Nissan, a pioneer in the electric vehicle space with the introduction of the Leaf in 2011, has stepped back into the EV arena with the highly anticipated Ariya. This all-electric SUV promises a blend of style, practicality, and performance, aiming to capture the hearts of EV enthusiasts and SUV lovers alike. As experts in automotive reviews, we delve into the Nissan Ariya to provide a comprehensive assessment, drawing from rigorous road tests and expert evaluations to help you determine if this electric SUV lives up to the buzz.
The Ariya enters a competitive market segment, facing off against established players and emerging rivals in the electric SUV category. Its sleek design, comfortable interior, and respectable range figures position it as a contender, but a closer examination reveals a more nuanced picture. While the Ariya boasts strengths in certain areas, it also presents some shortcomings that potential buyers should carefully consider.
Alt Text: Front view of a silver Nissan Ariya driving on a paved road, showcasing its modern SUV design.
Our review is based on thorough testing, mirroring real-world driving conditions and focusing on aspects crucial to EV ownership, including range, charging capabilities, driving dynamics, and overall usability. We analyze the Ariya’s performance, handling, ride comfort, technology, and practicality to offer a balanced perspective. This in-depth look aims to cut through the marketing noise and deliver a clear, unbiased evaluation of the Nissan Ariya.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Smooth Power, But Lacking Agility
The Nissan Ariya, particularly the Platinum+ e-4ORCE variant we tested, impresses with its powertrain. Packing 389 horsepower from dual electric motors, this all-wheel-drive SUV delivers a remarkably smooth and potent acceleration experience. The power delivery is seamless, devoid of the abruptness sometimes associated with EVs, making for refined and effortless driving in various conditions.
The well-tuned accelerator pedal allows for gentle cruising and also provides access to a surge of power when needed. Overtaking maneuvers and highway merging become effortless, thanks to the Ariya’s readily available torque and responsive electric motors. Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system effectively distributes power, minimizing wheelspin and ensuring confident traction.
When pushed, the Ariya demonstrates its capability with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 5.4 seconds. While this places it in the mid-pack of the rapidly accelerating electric SUV segment, it’s still considerably quicker than most vehicles on the road, offering ample performance for daily driving and spirited moments.
Alt Text: Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE in motion on a winding road, highlighting its handling and all-wheel-drive system.
However, the Ariya’s dynamic qualities fall short in other areas. While the initial impression of the suspension is firm and controlled, encountering road imperfections reveals a less refined ride. Even moderate bumps transmit noticeable jolts into the cabin, and larger or consecutive road imperfections can induce a jiggly sensation, detracting from overall composure.
Handling agility is not a strong suit for the Ariya. It lacks the nimble and engaging feel expected from many EVs, which often benefit from a low center of gravity due to battery placement. Steering, while turning into corners naturally, feels somewhat artificial, and body roll becomes apparent when pushing the pace through curves. The Ariya doesn’t inspire enthusiastic driving on twisty roads, feeling more mundane than engaging in dynamic scenarios.
The Ariya demonstrates competence in emergency maneuvers, responding predictably to quick changes in accelerator input and performing adequately in avoidance tests. However, its performance in these tests is not class-leading, and the steering feedback remains limited, hindering driver confidence during spirited driving.
Braking performance is a mixed bag. Panic-braking distances are commendably short, placing the Ariya among the top performers in its segment for stopping power. However, the brake pedal feel is inconsistent. It can feel spongy and require excessive travel initially, yet become grabby at low speeds, making smooth stops challenging to execute.
Nissan’s “e-Step” regenerative braking mode is another point of contention. While intended to enhance efficiency by recouping energy, it doesn’t provide true one-pedal driving capability, failing to bring the Ariya to a complete stop. Furthermore, the system’s behavior, causing the brake pedal to move on its own when lifting off the accelerator, can be disconcerting, and the pedal feel when engaging the brakes in e-Step mode is described as stiff and brick-like.
Range and Charging: Decent Range, But Charging Speeds Lag Behind
The Nissan Ariya offers a usable driving range, particularly with the larger 87-kWh battery option. In our 70-mph highway range test, the Ariya achieved a respectable 253 miles. This figure is adequate for many drivers’ daily needs and longer journeys, placing it competitively within the electric SUV segment.
Alt Text: Close-up of a charging cable plugged into the Nissan Ariya’s charging port, illustrating the charging process.
However, the Ariya’s charging capabilities are less impressive. Its onboard charger is rated at a mere 7.2 kW, significantly lower than many competitors that offer 9.6 kW to 11 kW chargers as standard. This translates to slower home charging speeds, with the Ariya gaining only about 20 miles of range per hour of charging, compared to 35 miles or more for some rivals.
