The Ariya is Nissan's second fully electric vehicle (after the LEAF) and it debuted last year. Similar in size to the Murano, the Ariya recently offered a four-wheel drive version that many buyers were waiting for.
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One of the most common criticism we were hearing about the 2023 Nissan Ariya concerned its high price. On the one hand, it exceeded that of competing models and, on the other hand, it prevented all-wheel drive versions from being eligible for certain rebates in some locations.
Nissan Reduces Ariya's Price in 2024
No major updates for the 2024 Nissan Ariya compared to the 2023 model, but the electric SUV gets a shot in the arm for the new model year with significant price reductions on all trims.
The 2024 Nissan Ariya offers a range of trim levels to suit your needs and budget, with a starting price of $40,980 for the base Engage trim. This puts it above the Nissan Leaf and other affordable EVs, but still under the Tesla Model Y. However, it's important to note that the Engage trim comes with a smaller battery pack and a lower driving range of 216 miles compared to other trims.
Stepping up to the Venture+ trim brings the longest range in the Ariya lineup at 304 miles, for a starting price of $42,580. Evolve+ and Empower+ trims offer a balance between range and price, starting at $45,580 and $46,580 respectively, and offering up to 289 miles of driving range. Finally, the top-of-the-line Platinum+ trim offers all-wheel drive but with a slightly lower range of 265 miles, with a starting price of $55,580.
Exterior Design of The 2024 Nissan Ariya
The 2024 Nissan Ariya throws out the rulebook on SUV design. From the front, it's a vision of futuristic sleekness. A closed-off grille, dominated by Nissan's new illuminated logo, hints at the electric nature of the beast. Narrow, sharp LED headlights pierce the night, while sculpted lines on the hood hint at the power lurking beneath. It's a face that commands attention, whispering of a technological marvel ready to be unleashed.
Slide along the side of the Ariya and the feeling of futuristic elegance continues. The sloping roofline gives it a coupe-like silhouette, a clear departure from the boxy shapes of traditional SUVs. Flush door handles and minimal body sculpting create a smooth, almost monolithic appearance. But the Ariya isn't all show and no go. Large wheels with sculpted spokes hint at athleticism, promising a dynamic driving experience.
Around back, the Ariya maintains its futuristic theme. The taillights, sleek and narrow like boomerangs, stretch across the entire tailgate. A spoiler integrated into the roofline adds a touch of sportiness, while a hidden rear wiper keeps the clean lines uncluttered. The overall impression is one of aerodynamic efficiency and futuristic cool. It's an SUV that wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi movie.
Interior
Step inside the 2024 Nissan Ariya and prepare to be transported to a minimalist haven. Nissan has waged war on buttons, crafting a smooth, futuristic dashboard that echoes the sleek lines of the exterior. While some might find the lack of physical controls a departure from the traditional, there's no denying the clean aesthetic it creates.
But the Ariya isn't just about looks. The spacious interior benefits from a flat, low floor, creating an airy feel. Sink into Nissan's renowned zero-gravity seats, designed for maximum comfort on even the longest journeys. While the rear seats might feel slightly less generous than the front, they still offer ample space and comfort for two adults.
Dominating the dashboard is a dual-display setup – two 12.3-inch screens serving as both your digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation, putting your world of connectivity at your fingertips. For added convenience, wireless smartphone charging and a head-up display are available options.
The infotainment system itself offers not one, but two voice assistants – Amazon Alexa and a built-in Nissan system. This allows for natural voice commands to control everything from music and navigation to climate control, keeping your focus firmly on the road ahead.
Engine and Performance
The 2024 Nissan Ariya ditches the single-minded approach of the Leaf and offers a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and an exciting new all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. This AWD system, dubbed e-4ORCE, borrows technology from Nissan's high-performance GT-R, utilizing a dual electric motor setup for precise power distribution to all four wheels.
While the FWD Ariya delivers a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, the e-4ORCE AWD truly shines. In tests, it ripped from a standstill to 60 mph in a scorching 5.0 seconds, rivaling the acceleration of some premium electric vehicles.
However, the Ariya prioritizes comfort over outright thrills. Our experience suggests a calm and stable ride, which will likely please most drivers seeking a smooth and serene driving experience. If you crave a sporty and engaging character, though, the Ariya might not be your perfect match.
2024 Nissan Ariay's Range, Charging and Battery
The 2024 Nissan Ariya offers a range that caters to a variety of needs. The champion for long journeys is the Venture+ trim, offering an impressive 304 miles on a single charge – a significant leap from the Leaf's offering. Opting for front-wheel-drive Evolve+, Empower+, and Premiere trims brings you down to a still-respectable 289 miles of range, while the top-of-the-line Platinum+ dips slightly to 265 miles.
However, there's a trade-off to consider. The base Engage trim, priced attractively, comes with a smaller battery pack and a consequently lower range of 216 miles. Additionally, choosing the optional all-wheel-drive system (e-4ORCE) across any trim level sacrifices some range, bringing the maximum down to 272 miles.
It's important to remember that these are EPA-estimated ranges, and real-world figures can vary depending on factors like driving habits and weather conditions. Our own tests on a front-wheel-drive Empower+ model yielded a 240-mile range on a simulated highway drive, while the e-4ORCE Platinum+ fell to 210 miles in the same test.
The Ariya offers multiple charging options to keep you on the move. You can plug it in at home using a standard 110-volt outlet, or opt for a faster charge with a 240-volt outlet. Public charging stations are also readily available, and the Ariya is even compatible with DC fast-charging for those times when you need a quick boost.
Looking to the future, Nissan promises an adapter that will allow Ariya owners to utilize Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. Additionally, next year's model is rumored to adopt Tesla's proprietary NACS charging port, further expanding charging options.
The Drive
The 2024 Nissan Ariya ushers in a new era of electric driving, prioritizing comfort and serenity over heart-pounding thrills. Unlike the single-minded Leaf, the Ariya offers a choice: front-wheel drive for efficient cruising or the exciting e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system, borrowing technology from Nissan's GT-R for precise power distribution.
While the FWD Ariya delivers a 0-60 mph time in a respectable 7.5 seconds, the e-4ORCE AWD truly shines, rocketing to 60 mph in a scorching 5.0 seconds. However, reviewers suggest the Ariya prioritizes a calm and stable ride over outright athleticism. This translates to a smooth, confidence-inspiring experience that will likely please most drivers seeking a tranquil electric journey.
Range anxiety? Not here. The Ariya offers a range that caters to a variety of needs. The champion is the Venture+ trim, offering an impressive 304 miles on a single charge, while other trims range from 216 miles to 289 miles, depending on battery pack and drivetrain configuration. Even with the range reduction that comes with the e-4ORCE system, you'll still have plenty of juice for most commutes and road trips.
Charging is a breeze with the Ariya. You can plug it in at home using a standard 110-volt outlet, or opt for a faster charge with a 240-volt outlet. Public charging stations are readily available, and the Ariya is even compatible with DC fast-charging. The future looks even brighter, with Nissan promising an adapter for Tesla Superchargers and rumors of the Ariya adopting Tesla's NACS charging port next year.
The 2024 Nissan Ariya isn't just an electric SUV; it's a statement piece. With its futuristic design, serene driving experience, and impressive range, the Ariya carves a unique path in the electric vehicle market. It prioritizes comfort, technology, and a touch of futuristic flair, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a refined and sophisticated electric driving experience.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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