Nissan came out with Arya almost three years ago but struggled to launch production while good and deliver enough cars. Now these issues seem to be finally gone, and buyers around the world enjoy Nissan's first electric crossover without waiting months for delivery. Ariya is a base FWD version with a 63kW (160hp) output with a 218KWH battery and a larger 87KW (4hp) AWD called e-290KW (389hp) AWD with a 27kWh battery Our test model has a 87kWh battery, but the FWD version has a smaller battery. A single motor with a single motor means that it is the one with the maximum efficiency and the longest range. It also features the best trim "evolution" available, with optional two-tone metallic paint jobs, 20-inch alloy wheels and blue leather seats.
Nissan went with a very futuristic design for the Arya, it is very easy for the eyes. Since this is an electric car, it does not require a traditional grill, so Nissan has funky huge plastic panels with design elements disappearing in the center, imitating lanterns from traditional Japanese culture. The other most prominent element up front is the huge headlights, with its running light parts pierced down and in the center, creating a unique and sinister look. There's a real grill further down to help cool the battery it's finished in black for all models, so Ariya is more off-road. The side of the arya creates the illusion that the roofline is "floating" and there is no surprise, except for the optional two-tone paint, where the car is lower than it really is.
The rear end is the most prominent part of the Nissan Arya. It is characterized by many hard edges and a lack of traditional logos replaced by letters spelling "Nissan". A huge LED bar continues from end to end, with a built-in taillight. Its light signature stands out from many other new models with a single taillight bar that came out recently. The taillights are high in the center and gradually sloping with steep curves at both ends. There is also a large spoiler that finishes the rear end design and makes the entire vehicle feel complete with its sleek integration. The interior of the Arya is really impressive. Our test model had an optional blue leather interior, which may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it makes for a cozy atmosphere and distinguishes the vehicle from competitors.
Practically the entire dashboard and Alcantara with a nice wooden accent finishes the premium setting. When you open the driver's door, you discover the perfect attention to detail, as Nissan once again integrated the traditional Japanese lantern design, and this time also use it as mood lighting. When you get into the night, even just watching it during the day looks spectacular. The spacious seats are very relaxed and do not rush. They can be adjusted in multiple ways and provide heating and ventilation in evolution trim. Then, when you are sitting comfortably, you directly reach for the steering wheel that is borrowed from the lightweight sports coupe Nissan Z except here and it has lost the sporty feeling that comes with it with the spokes at the bottom.
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The 12.3" gauge cluster display behind the handle can be customized 12.3 inches wide to show exactly the information you need, and the interesting thing is that there is a brightness button on the left side of the screen and the brightness of different stages is displayed, but all the lights inside can pop out much more prominently. Except for the last one, none of them make a big difference. Above the gauge cluster display we found a large head-up display unit that has augmented reality features and has great integration with the navigation system. Under the central screen there is a button for turning the system on and off - a beautiful polished large knob that is the focus of the entire interior.
Danger light button and next track integrated into a single large unit that extends all the way through the center console along with an A/C outlet beside it It is a nice design that fits seamlessly with the rest of the interior and creates a more premium setting. Another amazing combination of technology and design is just below the vents, where you can see a large wooden piece, stretching again from end to end inside. It not only looks amazing but also has a built-in climate control button that is very easy to use. Moving further down the middle, you'll find perhaps the weirdest feature in the car we've tested yet. Large power-operated storage area, well hidden and unlabeled.
This is definitely a great place to hide things you don't want anyone to find. It can be opened by pressing a button on the center console, and there is also a fake floor, like a suitcase in a gangster movie. Speaking of the center console, it is also very quirky. There is a button to move the entire unit forward and backward, allowing you to have more storage rooms in the front or more legroom in the back. The shifter is also mounted here, surrounded by buttons for controlling the drive mode, and includes said hidden storage area and parking assist. They are again attached to a piece of wood, and not a traditional button. Near the same is the cup holder and armrest, which includes a wireless charging spot and a small storage compartment, since most of the space inside the console itself is occupied by electronics.
If you move the whole unit back, on its lowest front part you will see another small pocket with 3 charging ports USB-A, USB-C and cigarette lighter are all available for your optimal convenience. Moving to the back row, a slight decrease is observed in terms of material selection, but convenience remains noticeable for the segment. You get a heated seat and charging port for rear passengers, and the same soft blue leather. But the door is made of harder plastic and the lantern light from the front appears to be present, but only a part of it lights up. A great touch is that even the latch for dropping the back seat is covered with leather.
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Ariya also provides, when it comes to space on the back. Our reviewer is 1.95m (6'4") high and fits comfortably. Because of the sloping roof line, there is more leg room than headroom, but no place close to cramped. It also comes with several storage pockets and fake floors for increased ease of use. These combined with many storage areas inside the cabin make Ariya a great daily companion. Sadly, Nissan took the Arya from the frank (front trunk). The place there is filled with electrical components, so nothing can be stored there. The Arya is not a very maneuverable vehicle, but this is probably its main drawback when it comes to urban driving and tight parking conditions.
Thankfully, the camera system works well and you are always aware of your surroundings. Driver Aid is a bit too paranoid in the Arya and is engaged in a forward collision system especially at a very early stage. A great driving aid is the augmented reality of the head-up display, which draws the next corner so you can be better prepared and turn as smoothly as possible. It's definitely a gimmick, but we like it and give Ariya an advantage over other family crossovers. When it comes to technology, Ariya doesn't reinvent the wheel. There are no insane new features, but everything here works well. The only exception is the delay when interacting with the main infotainment screen - it's slow, unresponsive and under overall par for modern EVs.
The performance of the screen itself aside, we appreciate the customizable menu, which makes it easier to set your most frequently used options just as you want them to be. Also, the most impressive bit in being able to browse the Internet, read news, get live traffic updates and software over-the-air (OTA) updates is definitely the key to being integrated into the tree trim. The Nissan Ariya we tested is not a track car with a relatively tame 242 horsepower and FWD. Ariya accelerates smoothly without pressing power instantly even in sports mode. Admittedly, Ariya is not the best when it comes to technology, especially the center display feels underpowered, but if you want it to work onboard, be easy to use and meet your specific needs.
At the end of the day, this is a daily driver offering a relatively forgotten concept of luxury in a small car, and this is exactly its strongest selling point. None of the competitors in this price range are close to attention to detail, and not everyone feels that the price premium is worth it, but we are very pleased that in an era when vehicle software is the most important characteristic, some manufacturers are still worried about the quality of their products.
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