Autotrader Reports After Spending Six Months with the Nissan Ariya

When a new Nissan model comes out, we at Nissan of Rochester are always eager to see what the automotive industry says about it. We usually don’t have to wait long. Journalists will give their driving impressions soon after a manufacturer announces a new model and continue as the test drive reviews begin to trickle onto websites. However, by their promptness, the reviewers may still have only a week with the vehicle. So it is always nice when a publication or enthusiast site can spend some real time with a vehicle and really get to know what it is like on a day-to-day basis. That is what Autotrader did with Nissan’s flagship EV, the Ariya, and this is what they had to say.

The Test Vehicle

The model they’ve been testing is a 2023 Ariya Empower+, with a starting MSRP of $53,690. They don’t specifically say, but it sounds like the front-wheel drive model, which makes sense given their Atlanta location. 

The 87 kWh battery gives this model an EPA-estimated range of 289 miles. A maximum estimated range of 304 is available on the Ariya Venture + with FWD. Autotrader seemed happy with the range estimate. They specify a “frigid 110-mile trip from Atlanta to Athens and back with a remaining range of just under 100 miles, which they considered worthy given the temperature. One does wonder what their “frigid” Georgia weather looks like to a Minnesotan, however. Most of the model’s use has been around the metro Atlanta area, where range wasn’t an issue anyhow. 

What They Like

The Nissan ProPilot Assist 2.0 system was lauded for its effective hands-free driving when the conditions allowed it and described as “a fantastic system.” They also liked the automatic door-locking system and found the voice command system useful. They also liked the head-up display that is part of the Empower+ trim. The system expects the driver to pay attention. Autodrader found the steering-column-mounted driver attention sensors more effective than other models with sensors in the upper area of the driver information center. 

The Ariya was also praised for its storage handling. The Divide and Hide floor compartment proved an excellent way to hide items or keep grocery bags in place. With seats up, they state that there was room for four large suitcases or three very large suitcases and a carry-on. With seats up, the Ariya provides 22.8 cubic feet of space, growing to 59.7 when the rear seatbacks are lowered. Autotrader deemed this sufficient for most families. The hidden center dashboard storage area was also considered useful, and they appreciated the six luggage hooks in the cargo area. 

What They Didn’t

Their complaints were minor. They thought the turn signal stalk could have canceled more easily and didn’t care for the E-step mode. Regarding the key fob, it takes a press and hold of a specific button for three seconds to crack open the windows. Three seconds would seem long enough to prevent accidental engagement, but that is what happened to one of their editors.

Will it Work for You?

EVs work best when you are set up for them. If you primarily drive around town and can charge from home, an EV like the Ariya can work just fine even here in often-truly frigid Minnesota while giving you the smooth, quiet operation and nearly maintenance-free drivetrain EVs are known for. We invite you to visit Nissan of Rochester and see if the Ariya EV can work for your family.