As Leaf falls, Nissan springs forward with Ariya

<p>December marked 13 years since Nissan introduced the world’s first mass market electric vehicle. At its inception the Leaf was ugly — only its maker could love it — and it had an EPA estimated range of just 73 miles. While it was a pioneer, the Leaf was never a sales giant in the U.S., and now it appears the Japanese carmaker will end its production. But no matter. Nissan has turned over a new leaf with the 2023 Ariya, the company’s first battery electric crossover SUV. The EPA calls it a small wagon, but few others do. Long awaited due to myriad supply chain and factory issues, the Ariya launches the Nissan brand into a more upscale arena with stylish looks, quality cabin materials and craftsmanship, and higher end than usual features for this segment. Some say it could have worn the badge of Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand. Nissan says Ariya redefines its current design philosophy inside and out, calling it “timeless Japanese futurism.” That translates to sleeker, minimalist designs in an electric package. ADVERTISEMENT A gloss black grille looks more like a shield with 3 D kumiko pattern (Japanese design technique) beneath it. At center is Nissan’s new logo, softly glowing with 20 LEDs. Dramatic strips of LED headlamps and running lights streak from the front corners. A long roofline reaches into the rear deck, and a single light blade stretches across the rear. Japanese styling cues are found inside, too, with kumiko patterns on the speaker grilles and even the floor mats. Other interesting concepts include a motorized center armrest for driver comfort and added leg room for rear passengers. Then there’s the slide out table from under the dashboard that, Nissan says, can be used as a “mobile office or on the go picnic table” while waiting for a charge. Truth is, it’s a clever idea but cumbersome and too small for anything but a snack. When it comes to power and range, Ariya’s seven trim levels mean lots of options: front wheel or all wheel drive, single or dual motor, 63 kWh battery or the higher capacity 87 kWh. The single motor and bigger battery brings the top range to a reported 304 miles. Equipped as such, the tested Ariya Empower+ is a sweet ride but not too powerful, producing 238 horsepower and 221 pound feet of torque. It reaches 60 mph in around 7 seconds. For comparison, a dual motor Ariya with AWD (called e 4orce) sprints to 60 more quickly at 5.6 seconds, but it’ll cost around 30 miles of range: It gets 389 hp and 442 pound feet of torque. In all its forms, Ariya has strong, steady acceleration and a smooth and quiet ride around town or on the highway. Handling on corners and curves is impressive, partly due to its responsive steering. But most of the credit goes to the battery pack under the center of the vehicle, giving it a low center of gravity plus near 50 50 front to rear weight distribution. Three drive modes regulate performance, with Standard used for most driving, Eco for peak mileage and Sport for slightly more zip. It can tow a modest 1,500 pounds. Braking is rather spongy but gets the job done. Or press the e Step button for one pedal driving, which regenerates energy to extend mileage. This one does not bring the Ariya to a full stop, as many do, but slows it to 5 7 mph. The final braking is on you. Some like the system; others prefer the assurance of self braking. ADVERTISEMENT The 2023 Nissan Ariya is the first Nissan model to offer automatic software updates for its multimedia system, various electronics, chassis, climate operation and EV settings. Jay K. McNallyMcNally Multi Medi/TNS Ariya also gets Nissan’s newest version of driver assist technology, called ProPilot 2.0, which allows hands free driving on mapped roads and lane centering on others. It expands on ProPilot Assist by also managing lane changes, passing and highway exiting. A driver alert monitor, however, tends to offer too many reminders to watch the road — sometimes when glancing at a traffic sign. Meanwhile, the voice recognition system likewise mistook passenger conversation a couple times for a voice command. The Ariya comes with a 7.2 kW onboard charger that can get a full charge in 14 hours with a Level 2 charger. With a fast charger, Nissan says it will charge from 10 80% in 40 minutes. Those numbers aren’t bad though some can do a little better. In the end, the EPA says to expect 98 MPGe in combined driving; 105 city, 91 highway. Of course, results vary on multiple levels, like climate, speed, hills, and driving style. Inside, a simple design and flat, open floor area (battery pack below) enhance Ariya’s roominess. It’s a beautiful five seat cabin with ample headroom and legroom in front and rear. Slim profile Zero Gravity seats up front are comfortable and supportive, including lumbar, and offer multiple adjustments to accommodate all sizes. They come in leather or a synthetic, and are heated and ventilated. Rear seats are heated, too. In keeping with the minimalist concept, the primary control panel up front has no conventional switches but a row of touch sensitive buttons integrated on a matte finish wood strip on the dash. Clean and simple, they respond quickly with a subtle vibration to the touch. The shifter is smooth and palm sized, and has a nice feel, while the steering wheel is heated and offers power adjustment, too — not bad for this segment. ADVERTISEMENT Cabin cooling seemed sluggish — at least for Sunbelt folks who sometimes need a quick cool. The AC, however, can be limited to specific zones to save energy. Side by side 12.3 inch screens accommodate Ariya’s infotainment and digital gauge cluster. The latter is reconfigurable and offers views of multiple driver assist and safety features. There’s also a head up display. The infotainment touchscreen is colorful, responsive and easy enough to use. It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa, and offers navigation, Wi Fi hotspot, Bluetooth and four USB ports. Included in the Empower trim is wireless device charging and a premium sound system with 10 speakers accented by subtle lighting. Ariya also is the first Nissan model to offer automatic software updates for its multimedia system, various electronics, chassis, climate operation and EV settings. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of room for sports equipment, groceries and baggage. Cargo capacity is 22.8 cubic feet, 59.7 with the rear seats folded. But there’s no space under the front hood, or “frunk.” Advanced safety features, beyond Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0, are packaged within Nissan Safety Shield 360 and feature automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert and braking, blind spot warning with intervention, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and surround view monitors. The base Ariya starts at around $45,000, several thousand more than some quality rivals. Also know that Ariya does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, so there’s that to consider, too. But when you see all the standard goodies like panoramic sunroof, heated seats and head up display, the Ariya still looks like a pretty sweet deal. ADVERTISEMENT 2023 Nissan Ariya MSRP: $53,690 As tested (Empower+ FWD): $59,220 (Includes 19 inch alloys, carpeted floor mats, illuminated kick plates, ground and rear illumination, two tone paint, destination charges) What&#039;s all the excitement about? Nissan’s first EV crossover SUV redefines the brand with style, higher end features Powertrain: Front wheel drive Empower gets a single motor good for 238 hp and 221 pound feet of torque; juiced by a 87 kWh lithium ion battery (dual motors and AWD available on other trims) How&#039;s the performance? Not a sporty ride, but crisp steering and near 50 50 weight distribution give it impressive handling; smooth and quiet around town, 0 60 mph in around 7 seconds Fuel economy: EPA estimated 105 MPG e city, 91 highway, for combined 98 MPG e ©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC Share Share this article Opinion Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags TRANSPORTATION</p>