Nissan turns new leaf with Ariya
December marked 13 years since Nissan introduced the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle. At its inception, the Leaf was ugly and it had an Epa-estimated range of just 73 miles.
While it was a pioneer, it appears that the Japanese carmaker will end its production.
But no matter. Nissan has turned over a new leaf with the 2023 Ariya, the company’s first battery-electric crossover SUV.
Long-awaited due to myriad supply-chain and factory issues, the Ariya launches the Nissan brand into a more upscale arena with stylish looks, quality cabin materials and craftsmanship, and higher-end than usual features for this segment.
Nissan says Ariya redefines its current design philosophy inside and out, calling it “timeless Japanese futurism.” That translates to sleeker, minimalist designs in an electric package.
Other interesting concepts include a motorized center armrest for driver comfort and added leg room for rear passengers. Then there’s the slide-out table from under the dashboard that, Nissan says, can be used as a “mobile office or on-the-go picnic table” while waiting for a charge.
In all its forms, Ariya has strong, steady acceleration and a smooth and quiet ride around town or on the highway. Handling on corners and curves is impressive, partly because of its responsive steering. But most of the credit goes to the battery pack under the center of the vehicle, giving it a low center of gravity plus near 50-50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
Braking is rather spongy but gets the job done. Or press the e-step button for one-pedal driving, which
MSRP: As tested (Empower+ FWD):$59,220 Powertrain: 238 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque; juiced by an 87 kwh lithiumion battery; zero-60 mph in about 7 seconds
Fuel economy: Epaestimated 105 mpg-e city, 91 highway
regenerates energy to extend mileage. This one does not bring the Ariya to a full stop, so the final braking is on you.
Ariya also gets Nissan’s newest version of driverassist technology, called Propilot 2.0, which allows hands-free driving on mapped roads and lanecentering on others. It also manages lane changes, passing and highway exiting.
The Ariya comes with a 7.2-kw onboard charger that can get a full charge in 14 hours with a Level 2 charger. With a fast charger, Nissan says it will charge from 10-80% in 40 minutes.
Inside, a simple design and flat, open floor area enhance Ariya’s roominess. It’s a beautiful five-seat cabin with ample headroom and legroom in front and rear.
Slim-profile Zerogravity seats up front are comfortable and supportive, including lumbar, and offer multiple adjustments to accommodate all sizes. They are heated and ventilated. Rear seats are heated, too.
In keeping with the minimalist concept, the primary control panel up front has no conventional switches but a row of touch-sensitive buttons integrated on a matte-finish wood strip on the dash. Clean and simple, they respond quickly with a subtle vibration to the touch.
The shifter is smooth and palm-sized, and has a nice feel, while the steering wheel is heated and offers power adjustment, too.
Cabin cooling seemed sluggish. The AC, however, can be limited to specific zones to save energy.
The infotainment touchscreen is colorful, responsive and easy enough to use. It’s compatible with Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.
Ariya also is the first Nissan model to offer automatic software updates for its multimedia system, various electronics, chassis, climate operation and EV settings.
The base Ariya starts at around $45,000, several thousand more than some quality rivals. Ariya does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, so there’s that to consider, too. But when you see all the standard goodies like panoramic sunroof, heated seats and head-up display, the Ariya still looks like a pretty sweet deal.