Is the 2023 Nissan Ariya a Good Electric SUV? 5 Pros and 4 Cons
More than a decade after launching the Leaf, the first modern mass-market electric vehicle available to buyers throughout the U.S., Nissan has rolled out a second EV after numerous delays, the Ariya compact SUV.
Related: 2023 Nissan Ariya Review: An EV Pioneer Follows Up With Solid Second Act
About the size of Nissan’s Rogue compact SUV but more stylish, with a shorter hood and longer, sloping roof, the Ariya has a modern and aggressive look. It goes up against an increasing number of similar EVs from other manufacturers, including the Chevrolet Bolts EV and EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen ID.4 — and it’s a worthy competitor, with usable range, a cleanly designed and comfortable cabin, and plenty of high-tech driver assist features.
That sloping roof takes a toll on visibility, however, and while the Ariya’s range is OK, some competitors can travel farther on a charge. Drivers in search of an Ariya with all-wheel drive will have to wait a bit longer, too, as those aren’t expected to arrive in showrooms until early 2023.
Cars.com reviewer Jennifer Geiger recently got to know the 2023 Ariya and found it pretty impressive all around. To read Geiger’s complete review, click the link above; for a quicker look, however, read on to learn five things we like about the new Nissan Ariya and four things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Easy Driver
The Ariya feels a lot like any other compact SUV from behind the wheel, with nothing quirky about its controls or drivability. That’s a good thing and sure to be appreciated by first-time EV buyers. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than performance, and the Ariya feels stable and controlled over bumps. The steering is nicely weighted and accurate, and the cabin remains quiet at speed, with little wind or road noise.
2. Nice Brakes
Like many other EVs, the Ariya uses regenerative braking to help maximize range while slowing the vehicle. But unlike some others, such as the Mustang Mach-E, the brakes in the Ariya feel natural and linear and are easy to get used to. True one-pedal driving isn’t an option, however, because the Ariya won’t come to a complete stop without tapping the brake pedal even with the most aggressive regenerative setting selected.
3. Big Screens
The cabin design is minimalist and modern, featuring one programmable and customizable 12.3-inch screen for the instrument panel and a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. We found the touchscreen to be responsive and easy to use, and it’s compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto users must still get by with a wired connection).
4. Trick Interior Features
Unusual and welcome interior features include a standard power sliding center console that can be moved forward if desired or slid back to open up a large storage area between and in front of the front seats. You also get a handy small storage bin and tray or work surface that slides out from the dashboard with the push of a button.
5. Useful Tech
All trims come with the extensive Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety systems, while two new driver assistance systems make their debut on the Ariya: ProPilot Park can automatically handle perpendicular or parallel parking chores, while an updated version of ProPilot Assist uses a combination of radar, cameras and sensors to allow hands-free driving on mapped highways. During her test, Geiger found it sophisticated and capable.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Poor Rear Visibility
Like many vehicles that combine SUV attributes with coupelike styling, the Ariya’s low, sloping roof takes a toll on interior headroom and visibility. There’s plenty of legroom front and rear, but taller occupants may find headroom lacking, particularly in the back. Rear visibility is also compromised by the low roof, thick pillars and a protruding rear camera.
2. Limited Range
The Ariya is available with two batteries: The standard setup uses a 63-kilowatt-hour battery and is good for 216 miles of range with front-wheel drive or 205 miles with AWD. We tested an Ariya in Empower Plus trim with the larger 87-kWh battery and FWD, which returns an estimated 304 miles of range. AWD models with the larger battery get a second motor and can deliver 270 miles. Nonetheless, competitors including the Mustang Mach-E and ID.4 have better range.
3. No AWD Yet
A big part of the reason many people buy any compact SUV is for the added traction of available all-wheel drive. That option isn’t available for Ariya buyers yet, though Nissan expects to have AWD models available by early 2023.
4. Price
In base trim, the 2023 Nissan Ariya starts at around $44,000 (including destination). That’s less than a Mustang Mach-E but considerably more than either the Chevrolet Bolts or VW ID.4. Opting for the larger battery brings the entry price of an Ariya to $48,000, and prices top out at more than $61,000 for a top trim with AWD. And unlike some competitors, it’s unlikely the Ariya will be eligible for any federal tax credits.
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