Nissan was one of the first companies to bring a proper electric car to market when it launched the Leaf in 2010, but it’s been relatively quiet in the EV market since. A second-generation Leaf appeared in 2017, but the Ariya SUV launched in 2022 is much more desirable - and possibly even more so as a used buy.
We think it’s a big step forward for Nissan, in terms of its design, quality, and usability, and while it won’t change the world like the Nissan Qashqai did in the 2000s, it shows Nissan still has the ability to make something unique, while still offering the kind of features that buyers want in an EV.
It’s certainly not alone in the market like the original Leaf was back in 2010 though. If you’re shopping for a used Ariya, then you might also consider the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach E, and Tesla Model Y.
The Nissan Ariya is distinctive to look at and pretty good to drive, and at roughly the same size as the incredibly popular Nissan Qashqai, it’s an obvious car to consider if you’re looking to move to electric power for your next family car.
You get a sense Nissan has really made an effort with the Ariya too. It’s far more than just an electric Qashqai, with more interesting styling inside and out, it uses higher quality materials, and offers more performance too - going some way to justifying a price that, like all EVs, is still quite a leap over an equivalent combustion vehicle.
The Ariya offers two battery sizes, two drivetrain options (front and four-wheel drive), and four power outputs. The smallest battery is still enough for a real-world range in the region of 200 miles, while the larger one could take you more than 300 miles in some conditions. A maximum 130kW charge rate means it can’t be topped up as quickly as some rivals, but public chargers rarely offer the maximum rate available to some EVs anyway. A standard heat pump, meanwhile, should help with energy efficiency in cold weather.
The Ariya’s interior screens are crisp and quick, but we’re less convinced by the widespread use of haptic switches rather than physical ones. It’s also not as large inside as some rivals and the boot is smaller too, though it’s still a practical car.
Alternatives to the Ariya include the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and you may find examples of the Ford Mustang Mach E and Tesla Model Y for similar money to a used Ariya too, if you need sporty dynamics or greater range.
A Nissan Ariya not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs
If you’re concerned by range then you’ll want to look at 87kWh Ariyas rather than the 63kWh model that kicks off the range, though in reality many owners will probably find the 63kWh car’s official 250 miles (or nearer 200 miles in real-world driving) more than sufficient - so it’s an option if you want to save some money, and performance is pretty similar too. e-4orce models are quicker still, but only worth the extra if all-wheel drive is essential.
The basic Engage trim is well equipped but some of the features in the Advance are well worth having, particularly the heated windscreen, heated seats and heated steering wheel.
All Nissan Ariyas get automatic LED headlights, dual zone climate control, a heat pump, leather steering wheel, auto wipers, a 12.3-inch driver display and 12.3-inch infotainment display (the latter with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto), and a suite of safety features. There are four trim levels in the range though which each have their own equipment specification too.
The Nissan Ariya’s dimensions are:
The Nissan Ariya’s boot size is:
As with all electric vehicles currently available, VED for the Nissan Ariya is currently zero, so while you still have to tax the car each year, it’s free to do so.
Nissan Ariya insurance runs from group 31 to 41. That’s a lot more than the groups 11-26 of the similarly-sized Nissan Qashqai with its combustion engines, but more expensive insurance isn’t unusual for an EV, and is similar to the groups 29-40 for a Hyundai Ioniq 5. A Skoda Enyaq may be cheaper to insure though, in groups 23-38.
Read our full Nissan Ariya review