The all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya, Nissan’s first all-electric crossover SUV, offers powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet operation, and, with an estimated range of up to approximately 300 miles for the Venture+ model, Ariya is the perfect partner for daily commutes and road trips alike.
Ariya is a cornerstone of the Nissan NEXT global transformation plan and is the first production model to represent the company’s new electrified brand identity, forging a path toward a new automotive era where electrification, optimized platform packaging, and seamless vehicle technology are standard.
Its advanced driver-assistance features, concierge-like assistance, and seamless connectivity heightens on-road confidence and provides a welcoming environment for the driver and passengers.
The all-new Ariya also builds on Nissan’s strength as an EV pioneer and innovator, starting off with the groundbreaking Nissan LEAF, which, since its introduction more than a decade ago, has racked up global sales of more than 550,000 vehicles.
EV MOTOR AND IMPLEMENTATION
Unlike the Leaf, which comes only with front-wheel drive, Nissan is pulling from features developed in other cars, including the GT-R sports car’s torque-split system, to offer optional all-wheel drive via a dual-front/rear-electric-motor configuration.
Front-wheel-drive models offer a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 7.2 seconds according to Nissan, so if you’re looking for more pep, consider the more powerful all-wheel-drive Ariya which is significantly faster. We estimate that model will zip from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds, a feat that is similar to higher-end electric vehicles.
From what we’ve experienced so far, the Ariya provides a calm, stable ride that should please most buyers, but it lacks the sporty nature we driving enthusiasts prefer. When we get a chance to test the 2023 Nissan Ariya for ourselves and evaluate its handling in the real world, we’ll update this story with details.
Nissan says the Venture+ offers up to 300 miles of driving range per charge, which is quite the step up from the Leaf’s maximum range of 226 miles. The Evolve+ and Premiere models offer up to 285 miles per charge and the top-spec Platinum+ is supposedly good for up to 265.
Similarly sized vehicles include Jaguar’s I-Pace and Audi’s E-Tron, which have 234 and 204 miles of range, respectively. Key rivals from Tesla offer claimed ranges of over 300 miles.
The 2023 Nissan Ariya will be capable of charging at home on 110- or 240-volt outlets as well as at public charging stations and even DC fast-charging ports.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
EPA fuel economy estimates aren’t yet available for the Ariya, nor has Nissan released any claimed MPGe figures. When the Ariya gets closer to launch, that information will likely be available.
We also hope to test the Ariya ourselves on our 200-mile highway route, which allows us to evaluate its real-world efficiency. For more information about the 2023 Nissan Ariya’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
The 2023 Nissan Ariya‘s interior looks futuristic and minimal. Nissan has discarded every button possible in pursuit of a smooth dashboard that favors a sleek look to match the design of the exterior.
Despite Nissan’s claim that the Ariya’s cabin is unlike a traditional automotive interior, its minimalistic theme appears to be its sole unique trait. Not that the cabin doesn’t look like a nice place to spend time.
A flat, low floor creates a spacious feeling inside, and Nissan has incorporated its comfy zero-gravity seats into the design. The rear seat space is noticeably less generous than the front, but a pair of adults should still find it comfortable and roomy enough even for long-distance travel.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
Dual 12.3-inch displays serve as both the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation should all be standard features.
The Ariya concept that was shown in 2019 had a feature that allowed the car to sync with the schedule of the driver, so it can pre-heat or pre-cool the interior while it’s parked and charging, and therefore not draw on the power from the battery.
The concept also showed off technology that would allow the driver to use their phone to park the Ariya automatically from a nearby location using ProPilot’s Remote Park, a system similar to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature. Nissan hasn’t said yet if these features will make it to the production model.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
The 2023 Nissan Ariya will feature ProPilot 2.0, Nissan’s second generation of the ProPilot semi-autonomous technology, as an optional feature. The system allows drivers to remove their hands from the wheel in certain driving scenarios.
Although we haven’t tested this new setup, we liked the original ProPilot system when we used it in 2017—and if that’s any indication of how version 2.0 will perform, our expectations are high.
For more information about the 2023 Nissan Ariya’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
2023 Nissan Ariya
Vehicle Type: front- or front- and rear-motor, front- or all-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base: front-wheel-drive with standard battery, $40,000 (est.); front-wheel drive with large battery, $47,125; all-wheel-drive, $60,125
POWERTRAINS
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 63 or 87 kWh
Dual Motor: current-excited synchronous AC motors, combined output of 389 hp, 443 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 87 kWh
Charging: 7.2 kW on-board charger; 130 kW CCS DC-fast charging
Transmission: direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 109.3 in
Length: 182.9 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 65.4-65.7 in
Passenger Volume: 105 ft3
Cargo Volume: 23 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4200-4700 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.9-7.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.0-15.8 sec
Top Speed: 115 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 93-105/99-110/90-99 MPGe
Range: 215-300 mi
