We’ve got the answers to all the tough questions you have about the SUV that could hint at the brand’s future.
September 20, 2024 7:10pm
It’s been almost four years since Nissan launched its first EV, the Ariya, and the 2024 model is now lower in price but with all the same features. We’re now ready to test drive the car and answer all your questions.
Nearly every major automaker has at least one electric vehicle in their lineup, but Nissan is unique. Nissan was one of the pioneers of the EV movement with the Leaf. With the Leaf out of production, the Ariya is looking to carry the torch and keep it going. We’ll be driving the Ariya for a week to answer all your questions.
Pricing for the Ariya starts at $39,590, but for a slightly higher price of $41,190 you can significantly increase the range from 216 miles to 304 miles. Nissan offers the Ariya in six main trim levels, priced up to about $54,190. The car we test drove was what Nissan calls the Ariya Empower + FWD, which starts at $47,690.
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The car we’re driving has three options: two-tone paint ($350), carpeted floor mats ($260), and an exterior ground lighting kit ($750). All told, the MSRP is $50,440, after a $1,390 delivery charge. That gives you a driving range of 289 miles under optimal conditions. The battery’s maximum charging rate is 130 kW, which is fine but not close to what competitors like Kia and Hyundai can offer.
At the same time, it’s notable how Nissan has pushed itself outside its comfort zone. Let’s not forget that this is a company that is currently struggling to catch up in the hybrid market, with the Ariya coming before Toyota, Mazda and Subaru as they struggle to grow EV sales.
That said, Nissan is definitely hoping the Ariya becomes a bigger player in the EV market — it ranked 14th last year — and over the next few years, the new NISMO trim, NACS charging, and presumably solid-state batteries with faster charging and longer range could make the Ariya more competitive.
For now, this is a car we can all afford. What would you like to know about this car? Let us know in the comments below!
