The NV was not even considered. They roll on a 4WD Titan frame/chassis (2WD only, though) which means they have a lot of curb weight. Essentially like the GM G-vans and the outgoing Ford E-vans. In other words, a dinosaur and not at all efficient. Even with the 4.0L V6. Plus, they are not very well packaged, as too much of the van is wasted space over the hood. Look at one from the profile, the passenger (usable) area is only 2/3 of the box.
I have no idea what Nissan was thinking with them, especially given the fact that parent company Renault already has a modern European van. I guess they were looking at dethroning the E-vans as the top seller and not at all looking to the future. Too little, too late.
ANY of the other vans would be a better choice. Even the ancient G-van gets a new-for-2017 2.8L diesel (lifted from the Colorado/Canyon). Not sure how they run, given the obese curb weight that the full frame brings, but that engine has no trouble slinging the midsize pickups around.
The NV does have a more plush interior, though. But in my mind, that is a strike against it. I have no desire for carpeting with kids. The Sprinters rubber floor liner is tough as nails. Kool-aid, dirt, grass, pee, poop, throw-up, milk, blood...whatever...it all just wipes right off. Something I think the minivan segment sadly missed the boat on. They could have offered a carpet delete package (Chrysler already has that type floor in the C/V versions) that would be a boon for families with children. I am in and out of lots of minivans, and they pretty much are all trashed inside due to debris in the carpet. Stink, too.
Seriously, though, if a low roof NV1500 V6 would work for you, you should take a look at the Transit. The Transit is MUCH better to drive, peppier, uses less fuel (even with its standard 3.7L V6), handles and stops better, and has better use of space inside. The main thing that crossed the Transit off my list was the fact that the low roof version was not tall enough for the wheelchair lift, which meant I would have had to buck up to get the taller roof. That along with the added cost diesel engine option that I wanted (but did not *need*).