Settle into the new world, Gearheads.
Where the electric car was once hunted down and killed in the US, it’s now a major part of the American auto market.
In fact, according to the US Energy Information Administration, (EIA), in the second quarter of 2024, the share of electric and hybrid vehicles in total new light duty vehicle sales increased to 18.7%, up from 17.8% in the first quarter.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) sales increased by 30.7%, year over year, according to Wards Intelligence.
Numbers aside, that’s a lot of electricity cruising down the freeways these days.
It’s mostly SUVs, as their sales numbers have risen consistently since the early 2000s. In California, of course, every third car, it seems, is a Prius or a hybrid/electric of some type.
Enter the 2024 Nissan Ariya. It’s a new addition to the EV market, with a striking design, and the usual advanced technology, including CarPlay, which we love.
Some things with Nissan naturally go without saying, —the usual comfort, style, and a vehicle that’s impressive to drive. And there are, of course, the usual powertrain options and a snazzy premium interior.
The entry-level trim model comes with a 63 kWh battery, paired with a single motor that powers the front wheels. This version delivers 214 horses and 221 lb-ft of torque, providing smooth and responsive acceleration, which we found useful, as we made our way north from Pasadena to the California Central Coast.
We drove the Ariya Evolve + Full Wheel Drive model, which begins at $44,190, and is available with an 87 kWh battery. This version cranks out an impressive 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, robust performance for a large electric SUV.
It also comes equipped with an AWD system to improve traction and stability, but we essentially drove 200 miles north in dry, sunny, clear weather.
In terms of range, the smaller-battery base model offers an estimated range of up to 216 miles, while the 87 kWh battery version can travel up to 304 miles on a full charge, offering solid range for road trips. The ride also supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be recharged to 80% in around 30 minutes at compatible charging stations.
And speaking of charging, map your route out beforehand and locate those fast chargers. We made the mistake of underestimating our distance by just a touch, and the “slow” charger we found 35 miles from our destination, literally took us to our parking space and not. One. Step. Further. (We had to get towed to a charging station before heading home. Sssh.)
So remember: fast chargers and locate them on an app beforehand. There are plenty of those out there. (We liked “Electrify America,” if you’re wondering.)
The 2024 Ariya Nissan has a bold design, with sleek lines, and a distinctive front end that includes a closed-off grille, now common with EVs, but it’s also got one of those stylish illuminated Nissan badges and sharp LED headlights.
The aerodynamic shape not only looks pretty hip, but also helps improve efficiency by reducing drag.
The Ariya sits on large alloy wheels, with an almost too-wide stance. It can be vaguely troublesome when negotiating narrow parking spaces and claustrophobia-inducing parking structures.
Inside the Ariya, the interior is minimalistic but premium, with high-quality materials used throughout. The dashboard has a dual-screen setup featuring two 12.3-inch displays—one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system.
This setup is intuitive, providing easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings, all compatible with Apple CarPlay, as we mentioned along with Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. But those are on you.
The flat, open floor enhances the spaciousness inside the cabin, offering plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. (At 6’ 2”, I look for that sort of thing.)
The seats are plush, ergonomic, and available with both heating and ventilation. Nissan has also equipped the Ariya with their ProPILOT Assist 2.0 system, and an advanced crop of driver assistance features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and hands-free driving on certain highways.
The cargo space is way generous, especially with the rear seats folded down, making the Ariya practical for families, road trips, or rock bands.
The 2024 Nissan Ariya is an impressive electric crossover with strong performance, impressive range, and a luxurious interior.
With scads of multiple configurations to choose from and a host of advanced tech features, the Ariya is an appealing (and pricey) choice for those looking to make the leap into the electric future. It’s a vehicle that’s sure to excite both EV veterans and newcomers alike.
It’s a serious commitment, to be sure, but it’s unlikely to disappoint.
