​​What Is The Nissan Ariya Like To Drive​

The electric vehicle was once a dream to be rediscovered for a century. Today, we are seeing more EVs on the road than at the turn of the 20th Century. This is why we offer the Nissan Ariya. While there are choices in the same size and vehicle segment, the Ariya stands out with a style all its own, space for everything, and performance that will make driving a joy every day.  

To discover the charms of our electric SUV, we took a 2024 Ariya Platinum+ Dual Motor e-4ORCE for a driving experience in and around our capital city.  

Size-wise, the Ariya is about as long as our Rogue SUV. Yet it rides on a longer wheelbase than our popular SUV.  The angular design starts with a solid front end flanked by a set of slim LED headlamp units. Then, you notice the roofline has a fastback-like style towards the rear, leading to a set horizontal taillight bar below the window line at the rear of the Ariya. The finishing touch is a set of 19-inch wheels with aerodynamic wheel covers. It gives the Platinum+ a stealthy, super-cool look. 

Inside, you get a wide flat-screen unit split between a digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen. The 12.3-inch multi-function information display provides comprehensive and customizable information. 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. When the vehicle is off, the Ariya’s interior is clean and tidy. 

The environmentally friendly leatherette seats offer plenty of comfort. The rear seat room is excellent, with more than enough leg and headroom for many different bodies. The center console is adjustable back and forth with buttons on the side. Behind the rear seats, you have 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to a generous 59.7 cubic feet with those seats down.  

The e-4FORCE Dual Motor system consists of a power unit on each axle. Combined, you get the benefit of 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.  

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

There is a choice of eight grades available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Depending on the grade, you can achieve up to 304 miles on a full battery. 

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

When you test drive an Ariya, you will love how it drives and how comfortable it is to ride along after every charge-up. If the Ariya is the right vehicle for you, contact us at Dick Smith Nissan of St. Andrews to experience one for yourself.