Used 2023 Nissan ARIYA

Nissan has sold more than 600,000 Leaf EVs, and hopes the Ariya will hit a similar nerve with those looking for an all-electric SUV. This time around, Nissan faces far more competition. The Ariya enters arguably the hottest segment out there — electric SUVs starting in the low-mid $40,000 range — facing impressive competition that includes the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4, and several others.

The new Nissan Ariya is a 5-passenger SUV offered in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and with a choice of battery capacities. Maximum range is 304 miles.

The Ariya is a tempting proposition for those seeking an electric SUV. It has a bold look and an inviting yet practical interior, a full suite of active safety features, and the latest version of Nissan’s ProPilot semi-autonomous system featuring hands-off highway driving.

Like all of today’s electric vehicles, the Ariya pulls away from a stop with an almost dichotomous combination of strength and smoothness. No engine noise, no shifting gears, just instant torque delivered on demand. Single-motor Ariya models can get to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while dual-motor, all-wheel-drive e-4ORCE versions can make the same run in just 4.8 seconds. Hang onto your hats and glasses.

We also found the Ariya comfortable on the highway, thanks in some measure to supportive seats. The ride can feel a bit firm when the road gets rough, another characteristic common among many electric vehicles, with suspensions tuned to help manage the added weight of the battery.

The available ProPilot Assist 2.0 semi-autonomous driving system is high-tech and easy to use. When the display in front of you is white, it means adaptive cruise control is on. When it’s green, it means steering assist is activated. When it turns blue, you can take your hands off the wheel and keep your eyes on the road, and the car will take care of the rest. The Ariya scrolls through these three modes automatically based on the conditions and whether you’re on a highway with HD map data. When it’s in hands-free mode, it can automatically execute a lane change, but you have to put your hands back on the wheel until it’s complete.

The Ariya is a 2-row, 5-passenger SUV comparable in size to the Nissan Rogue compact SUV, but that’s about where the similarities end.

The Ariya has taken a minimalistic approach to its cabin. The instrument panel is mostly devoid of buttons, relying instead on haptic-based touch input. These touch controls can be a little sensitive, but easy to use when you get past the learning curve.

Twin 12.3-inch digital screens are oriented toward the driver, and there is still a physical knob for volume control. We count that as a win for humanity.

The center console between the driver and passenger is also adjustable and houses a wireless phone charging cradle. If you or your passenger will be using a cord to plug in a phone, there’s a convenient spot where you can wind up to help keep the cabin tidy.

The Ariya is roomy and airy with a flat floor. Nissan describes it as a “lounge.” Fold-flat seats enhance the Ariya’s cargo-carrying practicality. Nissan says there is 16.5 cubic feet of storage space for front-drive models and 14.6-cubic feet for AWD models. The flexible cargo area has a divider that can pop up, and some under-floor storage space.

There’s a nifty storage box in the center of the console with a fold-out tray that can be used as a mobile office or picnic table.

At 182.9 inches, the Nissan Ariya is about the size of the current Nissan Rogue compact SUV. But its looks clearly point toward the future. The Ariya electric crossover has a flowing shape and a seemingly endless variety of curves and rounded edges. Just try to find a sharp edge on this thing.

Other distinctive features include a solid front grille, aggressive boomerang-like LED running lights, a rear spoiler, and a pair of shark-like antennae centered on the roof. Yet, for its futuristic design, the Ariya is still clearly a Nissan. Look closely, and you’ll see hints of the Murano and Maxima. The Ariya will ultimately be offered with six different two-tone floating roof patterns.

Wheel sizes are either 19 or 20 inches. Charge ports appear on both sides of the vehicle, just aft the front wheels.

ProPilot Assist 2.0
Included on the Ariya Premier trim and above, the ProPilot Assist 2.0 system allows for hands-free highway driving in some situations. When you see the blue steering wheel light on the dashboard, you’re good to take your hands off the wheel. It works well in our experience, and there’s minimal jerkiness in the automated steering.

e-4ORCE
The twin-motor e-4ORCE system is Nissan’s most advanced AWD system. Nissan calls it the “spiritual offspring” of the AWD system used in its GT-R supercar. With more power and better grip, it improves performance across the board.

e-Step
The e-Step feature is essentially one-pedal driving. It uses regenerative braking to smoothly slow the Ariya when you take your foot off the accelerator.

“Hey Nissan”
The high-tech infotainment system in the Ariya responds to “Hey Nissan” voice prompts so you can control the climate, ask for directions, or make a call. It also has the Amazon Alexa voice assistant built in.

Zero Gravity seats
Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats — helping you maintain the neutral posture of a weightless environment — continue to be some of the most comfortable seats in a non-luxury car. These carefully designed seats minimize pressure and fatigue on long trips.

EV Carefree+
The EV Carefree+ is a bundle of perks specific to Nissan EVs. You get one year of unlimited charging with the EVgo charging network and at Nissan dealerships, a generous 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, and 5-year/60,000-mile flatbed towing coverage in case you run out of electrons, for instance.

The Ariya includes two 12.3-inch digital screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Amazon Alexa integration, and Nissan’s “zero gravity” seats. The Ariya is the first Nissan to feature over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, similar to what Tesla does, and what other automakers are beginning to do. These work in similar ways as the updates to your phone or computer – making them better or fixing issues from anywhere without the need to visit a service center.

The Ariya also includes the Nissan Safety Shield 360 system that bundles automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam assist.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya lineup features a choice of powertrain configurations with different battery capacities, power output, range, charge times, and front- or all-wheel drive.

2023 Nissan Ariya Engage
63-kWh lithium-ion battery
Single motor, front-wheel drive
214 horsepower
221 lb-ft of torque
Estimated range: 216 miles
Level 2 Charge (0-100%): 10.5 hours
Quick charge (20-80% with 130+ kW): 35 minutes

2023 Nissan Ariya Venture+ (The range champ)
87-kWh lithium-ion battery
Single motor, front-wheel drive
238 horsepower
221 lb-ft of torque
Estimated range: 304 miles
Level 2 charge (0-100%): 14 hours
Quick charge (20-80% with 130+ kW): 40 minutes

2023 Nissan Ariya Evolve+, Empower+ and Premier
87-kWh lithium-ion battery
Single motor, front-wheel drive
238 horsepower
221 lb-ft of torque
Estimated range: 289 miles
Level 2 Charge (0-100%): 14 hours
Quick charge (20-80% with 130+ kW): 40 minutes

2023 Nissan Ariya Engage e-4orce (e-4orce = all-wheel drive)
66-kWh lithium-ion battery
Dual-motor, all-wheel drive
335 horsepower
413 lb-ft of torque
Nissan estimated range: 205 miles
Quick charge (20-80% with 130+ kW): 35 minutes

2023 Nissan Ariya Engage+ e-4orce, Evolve+ e-4orce and Platinum+ e-4orce
87-kWh lithium-ion battery
Dual-motor, all-wheel drive
389 horsepower
442 lb-ft of torque
Nissan estimated range: 270 miles (265 for Platinum+ e-4orce)
Quick charge (20-80% with 130+ kW): 40 minutes

More Ariya range and efficiency information is available at the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The Ariya is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. This coverage is pretty typical for an EV from a mainstream brand.

Safety

The Nissan Ariya has earned the honor of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also gets a 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).