Overview: 2023 Nissan Ariya
Nissan is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with the launch of the Ariya SUV in 2023, which is set to hit the U.S. market in fall 2022. With a driving range of up to 304 miles, the Ariya surpasses the Leaf's maximum of 226 miles and will be sold alongside the Leaf hatchback in Nissan showrooms. The Ariya's design marks a significant departure from the sharp, angular lines found on many of Nissan's vehicles. Its low, wide stance sets it apart from the Rogue and gives it a more dynamic and athletic appearance.
The Ariya will come with two different battery sizes, a standard 63.0-kWh battery, and an optional 87.0-kWh pack, and can be equipped with either front- or all-wheel drive. Along with an array of driver-assistance features, infotainment technology, and convenience items, the 2022 Ariya will provide stiff competition to other EV crossovers in its category, such as the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Kona Electric.
Price and Variants: 2023 Nissan Ariya
Nissan has introduced the all-new Ariya for the 2023 model year, which boasts an updated driver-assistance system, ProPilot 2.0. This technology was first seen on the Japanese-market Nissan Skyline sedan. The Ariya can reportedly provide a driving range of up to 304 miles, but only when it has the larger 87.0-kWh battery pack and the front-wheel-drive configuration. Although the starting price of $44,485 is higher than that of other affordable EVs such as the Leaf, it is lower than the base price of the Model Y. However, the entry-level Engage model has a smaller battery pack and a driving range estimate of only 216 miles. We believe that range is crucial when transitioning from gasoline to electricity, so we recommend the Venture+ trim, which has the longest driving range among the Ariya's four trim levels at 304 miles per charge.
| 2023 Nissan Ariya EV Trim Levels |
Price |
| Engage |
$44,525 |
| Engage e-4ORCE |
$48,525 |
| Venture+ |
$48,525 |
| Evolve+ |
$51,525 |
| Engage+ e-4ORCE |
$52,525 |
| Empower+ |
$55,025 |
| Evolve+ e-4ORCE |
$55,525 |
| Premiere |
$56,025 |
| Platinum+ e-4ORCE |
$61,525 |
Power and Performance: 2023 Nissan Ariya
In contrast to the Leaf, which is available only with front-wheel drive, the new Nissan Ariya offers an optional all-wheel-drive system that uses features developed in other Nissan vehicles, such as the GT-R sports car's torque-split system. This is achieved through a dual-front/rear-electric-motor configuration, resulting in more power and performance. In our tests, the front-wheel-drive model was able to reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the more powerful e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive version is expected to reach 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, similar to other high-end electric vehicles. The Ariya offers a stable, comfortable ride that should satisfy most buyers, although it may not be as sporty as some driving enthusiasts would prefer.
Range, Charging and Battery: 2023 Nissan Ariya
The 2023 Nissan Ariya EV offers impressive driving range, particularly with the Venture+ trim which delivers up to 304 miles per charge. In comparison, the Leaf's maximum range of 226 miles falls short. The Evolve+, Empower+, and Premiere models with front-wheel drive are estimated to have a range of up to 289 miles per charge, while the top-tier Platinum+ is rated for up to 265 miles. However, the base Engage trim has a smaller battery pack, resulting in a lower range of only 216 miles per charge. Opting for the dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain reduces the range to a maximum of 272 miles. During a test drive of a front-wheel-drive Empower+ model, we recorded a 240-mile range on a 75 mph highway fuel economy route. Charging the Ariya is versatile, with the ability to charge at home on 110- or 240-volt outlets, public charging stations, and DC fast-charging ports.
Interior: 2023 Nissan Ariya
The Ariya's cabin showcases a sleek and modern design, with a minimalistic theme that makes it look futuristic. To achieve a seamless dashboard, Nissan has eliminated as many buttons as possible. However, it seems that the interior's only unique aspect is its minimalism, as it lacks any other distinctive features. Nonetheless, the cabin is still a pleasant place to be in, with a spacious feel thanks to the flat and low floor. Nissan has also included its renowned zero-gravity seats, making the Ariya comfortable for passengers during long drives. Although the rear seat space is not as generous as the front, two adults can still find it cozy and roomy enough for extended trips.
Infotainment and Connectivity: 2023 Nissan Ariya
The Ariya's infotainment system is modern and feature-packed. The dual 12.3-inch displays that make up the gauge cluster and infotainment screen are sharp and easy to read. The system comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation, ensuring that drivers have a wide range of options for accessing their favorite apps and music while on the go. In addition, wireless smartphone charging and a head-up display are available as optional features for even greater convenience. The infotainment system also includes both Amazon Alexa and a built-in voice assistant, allowing drivers to control various functions of the car using voice commands. Overall, the Ariya's infotainment and connectivity features are top-notch and should appeal to tech-savvy drivers.
Safety and Warranty: 2023 Nissan Ariya
The Ariya is equipped with Nissan's ProPilot 2.0, which is the company's latest driver-assistance technology, and it is available as an optional feature. The ProPilot system enables drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in certain driving scenarios, and it works effectively. The Ariya also comes with standard safety features such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Additionally, adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode is available as an option.
As for warranty and maintenance coverage, we expect the Ariya to come with the same warranty package as the Leaf. This includes a competitive bumper-to-bumper policy and an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery protection plan. The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles. Unfortunately, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance included. If you want to check out the Ariya's crash test results, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
