We Drive the 2024 Nissan Ariya

The battery-electric SUV field is growing with new entries that promise space, comfort, practicality, range, and ease of operation. Nissan delivers vehicles that prove their worth every day, which is why it produced the 2024 Ariya electric SUV. We were curious how an Ariya does in our South Carolina backyard. With a Platinum+ Dual Motor e-4ORCE 2024 Ariya, we took to running some errands, and more! 

At about the same size as the Rogue, the Ariya is in a popular size class among electric SUVs. The angular design starts with a solid front end flanked by a set of slim LED headlamp units. The Ariya makes a bold statement, while inviting you to take it for a drive. The roofline has a fastback-like style towards the rear. The rear end offers a horizontal taillight bar below the window line, with Nissan’s name across the liftgate. The Ariya we drove wore a set of 19-inch wheels with aerodynamic wheel covers. It gives the Platinum+ its stealthy look, which we know you like.   

Inside, you get a wide flat binnacle housing, split between a digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen. The 12.3-inch multi-function information display provides comprehensive information that is also customizable. A large and informative head-up display helps keep your eyes on the road while augmenting the information display below. In the middle is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that houses a host of information and entertainment options, including wireless smartphone connectivity. You will find a combination of tactile and haptic controls throughout the cabin. The Ariya’s interior is clean and tidy. 

The environmentally friendly leatherette seats offer plenty of comfort. You have electric controls for both front seats. The center console is adjustable back-and-forth, with buttons on the side. Rear seat room is excellent, with more than enough leg and headroom for a lot of different bodies. You have 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. It is expandable to a generous 59.7 cubic feet with those seats down.  

Powering our tester was the Dual Motor e-4ORCE system. With a motor on each axle, you get the benefit of a combined 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque delivering power to all four wheels through a direct drive transmission. An 87-kilowatt-hour battery sends energy to both motors, with an estimated range of 267 miles. If you recharge at a DC Fast Charging station, Nissan states that it would take 40 minutes to go from 10-80% state of charge.  

There are eight Nissan Ariya grades to choose from for 2025. Four grades are equipped with front-wheel drive and a single motor, with four other grades offering the added traction of the Dual Motor e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system. Depending on the grade, you can achieve up to 304 miles on a full battery. 

The driving experience was very solid. There were no complaints when we were driving the Ariya around town and beyond on the highway. We noticed the Ariya’s turning radius was precise at every turn. We felt how well-behaved and controlled the Ariya was overall.  

You can turn on the e-Step mode for single-pedal driving, which sends more energy back to the battery pack through brake regeneration. All you do is step off the pedal when it is engaged towards a solid stop.  

No matter which Ariya you choose, you will love how it drives. You will also love how comfortable it is to ride along without using one drop of fuel. If you are ready to plug into the future, contact us at Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia to experience a new Ariya for yourself.