Nissan Ariya review: an impressive electric SUV with an upmarket feel
For family buyers thinking of making the switch to all-electric motoring, the superbly capable Nissan Ariya SUV might just be the perfect choice
The Nissan Ariya is a stellar effort from the Japanese brand. Its all-electric family SUV boasts a breadth of capability that will come as a welcome surprise to buyers, and stands head and shoulders above any other model in the current Nissan line-up.
The Ariya is great to drive for a mid-size SUV, while decent practicality, refinement and a premium cabin add further appeal. Pricing is competitive compared to its close EV rivals, although its overall efficiency lags ever so slightly behind the best in class – which is a shame considering the healthy battery capacity the Ariya has. That aside, the Nissan Ariya is a fantastic choice that we can wholeheartedly recommend.
About the Nissan Ariya
Nissan has an established reputation for producing capable family SUVs, while the success of its Nissan Leaf all-electric family hatchback, launched in 2010 (and now in its second generation), demonstrates the Japanese manufacturer’s commitment to battery technology.
Every model in Nissan’s passenger car range now includes some form of electrification: the smaller Nissan Juke crossover features both mild and full-hybrid set-ups, and Nissan’s innovative e-Power petrol/electric system drives the Nissan Qashqai and Nissan X-Trail.
The Ariya is similar in size to the X-Trail, and it combines family car practicality with the zero-tailpipe emissions of all-electric power. It benefits from a significant step up in quality over other models in Nissan’s lineup, too, so much so that we awarded the Ariya our Car of the Year title for 2022.
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Nissan’s electric SUV faced steady competition upon its arrival, and the market has continued to grow since then. From day one, it has faced cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4, and now the Ariya has even more fierce rivals to contend with, including the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X.
The Ariya is based on the CMF-EV platform, which also underpins the Renault Megane E-Tech. Two battery options are available in the Ariya: a 63kWh (useable capacity) model with a range of about 250 miles or a larger 87kWh (also useable) unit with a claimed maximum range of 329 miles.
Front-wheel drive is standard and will cater for most needs, but if you’re after the extra traction reassurance of four-wheel drive in slippery conditions, then you’re in luck. The top-of-the-range Ariya e-4ORCE uses a dual-motor set-up to drive all four wheels and deliver 389bhp. This version also features the largest 87kWh battery. However, the extra performance on offer and weight penalty of the four-wheel drive system means overall range takes a small hit, with Nissan claiming you’ll be able to cover around 310 miles before needing to recharge.
When it comes to trim levels, things are kept relatively simple, with three core options to choose from: Engage, Advance and Evolve. The standard equipment level is generous, and a small selection of option packs is available. At the very top of the range sits the Evolve+, but this is only available with the e-4ORCE powertrain.
Nissan Ariya long-term test
Our head of digital content, Steve Walker, is living with the Nissan Ariya as part of our long-term fleet. So far, he’s been reminded of why we named it our 2022 Car of the Year, as it’s proving to be a sturdy yet upmarket-feeling family car. The infotainment system, however, isn’t quite as well laid out or responsive as he would have liked.
The Ariya’s Efficiency during the colder months hasn’t been particularly impressive, either, as Steve has only seen an average 3.0 miles per kWh. It may feel like a premium model, but Nissan’s SUV is also priced like one, too. Our dual-motor e-4ORCE Evolve variant costs a whopping £57,580, including options. You can read the full long-term test here…
