Yahoo Autos 2023 Nissan Ariya Review: Gives the top EVs a run for their money
Pros: Functional and stylish cabin; various performance, range and trim level combos; well-equipped
Cons: Charging is on the slow side; no one-pedal driving and weird e-Step functionality
The Nissan Ariya was revealed way back in the dark days of summer 2020, yet is only reaching dealers in early 2023 in front-wheel-drive guise with the all-wheel-drive e-4ORCE version arriving later in the spring. It was worth the wait. This compelling electric SUV is the first new model to really challenge the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 for all-around excellence. Although it falls well short of those in terms of charging speed, everything else from its interior space and functionality to its available performance and range align closely. The Ariya actually offers a broader selection of battery, performance and trim level combinations, making it possible for buyers with more realistic EV expectations to avoid paying for range, speed and/or features they don’t really need.
This breadth of offerings with price tags ranging from $43,000 to about $60,000 allows the 2023 Nissan Ariya to not only compare favorably with those class-leading EVs, but also with cheaper models like the Kia Niro EV on the low end, and pricy luxury models like the Mercedes EQB and Lexus RZ 450e on the upper end. The Ariya Platinum certainly provides superior performance and range over those particular luxury EVs, while boasting an interior that’s arguably just as luxurious and far more stylish. That cabin also gives it a leg up on the Tesla Model Y.
Ultimately, the Ariya is a well-rounded electric car made by a company that has been making them longer than almost everyone. Not only is it a great advancement over the humble Leaf, but Nissan clearly applied the knowledge it learned selling that electric car for 12 years and two generations to a new vehicle that consequently comes across as less of a prototype or trial balloon than other EVs. If you’re looking for an electric car, check it out.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2023?
The Ariya is an all-new model.
What are the Ariya interior and in-car technology like?
Unlike many other EVs, the Ariya manages to offer style, functionality and quality. It looks terrific with the sort of minimalist aesthetic seemingly expected of an EV, but there are still stalks on the wheel and buttons to press (even if many are touch-sensitive haptic “buttons” that thankfully do work). The touchscreen infotainment system is required to operate a few too many functions such as the heated seats, but in general, it’s one of the easiest systems to use whether you’re a technophile or just want to use the darn radio. As with many new cars, that widescreen infotainment display is paired with a similarly sized instrument panel display that can be configured to show different types and amounts of information right in front of the driver. There’s also a head-up display above it that is uniquely standard.
The Ariya takes advantage of its electric architecture to provide a flat, open floor in not only the back seat, but the front as well. Not only does this provide a visual sense of openness and space, but owners of larger purses will probably appreciate the vast area to stash it without stealing front passenger legroom. Now, should you want a less open, cockpit-like feeling, the center console can actually motor forward by quite an extensive distance. This also allows the electronic shifter, cupholders and armrest to be placed just-right for drivers of different heights.
In terms of quality, the Ariya can be considered a genuine rival for luxury branded EVs. The beautifully patterned real leather found in the Platinum trim level is an icy shade of blue and pairs with a rich, faux suede on the dash and doors in the same color. The wood dash trim found on every Ariya really completes the premium vibe. That said, even lower trim levels benefit from fashionable rose gold accents and padded leatherette trim on the dash and doors. We also love the “Kumiko” patterned pieces throughout the cabin, including the carpets, speaker grilles and ambient lighting fixtures (below right). In short, the Ariya cabin is special.
How big is the Ariya?
The Ariya is basically the same length and width as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and awfully similar to the Kia EV6 as well, but it’s a few inches taller than both (especially the Kia), resulting in a more SUV-like appearance. You also feel like you’re sitting higher in it, which also applies to comparisons with the otherwise bigger Mustang Mach-E. It doesn’t have quite as much sprawl-out space in the back seat as the Hyundai, Kia or Ford, but that’s OK – 6-footers can still fit front-and-back, and there’s plenty of space for someone to sit in front of a rear-facing child seat. There’s also sufficient rear headroom, although the high seating position and available panoramic sunroof may make the roof feel uncomfortably close to the heads of those up front.
Cargo space with the back seat up is an unremarkable 22.8 cubic feet, a figure considerably less than the competition. We’ve seen surprisingly inconsistent real-world cargo space performance with the EV6, Ioniq 5 and Mach-E, however, so we wouldn’t automatically write off the Ariya. Don’t count on a front trunk bolstering its capacity, though, as there isn’t one. Considering how tiny most frunks are, we really don’t think this is an issue.
What are the Ariya range, charging and performance specs?
There is a wide variety of power, range and drivetrain offerings in the Ariya lineup. Let’s dig in.
The Engage trim has a single motor on the front axle that produces 214 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It has a 66-kilowatt-hour battery and a range of 216 miles. Thankfully, this base trim level is generously equipped, meaning those with more realistic range needs won’t necessarily need to pay for extra battery capacity just to get unrelated comfort/convenience items.
The Venture+, Evolve+ and Empower+ get a 238-hp motor with the same 221 lb-ft. They also have a 91-kWh battery pack good for either 304 miles (Venture+) or 289 miles (all others). Nissan says this version will go from 0-60 mph in a quick 7.2 seconds.
