Overview
The Nissan Ariya is Nissan's flagship electric crossover, positioned as a premium step up from the pioneering Leaf. It competes in the mid-sized family EV SUV segment against rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, and Hyundai IONIQ 5. Built on the dedicated CMF-EV platform, the Ariya marks a shift toward higher-end design, sophisticated cabin comfort, and long-range electric mobility.
Design
Nissan calls the exterior styling of the Ariya 'Timeless Japanese Futurism'. It features a distinctive shield grille adorned with a 3D Kumiko pattern, ultra-thin LED headlights, and a continuous light bar spanning the rear. The coupe-like roofline gives the crossover a swept-back, aerodynamic silhouette, complemented by clean body lines and aerodynamic alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 20 inches.
Interior
The cabin prioritizes a lounge-like minimalist aesthetic, featuring open space, soft-touch materials, and haptic-feedback climate controls integrated directly into the wooden dashboard trim. Dual 12.3-inch curved screens handle driver instrumentation and infotainment, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An electrically sliding center console allows drivers to customize the layout and storage access, while ambient lighting creates an open, relaxed atmosphere.
Performance & Powertrains
The lineup begins with a FWD single motor powered by a 63kWh battery producing 217 bhp, delivering a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.5 seconds and a range of up to 250 miles. The larger 87kWh battery option paired with FWD produces 242 bhp, extending the range to a maximum of 329 miles. Dual-motor e-4ORCE AWD variants output 306 bhp with up to 319 miles of range. Maximum DC rapid charging across the range is capped at 130 kW, taking roughly 33 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. On the road, the Ariya delivers smooth acceleration and quiet refinement, though the ride can feel somewhat firm over uneven road surfaces.
Practicality
Front occupants benefit from a flat floor with no central barrier between the footwells, creating generous legroom. The rear is spacious, though the sloping roofline slightly reduces headroom for taller passengers. FWD models offer a boot capacity of 468 litres, while AWD versions reduce capacity to 415 litres due to the rear motor setup. Underfloor cable storage is included, though there is no frunk.
Buying
Prices for the Nissan Ariya start at £37,500 for the entry-level Advance model and reach up to £44,000 for top-tier Evolve variant. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Ariya 87kWh FWD in Evolve trim. This combination delivers the optimal balance of maximum real-world distance, luxury features including a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, and a Bose sound system, without the range penalty or added cost of the AWD system.