What we know about the Nissan Ariya

More and more manufacturers are realizing that if they want to continue to impress customers, they will need to go outside the box and challenge expectations. Drivers have raised their standards – as they should – and car manufacturers need to keep up. Consumers are tired of having to make sacrifices and feel that getting the benefits of one type of car means saying goodbye to other benefits. The truck can tow, but guzzles gas. The sedan is easy to navigate, but feels cramped inside. These are old stereotypes that drivers no longer want to see in cars. Nissan has done a great job challenging that stereotype, and it’s doing so again with its new all-electric crossover that’s generating a lot of buzz: the 2023 Nissan Ariya. Visit a local Nissan dealer shortly before pre-orders for this car end. Here’s what we know about the car, which is set to launch in the coming months.

It looks different

Nissan crossovers and SUVs have traditionally featured sharp lines and a high driving position. The Aria has a more futuristic and sporty aesthetic, with softer lines and a lower stance. This lower position should make the maneuver easier. Also, it looks really cool. And Nissan delivers this vehicle in strange yet sophisticated colors that seem to point to a more planet-friendly electric future. Across all trims, you’ll find an exterior that looks like Burnt Orange, Forest Green, and Snow White. Don’t expect any candy neon shades here. The Ariya is a slim, elegant car and so are its color options. Oh, and every option has a black roof, so that’s just something drivers have to deal with for now. Perhaps future models will offer something different.

It also has an interesting shield-shaped grille with a three-dimensional traditional Japanese kumiko pattern. Kumiko translates to “Forever, Beauty, Child”. The essence of the phrase can be seen in this pattern, which looks like drops of water expanding into infinity and is meant to represent vitality. Since electric vehicles are good for our planet and allow for long adventures unencumbered by gas stops, it’s the perfect model to create the look of this electric crossover.

You’ll also notice a new redesigned Nissan logo prominently placed in the middle of the shield grille. And flanking the dash are beautiful angular headlights that contain mini projectors that give the front end of this car a really sleek look.

There are six trims

The 2023 version of this car starts with six trim levels for the Canadian market: Engage, Evolve e-4ORCE, Venture+, Evolve+, Platinum+ e-4ORCE and Premiere e-4ORCE. Each configuration has its own features that make it special and suitable for a certain driver.

The Venture+ offers up to 300 miles of range, making it the perfect vehicle for weekend getaways and road trips when you don’t want charging stops slowing you down. But if you need to stop to power up, it boasts a CCS quick charge port for quick recharging. Evolve+ is designed for those who want to be in touch with the road around them with an amazingly powerful panoramic sunroof that lets you see the beautiful night sky and a digital intelligent surround view monitor that lets drivers see what’s going on around their car.

The Platinum+ e-4ORCE is where you’ll see impressive power and some luxury extras. It has 389 horsepower and four-wheel drive for an exciting drive. The liftgate is motion activated, perfect for when your hands are full of groceries or luggage. And inside there are gorgeous Nappa leather seats.

Those who do a lot of commuting or commuting might like the Premiere e-4ORCE. It has smart features that can reduce driver fatigue and the risk of collisions. One such feature is ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s system that combines intelligent cruise control with steering assistance technologies to make you a safer driver. Its stop-and-hold feature stops the vehicle and prevents it from moving again until traffic resumes, making it great for heavy traffic jams. It also features ProPILOT Park, which will park the car for you by controlling the steering wheel, accelerator, brakes and gearshift.

He is ready for adventure

Aria boasts Nissan e-4ORCE all-wheel drive, which can independently direct power to the front and rear wheels as needed, meaning each axle has independent torque. This provides better traction on slippery surfaces, making this vehicle ready for your mountain adventures or just for driving on slippery roads during the Canadian winter.

The Ariya also has a voice control feature that lets you simply say “Hello, Nissan” and ask the car to do things for you like change the temperature, turn down the volume, and more. And if you’re worried about running out of power on the road, you can use the Intelligent Route Planner to show you where there are available charging ports along your planned route. For those loyal to their Alexa, don’t worry: the car can also connect to Alexa so you can use your favorite assistant to give you important information.

It’s quiet and minimalistic

Nissan said in a press release that the car is very quiet inside, and the lucky few who were able to try it out said the same. It’s made with a quiet transmission and clad in sound-absorbing materials that make the inside an almost silent place, free from the busy noises of the roads and the city. If you need your car to be your refuge after a long day at work in a busy metropolitan area with car horns and sirens, sit in Ariya. You will enjoy peace all the way home. This is an added advantage for new parents who won’t mind if their child falls asleep in the back seat. Or maybe you need to take a nap between meetings – you can do so in the quiet interior of this car.

Minimalism is at the heart of this vehicle, but to be honest, it may have been a bit overdone. Some of those who test drove the car complained that there just wasn’t enough inside. It could use more bells and whistles, more storage compartments and more easily accessible controls. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s not the plush, lounge-style interiors many are used to in luxury cars. However, the Ariya has a large screen and syncs with many of your favorite apps. It also has zero-gravity seats that reduce driver fatigue and provide ample legroom… up front. There is a little less legroom in the back row.

A powerful and beautiful electric crossover

And likewise, Nissan has combined features often associated with several related vehicle types, all in one. Sure, the Ariya is a crossover, but it doesn’t look like the SUVs you’re used to driving in the desert that look like they came with kayaks on top. From the looks of it, this car is undeniably classy. It looks so good that you won’t want to drive it over rough roads, but you can, thanks to the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive. And while it may be an electric car, that doesn’t mean the Ariya doesn’t pack a lot of power, with some trims delivering up to 389 horsepower. It’s a beautiful, sophisticated car that will turn heads around town and help you out on the road, so be sure to drive one when it hits Nissan showrooms.