This week, we are looking at the 2023 Nissan Ariya, a fully electric compact crossover SUV that competes with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6, both of which we have reviewed.
Exterior
Although all the EV crossovers have some common exterior themes, the Ariya is attractive, yet carries over many of the Nissan design cues.
It has distinctive lines, sharp-looking 19” wheels, fender flares, and a unique rear spoiler that drives air over and through it. I don’t recall seeing a very dark blue vehicle with black accents on any vehicle before. It has a black roof, black wheels, and black flares. Somehow, it actually works.
There are currently 4 trim levels available, but more are coming. This is the top-of-the-line Empower Plus.
Powertrain
Under the hood, there is not the usual frunk, instead you’ll find the climate system and other components.
Powering this Ariya is an 87-kilowatt lithium-ion battery that is putting out 238-horses. This one is front-wheel drive, but a dual-motor all-wheel drive is coming soon. This version offers 289-miles of battery range.
Interior
As we review more electrics, I am amused by the race to see which automaker can come up with the funkiest interior. They are always very crisp and almost minimalist, and the Ariya is no exception.
As you open the driver’s door, you see inviting seats that are actually quite comfortable and are heated. A massive screen greets you that runs from the left of the dash, to well into the passenger side.
In front of the driver is the gauge cluster, which can be configured anyway you wish and will give you all the range info you, which is important with EVs.
In the center is your screen for the sound system, navigation, Bluetooth, settings, and how you set up Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa.
Underneath the screen are buttons for the climate control system built into the dash. Nice touch and easy to operate.
The center console is actually quite interesting. It slides forward and backwards with a switch. There are controls on it for the automatic parking system, drive modes, e-Step-which is one-pedal driving-and then you see Close and Open. I assumed this was the power moonroof, but no. It opens a hidden compartment that looks like it is just part of the dash. There is a wireless charger in the console.
Back seat room is quite good, as is headroom, and the cargo area is terrific.
Standard Equipment
The Ariya is fully loaded with leather seating, a power lift gate, a head-up display, ambient lighting, a rear-view camera mirror, panoramic moon roof, front and rear heated seats, keyless start, and quite a bit more, including ProPILOT Assist 2.0. This is the newest iteration of Nissan's driver assistance technology. It expands on ProPILOT Assist, allowing attentive drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel under certain conditions, helping reduce the driver's workload in single-lane highway traffic. In addition, ProPILOT Assist 2.0 also supports multi-lane highway driving tasks such as lane changes, passing and highway exiting.
Safety
Safety wise, you get blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a really good camera system with rear cross-traffic alert.
Ride and Drive
The ride and drive is great, it’s quiet inside like most EVs, the acceleration is fantastic, and I am impressed with the visibility when driving, it’s exceptional.
Charging
You get a year’s worth of free charging at EVGo. Using a level 2 charger like I just had installed at my house, you can get an 80% charge in just 40 minutes.
You can read more about my home charger installation here →
What You'll Pay and MPGe
MSRP as you see it here, is $59,495. MPG-e estimates are 105 city, 91 highway, and 98 overall.
Verdict
If you are going to jump into the world of electric SUVs, the Nissan Ariya needs to be on your shopping list, they did a great job with this one.
- What I liked most: The attractive looks, handling, and overall value.
- What I would change: Offer an extended range battery for 300+ miles of range.
- MSRP: $53,690 base price/as equipped $59,495 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 105 MPGe city/91 MPGe Highway/98 MPGe Combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,300 miles
- Weight: 4,608 pounds.
- Spare Tire: N/A.
- Length-Width-Height: 182.9” long/85.5” wide/65.4” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A. Charging port on the right front.
- Official Color: 2T Blue
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
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2023 Nissan Ariya in a few words: A fantastic electric SUV that is a joy to drive and a real head-turner.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, with roadside assistance, 5-year/60,000-mile power train warranty, including the battery components.
- Final Assembly Location: Kaninokawa, Tochigi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Nissan
