CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 61.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 65
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 is a modern compact van available in two body lengths (L1 and L2) with either a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine or an all-electric powertrain. The EV variant offers 119bhp and a theoretical range of 183 miles, whilst the petrol version provides greater range for longer journeys. Both options deliver impressive ride comfort and comprehensive standard equipment across Acenta, Tekna, and Tekna+ trim levels. The van excels in practicality with flexible loadbay configurations, sliding side doors on both sides, and clever folding rear seats in the Crew Van variant.

The Townstar is a very competitive choice in the compact van sector, performing strongly across practicality, equipment, technology, quality, and durability. The EV version is particularly refined and quiet, making it ideal for urban deliveries, whilst the petrol option suits those requiring greater range. Running costs are reasonable, with the petrol achieving around 41mpg and the EV costing approximately £12 per full charge at home. The comprehensive warranty and comfortable suspension make it an excellent choice for professional drivers spending long hours at the wheel.

Best for: Van operators seeking comfort and reliability, those considering electric powertrains for urban use, and businesses prioritising comprehensive equipment and warranty coverage.

Not ideal for: Buyers requiring maximum payload capacity on the EV, those seeking a distinctive interior design, or operators with very high daily mileage on the electric variant.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Townstar if: You're seeking a comfortable, reliable compact van with excellent standard equipment, considering an electric powertrain for urban operations, or prioritising comprehensive warranty coverage and ride quality.

Consider alternatives if: You require maximum payload capacity on an electric van, prefer a more distinctive interior design, or operate with very high daily mileage unsuitable for the EV's range.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Townstar is a strong contender in the compact van market, offering impressive comfort, comprehensive equipment, and modern technology across petrol and electric powertrains. Whilst it shares its platform with the Mercedes Citan and Renault Kangoo, the Townstar distinguishes itself through excellent ride quality and refinement. Against rivals like the Ford Transit Courier, it offers superior comfort for long-distance driving, though the EV's lower payload may concern some operators. For businesses prioritising driver comfort and modern features, the Townstar represents an excellent choice.

Read our full Nissan Townstar Review

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

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