Nissan

Ariya

The Nissan Ariya is a fully electrified, five-door SUV that is big on performance, practicality and appeal. It is competitively priced and there are choices between battery sizes, trim levels plus two or four-wheel drive.

The good

Design, pricing and performance

The bad

Some rivals charge faster

Tech Specs

Price from

£39,645

Combined Fuel up to

330 miles driving range

0-62 from

5.1 seconds

max speed up to

124mph

co2 from

0g/km

Test Drive

Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE Evolve Sport Pack (2024)

If you’re on the hunt for a premium, fully-electric family SUV, the Nissan Ariya should definitely be on your radar.

While it might surprise some to see Nissan making such waves on the EV market, the company has decades of experience with electric vehicles, especially with the iconic Leaf, one of the world’s earliest and most successful electric models to date.

In addition, Nissan has a long-standing reputation for producing highly regarded SUVs, with models like the Qashqai standing out as exemplary over the years. So, combine Nissan’s EV know-how with their extensive SUV experience, and you get the impressive Ariya, a sleek, medium-sized, five-door SUV that delivers on both the style and performance fronts.

The Ariya is offered in two generously equipped trim levels called Advance and Evolve, with the option to add Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system for enhanced performance in more challenging conditions. Buyers can also choose between two battery sizes with a 63kWh unit offering a range of 250 miles or an 87kWh battery that extends the range between charges to 309 miles.

We tested the Ariya Evolve with the 87kWh battery and e-4ORCE all-wheel drive, which is priced at £54,840. Adding the Sport Pack brought the total up to £57,580.

Stretching just shy of 4.6 metres in length, the Ariya is most definitely an attention grabber with a wealth of stand-out design cues. Eye-catching features include a large blanked out grille, a sloping roofline, an electric panoramic sunroof, LED headlights with auto high-beam assist, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, privacy glass, a rear roof spoiler, plus 20-inch alloy wheels with aero covers.

Inside, the Ariya stands out for its minimalist yet premium quality cabin with high end fixtures and fittings throughout. The cabin boasts soft blue Nappa leather seats that are power-adjustable, plus can be heated and ventilated. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is also power-adjustable and heated to fend off those winter blues. High-quality materials such as blue suede-like trim on the dashboard, doors, and armrests add a touch of elegance, while plush black carpets complete the luxurious feel.

The powered centre console can be moved forward or backward at the press of a button, allowing for additional rear-seat space when needed. It also features haptic touch controls for the drive modes, parking assist, and e-Pedal functions.

The main nerve centre of the car is the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen providing access to the sat nav, 10-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth, DAB radio, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. There’s also a 12.3-inch driver information display showing vital data like speed, battery charge, along with driving range.

An intelligent rearview mirror provides a camera view of what’s going on behind you, though it can be toggled back to a traditional mirror setting if preferred.

A head-up display keeps the speed and speed limits in view without having to take your eyes off the road, while the built-in virtual assistant can also help you with navigation, calls, and other tasks, making it even easier to interact with the car’s technology.

All the temperature settings are housed in a separate, touch-sensitive panel, though they can be a bit tricky to master at first. The temperature and features such as the heated seats and steering wheel are controlled via the main touchscreen.

Despite its size and weight of around two tonnes, the Ariya handles exceptionally well. Its low centre of gravity, thanks to the placement of the battery beneath the cabin, gives it great stability when driving on winding roads. The acceleration is swift with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.7 seconds and top speed of 124mph.

There is instant power and torque when joining a motorway from a slower slip road and the Ariya cruises effortlessly at 70mph, though you’ll notice a quicker reduction in range at these speeds. The suspension is firm but not uncomfortable, and the steering is well-weighted with plenty of feedback, making the Ariya a pleasure to drive.

Then in busier town centres with lots of stop-and-go traffic, the Ariya is beautifully agile and it’s easy to boost the battery charge through regenerative braking. There is an e-Pedal button for single-pedal driving which makes the winter sales traffic more manageable.

Four drive modes called Sport, Standard, Eco and Snow alter the driving characteristics of the car. In Sport mode, the Ariya feels particularly responsive and agile, but we were grateful for the Snow mode as a cold wintery weather front crossed the UK leaving a blanket of ice and snow in its wake.

And for added grip, our car featured Nissan’s advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system that comprises two motors – one on each axle – to deliver torque and braking to all four wheels individually. It can react up to 10,000 times a second so can cope with sudden changes in the weather and terrain.

Inside, the Ariya offers generous space for up to five occupants, with plenty of room for three adults in the back. The boot, accessed via a powered tailgate, can swallow 408 litres of goodies, increasing significantly when you fold down the 60:40 split rear seats. Back seat occupants also benefit from heated seats and charging ports to stay connected on the move.

