Autoblog Garage Video: 2023 Nissan Ariya Empower+ FWD

The Ariya is Nissan’s second mass-market EV, coming more than a decade after the company launched what was effectively the blueprint for mass-market EVs — the Nissan Leaf. But while the Leaf may be known for being inexpensive first and foremost, the Ariya takes a very different — and far more modern — approach to the concept.

As you can probably tell from a glance, the Ariya is about the same size as Nissan’s Rogue crossover, but you certainly won’t get them confused if they’re parked side-by-side. The Ariya’s exterior is chiseled and sleek, softened to improve is aerodynamic profile without giving up too much utility. It’s not a perfect solution, as the Ariya falls short of the Rogue in cargo capacity thanks to the aggressive taper of its greenhouse. 

This front-wheel-drive version offers 238 horsepower and 289 miles of range. Inside, you’ll find a sleek and minimalist interior made of high-quality materials that wouldn’t look out of place in an Infiniti. The center console up front can be moved forward or back to accommodate any number of elbow-friendly positions and includes a recessed wireless charging cradle large enough to hold a premium smartphone in a case. You’ll find niceties such as faux suede upholstery and heated rear seats.

If the Ariya has any obvious weakness, it’s price. This Empower+ front-wheel-drive model may be quite rich in features, but at nearly $55,000 after destination, it’s expensive for a single-motor EV. Our long-term Kia EV6 GT-Line, for example, cost about the same and offered more than 300 horsepower and similar range from its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration. Was it quite as nice inside? Hmm. Tough call.