The 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4orce is a luxury electric SUV that offers a a bold design, spacious interior, and advanced technology. It’s the perfect car for those who want a stylish and comfortable EV that stands out in the crowd. I’ve been looking forward to my time in the Ariya since I first had the chance to check out the Ariya preproduction model a few years ago and couldn’t wait to get the Ariya on the road and discover the drive in real life.
Exterior Design
First off, name a better, futuristically-designed EV on the market. (I’ll wait…) The Nissan Ariya drapped in two-tones of copper and black is absolutely gorgeous! The copper accents on the front bumper, side skirts, and rear diffuser give the Ariya a bold and modern look. The black roof and mirror caps add a touch of contrast, while the 20-inch alloy wheels complete the look.
The Ariya’s exterior design is not only eye-catching, but it is also functional. The sloping roofline helps to improve aerodynamics, which in turn helps to extend the Ariya’s range. The large grille and aerodynamic bumpers help to direct air around the vehicle, which also helps to improve efficiency.
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Interior Design
The Ariya’s interior is spacious and comfortable. The Ariya’s interior is beautifully crafted, with soft, heated/ventillated Nappa leather seats, a premium Bose sound system, and a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays. The Ariya also has a panoramic sunroof that lets in plenty of natural light. The rear seats are also spacious, making the Ariya a great choice for small families. The Ariya’s cargo space is also impressive. It has 34.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.
The Ariya has a starting MSRP of $45,950. This makes it one of the most affordable EVs on the market, however; the top model Platinum+ AWD e-4orce model that I experienced had an MSRP of $62,480.
The Drive
The Ariya is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Ariya plenty of power for passing and merging on the highway. The Ariya also has an estimated range of 257 miles, which is more than enough for most daily driving needs but not the best for summer road trip adventures. During a recent drive to Chicago, I had the adventure of a lifetime having to make multiple stops to recharge. With many 100% EVs boasting ranges of 516 – 324, I was a bit bummed by the 257 range on the Ariya, but luckily I was able to rely of Nissan Conceirge to guide me to the closest charging station before it was too late.
Technology
The Ariya is loaded with advanced technology, including a 10.8-inch head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist 2.0 driver-assistance system. The ProPilot Assist system can help you steer, brake, and accelerate on the highway, making the drive as seemless and easy as possible. But with all new technology, comes some challenges, bugs and tech kinks to straighten out. Unfortunately, the Ariya’s EV system is no exception.
While driving the Nissan Ariya in downtown Detroit, the system unexpectedly shut down and would not restart. After several attempts to restart the Ariya, I had to get it towed back home instead. While waiting for the tow truck, there were several pedestrians that were in awe of the Ariya (and one guy in particular that had his camera out and ready thinking he’d be the first to record the self driving, Ariya. He was dissapointed when I had to inform him that it wasn’t self driving, it was just waiting to be towed.)
Overall, I enjoyed the Ariya even though I was a bit traumatized by range anxiety and the unexpected EV system shut down. The 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4orce is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxurious and spacious electric SUV that will turn heads. The Ariya is equipped with a variety of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. If you’re looking for a luxurious, spacious, and affordable electric SUV, the 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4orce is a great option.
Pros:
- Incredible exterior design
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Plenty of space for passengers and cargo
- Luxurious interior
Cons:
- Not the longest range of any EV on the market
- Top model’s price tag puts it in luxury territory
To learn more about the Nissan Ariya visit NissanUSA.com.
