2023 Nissan Ariya: First Drive
The 2023 Nissan Ariya is Nissan’s first all-electric crossover SUV, offering quick acceleration and smooth, quiet operation, making it the perfect partner for daily commutes and road trips alike. In our first chance to hop behind the wheel, we explore what sets this EV apart from its main rival in the Toyota bZ4x as well as give you some insights into its driving character.
NEED TO KNOW
- The Ariya’s flat floor, made possible by the under-floor battery, creates genuinely exceptional interior space and passenger interaction.
- ProPILOT Assist 2.0 is one of the more capable semi-autonomous systems available at this price point.
- Road noise intrusion on coarse surfaces undermines the premium, quiet-cabin character the interior design promises.
- 289 miles of range and 98 MPGe make this one of the most efficient entries in the compact electric SUV segment.
The Ariya represents a significant redefinition of Nissan’s design philosophy, embracing the Japanese term iki, which characterizes Ariya’s chic, cutting-edge nature. Its front appears seamless, elegant, and fresh, highlighted by a shield incorporating a 3-D traditional Japanese Kumiko pattern, while the redesigned Nissan logo is prominently placed at the center of the aerodynamic “shield” (no longer a grille). Thin LED headlamps, constructed with four 20-millimeter mini-projectors, reinvent Nissan’s signature V-motion design.
The back of the Ariya is characterized by a steeply raked C-pillar that blends flawlessly into the rear deck. The one-piece light blade, composed of the rear combination lamps, has been engineered to give a blackout effect when parked and a consistent red illumination, day or night, when in use.
The Ariya interior is defined by the Japanese term ma, referring to its spatiotemporal qualities of belonging to both space and time. Nissan wants it to feel more akin to a sleek café lounge on a starship, evoking performance and intrigue, rather than a traditional automotive cabin. The flat, open floor – made possible by the location of the battery at the base of the chassis – and the slim-profile Zero Gravity seats – result in vast amounts of legroom and easy interaction between front- and rear-seat passengers. The EV drivetrain and the generous use of sound-absorbing materials result in a quiet cabin, which was compromised a bit on our drive down highly textured roads, allowing occupants to relax and enjoy lounge-like space.
The minimalist instrument panel is devoid of buttons and switches found in conventional vehicles. Primary climate control functions are integrated into the wooden center dash in the form of capacitive haptic touchpoints that offer the same feeling as mechanical buttons by vibrating when touched. Tucked under the center of the instrument panel are an available innovative center storage box and fold-out tray.
Built on an all-new Alliance-developed EV platform, the Ariya is the ultimate expression of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, Nissan’s vision is to further improve the appeal of its vehicles and achieve its ultimate goal of a future with zero tailpipe emissions and virtually zero vehicle fatalities.
The Nissan Ariya’s all-electric powertrain delivers smooth and linear acceleration, typical of modern electric vehicles. Our Empower+ model boasts 238 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Ariya is available in either front-wheel drive like our tester, or e-4ORCE all-wheel drive configurations, with the latter providing instant torque to all four wheels for a stable and confident drive. The e-4ORCE system also features twin electric motors – one on each axle – providing exceptional traction and handling in all conditions.
The Ariya is equipped with Nissan’s Intelligent Driving technology, featuring a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features. The ProPILOT Assist 2.0 system provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities, including hands-free single-lane highway driving and the ability to automatically pass slower vehicles. The system also includes a feature called ProPILOT Park, allowing the driver to park the vehicle hands-free.
The 2023 Nissan Ariya is an impressive all-electric crossover SUV, providing a sleek, futuristic design and impressive performance features. Its spacious cabin offers lounge-like comfort and style that exceeds the competition, and its intelligent powertrain and advanced driving technologies make it a joy to drive. Nissan’s commitment to a zero-emissions future is embodied in the Ariya, making it an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious drivers who want a stylish and comfortable vehicle.
2023 Nissan Ariya EMPOWER+ Specs:
- Normal
- ECO
- Sport
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- High Beam Assist
- Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention
- Intelligent Around View Monitor
If you would like to purchase a charger like the one we used in this video through our Amazon Affiliate page, click the link below:
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The first 6 images courtesy of capturingthemachine.com
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2023 Nissan Ariya Empower+
PROS
- Spacious, lounge-like interior with a flat floor and Zero Gravity seats is genuinely class-leading in comfort
- ProPILOT Assist 2.0 with hands-free single-lane highway driving and ProPILOT Park are standout technology features
- Futuristic exterior design with Kumiko-patterned shield and seamless front end makes a bold visual statement
- 289 miles of EPA-rated range is competitive and reduces range anxiety for most use cases
CONS
- Quiet cabin was noticeably compromised on highly textured roads, limiting the lounge-like ambiance on rough surfaces
- Capacitive haptic touch controls on the wooden center dash, while innovative, may not suit all drivers accustomed to physical buttons