suitable for transporting timber, equipment, building materials and awkwardly shaped items.
A Nissan Interstar Tipper offers a different advantage, allowing loose materials such as soil, gravel and aggregates to be unloaded using a tipping mechanism.
Choosing between the two comes down to the types of items you carry and how you prefer to load and unload them.
Used Nissan buyers will frequently encounter the older NV200, NV300 and NV400 names alongside the newer Townstar, Primastar and Interstar ranges.
The Nissan NV200 is a compact van suited to lighter commercial use and urban work. Electric e-NV200 models are also available on the used market.
The Nissan NV300 occupies the medium-sized category and can offer a useful combination of passenger and cargo configurations.
The Nissan NV400 is the large commercial option and is available used in numerous body lengths, roof heights and specialist formats. Big Van World currently lists an NV400 high-roof fridge van, demonstrating the variety of converted versions that can appear on the used market.
These older models can therefore still be worth considering, particularly when budget, body style or availability are more important than choosing the latest generation.
The best Nissan van for you will depend on how much space you need, where you usually drive and the types of loads you expect to carry.
The Nissan Townstar is a practical choice if you want a smaller van that's easier to manoeuvre and park. Its compact dimensions make it particularly convenient for town driving, while petrol and electric options provide a choice of powertrains.
The Nissan Primastar offers a useful middle ground, providing more cargo space than the Townstar without the larger dimensions of the Interstar. With several diesel engine options and Crew Van configurations, it suits drivers looking for additional versatility.
The Nissan Interstar is the largest option, offering generous loading space, higher payload capacities and a wider selection of body configurations. It's particularly suitable for transporting bulkier items or larger quantities of equipment.
If you're considering an electric model, the Townstar EV provides a compact option, while the Interstar-e offers considerably more cargo space.
Ultimately, choosing between the three models comes down to finding the right balance between vehicle size, carrying capacity, comfort and everyday practicality.
Once you know which Nissan model is closest to your requirements, look carefully at the specification of each individual used vehicle.
Consider:
Used van specification can vary significantly by year, trim and optional equipment, so check the complete details rather than choosing on the model badge alone.
Whether you're interested in the compact Nissan Townstar, versatile Primastar or spacious Interstar, Big Van World offers a selection of used Nissan vans to explore.
With different models, body styles and specifications available, you can compare vehicles based on your preferred size, features and budget.
Browse the latest selection of used Nissan vans at Big Van World and find the right van for your needs.