The Ariya’s maximum DC fast-charging rate of 130 kW also lags behind EVs from brands like Hyundai and Kia, which offer faster charging capabilities. While the Ariya did achieve a peak charging rate of 115 kW in our tests, replenishing the battery from 18% to 71% state-of-charge in 30 minutes at an Electrify America station, its overall charging performance is not class-leading.
A frustrating aspect encountered during charging is the Ariya’s charging cable release mechanism. The system can become confusing when the door locks and cable lock become out of sync. Unplugging the vehicle may require a specific sequence of locking and unlocking the car to release the cable, adding an unnecessary layer of inconvenience to the charging process.
Interior Comfort and Design: Minimalist Elegance with Usability Quirks
The Nissan Ariya’s interior stands out with its minimalist and stylish design. The cabin boasts a clean aesthetic, featuring matte-finish wood trim and generous use of soft, padded suede on the doors and dashboard, particularly in higher trims like the Platinum+. The overall ambiance is upscale and inviting, creating a sense of modern luxury.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with well-defined bolsters that provide lateral support during cornering without feeling overly restrictive. The power-operated center console, which can slide forward and backward, is a unique feature that enhances driver legroom and customization.
Alt Text: Interior view of the Nissan Ariya’s cabin, showcasing the minimalist dashboard, large screens, and wood trim.
However, the Ariya’s interior is not without its ergonomic shortcomings. The flush, touch-sensitive climate control “buttons” integrated into the wood trim, while visually appealing, are difficult to operate without taking your eyes off the road. Controls for seat heaters, steering wheel heat, and airflow modes are buried within the infotainment touchscreen menus, adding complexity to basic climate adjustments.
The door armrest is positioned low and far away for some drivers, impacting long-distance comfort. The steering wheel angle, even at its lowest tilt setting, can feel bus-like and may obstruct portions of the digital instrument display for some drivers.
Rear seat comfort is adequate, with decent legroom and headroom for adults. However, the rear seat cushion is positioned relatively low, resulting in less-than-ideal under-thigh support for taller passengers.
Technology and Features: Advanced Systems, But Not Always User-Friendly
The Nissan Ariya is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features, including the “Nissan Safety Shield 360” suite of standard active safety and driver-assistance systems. This includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Higher trims offer ProPILOT Assist 2.0, Nissan’s advanced driving assistance system, which enables hands-free driving on certain highways and includes lane change assist functionality. However, the ProPILOT Assist 2.0 system requires a subscription after a three-year trial period.
Alt Text: Nissan Ariya dashboard displaying the ProPILOT Assist 2.0 system interface, highlighting its driver-assistance features.
While the Ariya’s technology is advanced, its implementation is not always intuitive. The lane departure warning and lane keeping assist systems are criticized for being too late in their intervention, and the lane centering assist system, while smooth in mild curves, can struggle in sharper bends and may disengage unexpectedly.
The infotainment system, while visually appealing with its dual 12.3-inch screens, has usability quirks. Climate controls integrated into the touchscreen and touch-sensitive buttons are less convenient than physical controls. The infotainment system offers customization options, but the busy background graphics and deep menu structure can make navigation challenging.
Practicality and Utility: Adequate Cargo Space, No Frunk
The Nissan Ariya offers a practical SUV body style with a spacious cargo area. The rear cargo area provides ample space for luggage and everyday items, and the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split to accommodate larger cargo. However, unlike some EVs, the Ariya does not offer a front trunk (“frunk”), limiting its overall cargo capacity.
Towing capacity is limited to 1,500 pounds, which is less than some competitors in the electric SUV segment. Off-road capability is minimal, as the Ariya is primarily designed for on-road use, even in all-wheel-drive configurations.
Verdict: A Stylish EV SUV with Room for Improvement
The Nissan Ariya presents a compelling option in the electric SUV market, boasting a stylish design, comfortable interior, and smooth electric powertrain. Its respectable range and quick acceleration are commendable, and the advanced technology features add to its appeal.
However, the Ariya is not without its drawbacks. Charging speeds are slower than some competitors, handling agility is lacking, and the ride quality can be unrefined on imperfect roads. Usability quirks in the interior controls and infotainment system also detract from the overall user experience.
Alt Text: Rear three-quarter view of a Nissan Ariya parked, emphasizing its sleek rear design and taillights.
Overall, the Nissan Ariya is a decent electric SUV that offers a blend of style and practicality. It’s a solid contender for those seeking an EV SUV with a comfortable ride and a refined powertrain. However, potential buyers should weigh its strengths against its weaknesses, particularly in charging speed and handling dynamics, and compare it against competitors in the rapidly evolving electric SUV landscape before making a final decision. For those prioritizing a stylish and comfortable EV for everyday driving, the Ariya is worth considering, but those seeking class-leading performance and charging capabilities may find better options elsewhere.