Other practical storage solutions include a large hidden tray that pops out from the dashboard, a glovebox, a wireless charging pad, front and rear cup holders, storage beneath the centre console, seat back pockets and door bins with space for bottles.

The Ariya comes with a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and boasts a wealth of safety features and driver assistance aids. These include ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, ProPilot Park, intelligent driver alert warning, lane keep assist, blind spot intervention, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and plenty more besides.

For charging, the 87kWh battery can be boosted from 20 to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes with a 130kW fast charger, making it convenient for longer trips. If relying on a 7.4kW home wallbox, which will be much cheaper than public charging, it will take about 14 hours to fully boost the battery.

All in all, the Nissan Ariya is an outstanding electric family SUV, blending modern design, cutting-edge technology and solid performance. While it may not be the cheapest option in its segment, it offers exceptional value when compared to other high-end electric SUVs that can cost much more. Whether you’re looking for a family vehicle or a stylish EV for everyday use, the Ariya delivers on all fronts. It’s a car that not only stands out for its innovation but also provides practicality, luxury, and a truly enjoyable driving experience.

Test Drive

Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE Evolve Sport Pack (2023)

If you’re in the market for a high-end, fully electrified, family SUV then the Nissan Ariya should most definitely be on your wish list.

It may come as a bit of a surprise that this Nissan is making such an impact, but don’t forget Nissan has decades of experience in developing EVs with the Leaf seemingly launched shortly after the invention of the wheel.

And it is a company that has developed a globally-respected reputation for building outstanding SUVs too – the Qashqai is the perfect example of that.

Put that EV know-how and SUV experience together and the end result is the stunning Ariya.

This medium-sized, five-door SUV is available in trim levels called Advance or Evolve with the option of adding Nissan’s all-wheel drive set-up called e-4ORCE to the mix.

Customers also have a choice between a smaller 63kWh battery that offers a combined driving range of 250 miles between charges, or the larger 87kWh battery pack delivering 309 EV miles.

We opted for the range-topping Ariya Evolve model with the larger 87kWh battery pack and e-4ORCE all-wheel drive. The vehicle cost £58,590, although an additional Sport Pack bumped up the price by a further £1,995.

With instant acceleration, the Ariya is certainly quick off the mark and can power from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds and then onto a top speed of 124mph.

With a commanding road presence, it is a larger-than-life vehicle that stretches 4.6 metres in length and it boasts plenty of attractive design cues. Eye-catching features include a large blanked off front grille, sloping roofline, electric panoramic sunroof, a rear roof spoiler, LED headlights with auto high beam assist, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, heated and folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, a shark fin antenna and 20-inch alloy wheels with aero covers.

Moving inside, it’s impossible not to be wowed by the minimalist interior with its upmarket, premium upholstery and wealth of on-board technology. This is the sort of refinement we would expect to find inside the premium big-hitters, and whilst this Nissan is not cheap, it is a huge step up in quality for the Japanese carmaker.

There are blue Nappa leather seats that are power-operated and can be heated or ventilated. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is also power-adjustable and can be warmed to fend off the winter chill and you are surrounded by the most elegant fixtures and fittings with blue suede-like coverings to the dashboard, doors and armrests, plus fluffy black carpet throughout.

The powered centre console can be moved back and forth at the press of a button to free up extra space in the back when required and it features haptic touch controls to access the likes of the drive modes, parking assist system and e-Pedal functions.

The main focal point within the cabin is the 12.3-inch navigation infotainment screen offering access to the sat nav, Bose sound system, media, Bluetooth, DAB radio, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone systems.

There is also a 12.3-inch driver information display that highlights all the vital data such as speed, charge levels and driving range. A head-up display shows your speed and speed limits directly in your eye-line and there is a clever virtual personal assistant to help with all manner of requests such as plotting navigation routes, making a phone call or finding a radio station.

For added convenience and to avoid driver distraction, the temperature controls are located in a separate panel and are touch-sensitive. These take a little getting used to initially as they are not as simple to operate as traditional dials.

Another feature inside this highly impressive car is the intelligent rearview mirror that offers a camera view of exactly what’s happening behind you. I found this a bit too distracting but it was simple to switch back to the more conventional style mirror.

So the Ariya looks amazing inside and out, but what about the handling? Despite being quite tall and weighty, it puts in an impressive performance when put to the test. It is well balanced when pushed hard through twisting B roads and, with the battery pack stored beneath the centre of the car, it boasts a low centre of gravity. Drive modes called Sport, Standard, Eco and Snow alter the driving characteristics of the car with Sport really sharpening up the reactions.

It will cruise effortlessly at 70mph on motorways, but at that speed you will notice the range drop faster than normal. However, some of those miles can be recouped through the excellent regenerative braking system when driving through busy city centres with lots of stopping and starting. And there is an e-Pedal that makes single pedal driving possible too.

