2024 Nissan Ariya Review: An Unexpected Delight After a Less Than Impressive First Impression

• 2024 Nissan Ariya’s e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive delivers 389 horsepower, reaching 100 km/h in 5 seconds.

• Interior blends luxury elements with quirky features; graphics on screens feel dated.

• Battery efficiency is decent with 21.1 kWh/100 km, targeting up to 438 km range.

This is my second run-in with the Nissan Ariya and this time, it’s armed with something that changes the everything: e-4ORCE, Nissan’s all-wheel-drive system. Now boasting 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, the Ariya transforms from a solid but uninspiring EV into one that’s genuinely good to drive.

Trim Landscape and Price Points 

In Canada, the Ariya’s lineup starts with the Engage trim at around $49,998, offering front-wheel drive and a decent list of standard features. Moving up, the Evolve with e-4ORCE, priced at $56,998, adds the dual-motor setup, which I’d say is the version to consider if you’re after a complete experience. At the top end, there’s the Evolve+ Plus e-4ORCE with the Platinum package, loaded with a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable steering, and a few unnecessary extras that push the price to $64,998.

You can see Nissan has thrown in the features list—heated front and rear seats, 19-inch wheels, twin 12.3-inch displays, and a leatherette finish—but without feeling overly luxurious. And while this trim naming structure (Engage, Evolve – recently simplified) seems a bit confusing, the overall package does add up better than last year’s offerings.

Standout Rear Design 

Nissan has always had a knack for eye-catching design, and the 2024 Ariya carries on with a unique look. Personally, I’m a fan of the two-tone colour schemes and it works well with the Ariya. The rear end, especially, stands out as one of my favourite parts of this SUV. It’s modern but doesn’t veer into “trying too hard” territory like some of its EV competitors. Overall, the Ariya’s design is actually unique and the more one takes it in, the better it looks.

Interior Comfort and Roominess

Step inside, and it’s clear Nissan paid attention to interior comfort. The suede inserts on the seats and door panels add a premium touch, and I appreciate the power lumbar support. You could almost slap an Infiniti badge on the steering wheel or seatbacks, and it wouldn’t look out of place. Cargo space is decent, with 646 litres of available volume, and there’s some additional underfloor storage, which is always handy.

The seating layout makes good use of space, providing plenty of legroom and a comfortable back seat. The overall vibe is premium, although there are some quirks. Take, for example, the haptic controls on the dash. They’re stylish but difficult to see at a glance while driving, and frankly, they’re less intuitive than good old-fashioned buttons.

Letdown in Graphics Quality 

This is an old Nissan issue. The 2024 Ariya’s dual 12.3-inch displays look good at first glance, but upon closer inspection, the graphics are outdated. The fonts, icons, and layout look like they could be sharper and more modern. It’s functional, but when you’re in a car pushing premium vibes, these little details start to matter.

Dual-Motor Difference 

This is where the Ariya really steps up. With e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive, the 2024 model gets a substantial boost in power, delivering 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to launch this 2,100 kg (around 4,600 lbs) SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just about five seconds. Not quite sports car territory, but quick enough to give the Ariya a confident edge from a dead-stop.

When it comes to handling, the all-wheel-drive system really makes a difference. This Ariya is agile, and steering is nicely weighted for a satisfying driving experience. The ride quality strikes a satisfying balance between firmness and comfort, soaking up Montreal’s notorious potholes without disturbing onboard passengers too much.

Nissan claims a consumption rate of around 21.1 kWh per 100 km, which is better than many EVs in this size category and represents my experience. With a 91-kWh battery (87 kWh usable), Nissan estimates a range of up to 438 km on a full charge, and based on my drive, this seems realistic in milder temperatures. Expect a 15-25% range drop in winter, which is standard fare for EVs, but still manageable.

One-Pedal Drive and Brake Feel 

Unfortunately, Nissan didn’t carry over the single-pedal driving feature from the Leaf, which would bring the Ariya to a full stop without using the brakes. Instead, we get an “e-Pedal” mode that slows it but won’t bring it to a complete halt. For anyone who’s driven a Leaf, it feels like a step backward.

The brake pedal itself is another issue. It’s spongy and doesn’t provide the responsive feel you’d expect. The pedal also adjusts or moves slightly as regenerative braking kicks in, which is awkward when reaching for it should the driver need to take-over stopping.

A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about the Ariya; it just didn’t excite me. But this 2024 version, with its new e-4ORCE setup, has changed my opinion. The Ariya has gone from being a forgettable EV to one that could be a solid choice.

The Ariya may not be perfect, but it’s now in the conversation alongside competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. It’s a great three- or four-year lease option for anyone curious about EVs, or for those looking for an upgrade. It’s a surprisingly enjoyable EV with the power and practicality to make it worth considering.

2024 Nissan Ariya

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