CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 42.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 70
Average Price: Around £12,000

Nissan Townstar (2023-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Impressively comfortable ride	EV is also pretty expensive
Decent standard equipment	EV also has low payload
Electric version is very refined	Interior colour scheme is a little dour

Quick Summary

The Nissan Townstar (2023-present) is a modern, practical compact van available in two body lengths (L1 and L2) with either a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine or an all-electric powertrain. The EV version produces 119bhp with a theoretical range of 183 miles, whilst the petrol offers greater flexibility for longer journeys. Both variants feature twin side-hinged rear doors and sliding side doors as standard, with load capacities ranging from 3.3 to 4.3 cubic metres depending on specification. The Crew Cab variant sacrifices some cargo space for a second row of seats, making it suitable for mixed passenger and cargo duties.

The Townstar excels in ride comfort and refinement, particularly the electric version, which operates almost silently in urban environments. Standard equipment across all trims includes climate control, cruise control, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV's 45kWh battery charges from empty to full in seven hours via a home wallbox, or 37 minutes using rapid DC charging. Running costs are competitive, with the petrol achieving around 41mpg and the EV costing approximately £12 per full charge at UK national average rates. However, the electric version carries a significant price premium of around £13,000 over the petrol and offers reduced payload capacity.

Best for: Van operators seeking a comfortable, well-equipped compact vehicle with modern technology, those prioritising ride quality and refinement, and businesses considering electric powertrains for urban delivery operations.

Not ideal for: Buyers requiring maximum payload capacity on the EV, those seeking a visually striking interior design, or operators with daily mileage exceeding 140 miles in the electric version.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Townstar if: You prioritise ride comfort and refinement, seek modern technology and decent standard equipment, or are considering an electric compact van for urban operations.

Consider alternatives if: You require maximum payload capacity on an electric powertrain, prefer a more visually appealing interior, or operate primarily on longer routes unsuitable for the EV's range.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Townstar is a highly competitive choice in the compact van sector, matching rivals like the Ford Transit Courier and Toyota Proace City on expert ratings and overall CarGurus scores. Its key strength lies in ride comfort and the refinement of its electric powertrain, making it particularly attractive for operators seeking a modern, well-equipped vehicle. Whilst the EV variant carries a significant price premium and reduced payload, the petrol option offers excellent value and flexibility. The Townstar's comprehensive warranty and quality construction further strengthen its position against competitors, making it an excellent choice for those prioritising comfort and technology over maximum cargo capacity.

Read our full Nissan Townstar Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.