My Favorite Features on the 2023 Nissan Ariya
Author:
Brian Moody.
The Ariya Just Does the Job
I like how the Nissan Ariya isn’t shouting about how cool or unusual it is. Frankly, it looks like a futuristic Nissan Murano. But “normal” can have a positive connotation too. Creative, different, and quirky are great qualities in people and artistic endeavors. However, having something work as expected is a reward all its own. It’s why so many people go to Denny’s; you know what you’re going to get.
Like a favorite wrench or a super reliable refrigerator, these are tools designed to accomplish a specific task. Think of the Nissan Ariya in that same light. It just works. It’s a comfortable, tech-savvy, attractive SUV that just happens to be powered by electricity. It’s not an enthusiast’s car; it’s a “late for carpool again” kind of car. Not everyone has the patience for an old Citroen, and not everyone wants the attention and drama of GT-R.
Serene Ariya Interior
I like a few of the little things hidden inside the Ariya that make it better than your average crossover. The interior design has a mixture of practical and serene. Backed up with clear Japanese-inspired textures and touches, the interior is normal bordering on upscale. There are so many little touches inside the cabin that belie the SUVs “normal” demeanor. The cord minder is nice. There’s a little hook to wrap up a smartphone power cable and minimize clutter. The power moveable center armrest is also a nice touch as is the fold-out and covered dash-mounted storage bin.
The uncluttered theme is really evident with the lack of protruding hard buttons. Most buttons on the dash and center console are flush. They’re barely visible when the car is switched off, but they’re backlit when you turn the car on. Nissan describes them like this: “Primary climate control functions are integrated into the wooden center dash in the form of capacitive haptic switches that offer the same feeling as mechanical switches by vibrating when touched.”
How Does Pro Pilot 2.0 Work?
In addition, Nissan’s Pro Pilot 2.0 is a real-world and useful hands-free driver assist feature that is easy to use and easy to understand. Just an FYI to anyone considering a Nissan specifically for the Pro Pilot 2.0 system — it’s good and second only to GM’s Super Cruise, in my opinion. But be aware that Super Cruise and Pro Pilot 2.0 do not like construction zones. You will have to take over frequently if you live near multiple highway construction zones — you know, the kind that never seems to be complete.
Nissan Ariya Real-World Range
In the same way, the Ariya’s 200–300 mile range (depending on trim level) is not exceptionally low or high — the 285+ mile range of the Empower+ model is just about right and, for us, has meant home charging less than once per week. A recent 150-mile round trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains was handled with no worries. However, we did top off at Air BNB using only the 110 charger overnight. It wasn’t needed but we did it anyway.
So, if you’re looking for a pavement-blistering Tesla beater, the Ariya isn’t it. If you’re looking for a normal two-row crossover SUV that just happens to be electric, the Ariya is it. It asks very little of the driver, and it’s efficient, exceedingly practical, and boldly normal. Related:
2023 Nissan Ariya: Choosing the Right Trim.
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