The suspension is a little firm, but not really noticeable unless you are looking for something to complain about and the steering is well weighted with ample driver feedback.

Passenger space within the Ariya is generous with room for a trio of adults in the back. And the boot, which is accessed via a powered tailgate, can hold 408 litres of kit – this limit is increased further with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

Elsewhere, there is a large hidden tray that pops out from the dash at the press of a button, a glovebox, a central cubby with wireless charging pad, door bins with space for a bottle, a sunnies compartment, seat back pockets, plus front and rear cup holders.

The Ariya secured a maximum five-stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and is kitted out with a comprehensive list of safety features and driver assistance aids. These include ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link and ProPilot Park, intelligent front emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intelligent rear emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, blind spot intervention, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent cruise control, intelligent driver alert, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist and plenty more besides.

When it comes to charging the Ariya with the larger 87kWh battery, as tested, it can be boosted from 20 to 80 per cent in 40 minutes via a 130kW fast charger.

All in all, the Ariya is a superb family SUV that’s very big on style, performance and all-round appeal. No, it’s not cheap but many comparable rivals cost a whole lot more.

Test Drive

Nissan Ariya 63kWh Advance (2022)

Nissan has a sterling reputation for developing top quality SUVs and, with years of EV experience thanks to the Leaf, has built up plenty of electrification know-how. Now the company has put the two together to create the Ariya.

It’s a five-door medium-sized crossover that is competitively priced, very easy on the eye, packed with technology and pleasant to drive. There is a choice of 63kWh or 87kWh batteries and customers can select between generously-equipped trims called Advance or Evolve with the option of adding e-4ORCE which is Nissan’s all-drive system.

We tested the entry-level Advance model powered by the smaller battery pack. Costing £43,845 (£46,365 with options) the 2WD car delivers 217PS with 300Nm of torque. It can sprint from 0-62mph in just 7.5 seconds and tops out at 100mph with a combined driving range of 250 miles between charges.

There’s no denying the Ariya is a beautifully styled model with lots of road presence, especially if customers opt for the stunning Akatsuki Copper paintwork with Pearl Black roof.

There are LED headlights with auto high beam assist and LED daytime running lights, plus LED tail lights, rear privacy glass, heated and folding mirrors, a handsfree tailgate, satin chrome window surrounds, a shark fin antenna and 19-inch alloy wheels with aero covers.

The interior is upmarket and very premium in its design and layout with black synthetic leather upholstered seats with fabric inserts. These, along with the steering wheel, can be heated to fend off the winter blues.

The main nerve centre within the cabin is the 12.3-inch navigation infotainment screen. There is wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity and a cabled Android Auto facility, along with a virtual personal assistant to help with all manner of requests from planning routes, making a call or finding a radio station.

The temperature controls are located in a separate panel and are touch-sensitive. These work well once you get familiar with them, but are not as simple as a traditional dial.

The 12.3-inch digital display screen behind the steering wheel offers all the vital driving details such as speed and battery range and everything is very driver-focused and easy to use on the fly.

The all-round driver visibility is good and, with a 360-degree camera that detects moving objects, reversing is made safer and simpler.

When it comes to performance, the Ariya is a pleasure to drive with instant acceleration and impressive power levels. It is well grounded on twisting country lanes with minimal body movement and can cruise at 70mph on motorways – although this will see the range drop quicker than in-town driving where the regenerative braking boosts the battery levels in the background.

The steering is nicely weighted and drive modes called Eco, Standard and Sport change the driving characteristics of the Ariya. There is also an e-Pedal which means you can drive using just the accelerator in congested traffic and as you ease off the pressure, so the car begins to brake.

Noise levels are well supressed and the suspension system does an excellent job of smoothing out any bumps and dips along the way too.

From a practicality point of view, the Ariya is deceptively spacious with plenty of rear legroom for occupants to stretch out. Taller passengers may find their hair brushing up against the headlining though due to the car’s sloping roof design.

The boot can swallow 466 litres of kit and there are a number of practical storage options throughout the car, including two gloveboxes, door bins, front and rear cup holders, a charging pad beneath the front armrest, a sunglasses compartment, front charging ports that are rather awkwardly positioned, along with a couple of ports in the back too.

Although the Nissan Ariya is yet to be crash-tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating, the car is packed with features to protect occupants and help prevent accidents happening.

These include speed assist, blind spot intervention, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent cruise control, traffic jam assist, intelligent driver alert, traffic sign recognition and plenty more besides.

When it comes to charging the Ariya with the smaller battery, as tested, it can be boosted from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes via a 130kW charger or 10 hours from 10 to 100 per cent using a 7.4kW home wallbox.

All in all, the Ariya is an excellent follow-up to the highly popular Nissan Leaf. It has been a long time coming, but some things in life are worth the wait and the Ariya is one of them.