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The second electric car in Nissan’s lineup arrives in late
2022 with more thrust and greater range than the current
Leaf. Built on a dedicated EV platform, the four-door, fivepassenger
hatchback (Nissan refers to it as a coupé) is
significantly longer, lower and wider than the square-ish
Leaf and is more pleasing to the eye. It compares in size
with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4
electrics.
In place of a traditional grille, there are sensors that feed
information to the various driver-assist and dynamic-safety
systems. There are two side-by-side 12.3-inch screens:
One provides necessary driver info, including battery
and charging status; the other runs the infotainment and
navigation systems. A head-up driver’s display projects
speed and directional info onto the windshield. The singlemotor,
front-wheel-drive Ariya — available in Venture +,
Evolve + and Premier trims — is rated at 238 horsepower
and 221 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive model
— Platinum + — uses front and rear motors that produce
a net 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet. There’s a base
N E W F O R 2023
2023 Nissan Ariya
Base price: $47,100
Type: Midsize electric hatchback
Motors (h.p.): Front and rear (238/389)
Layout: Front- /all-wheel-drive
Transmission: Single-speed controller
Base MPG equivalent: n.a.
Base weight (lb.): 4,850
63-kilowatt battery and an optional 87-kilowatthour
battery, depending on the model. Nissan
claims a maximum range of up to 300 miles.
Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0 semi-autonomous
driving system is standard in the Ariya. It
allows drivers to have their hands off the
steering wheel for extended periods in certain
highway-driving conditions.