Nissan Ariya Review: Blending Japanese Design with Everyday EV Practicality

The Nissan Ariya is the brand’s first all-electric SUV, and it brings together a mix of futuristic technology, subtle Japanese design cues, and practical features that make daily driving easier.

While it’s a relatively large SUV, it manages to balance size with maneuverability, offering a modern EV experience without going over the top.

Design

Visually, the Ariya makes a confident statement without being overly aggressive. Its body is sculpted with clean, flowing lines that give it a futuristic look, while still retaining the proportions of a practical SUV.

The front end is particularly striking, featuring Nissan’s signature “shield” grille finished with subtle Kumiko patterns, a traditional Japanese motif that adds depth and character when viewed up close. Slim LED headlights stretch across the front, further emphasizing its wide stance.

From the side, the gently sloping roofline hints at a coupe-like profile, yet the overall silhouette remains upright enough to provide the space expected from an SUV.

Around the back, a full-width light bar connects both taillights, giving it a modern touch that feels cohesive with the rest of the design. It’s slightly larger than some rivals, but the proportions are well managed, making the Ariya look sleek rather than bulky.

Interior

Step inside, and the Ariya feels both luxurious and inviting.

The cabin is spacious, thanks in part to the lack of a traditional center divider between the front seats, leaving the floor area wide open. This makes the interior feel airy and uncluttered.

Front and center is a seamless 12.3 + 12.3-inch cinema display, merging driver information with infotainment in one continuous panel.

Around the interior are more Kumiko-inspired design elements, tying the cabin together with a blend of modern tech and traditional Japanese artistry. It’s a refined, thoughtful space designed for both driver and passengers.

Features

Where the Ariya really sets itself apart is in its features, particularly those designed to make electric driving intuitive.

Perhaps the most unique feature is Nissan’s e-Pedal. With it, you can accelerate, decelerate, and even come to a complete stop using just one pedal. It’s especially useful in city traffic, where constant stop-and-go driving can be tiring. The system uses regenerative braking to slow the car as soon as you ease off the accelerator, feeding energy back into the battery. For drivers who prefer a more traditional feel, Eco mode allows you to cancel regen braking entirely, making the car coast more naturally, almost like a light cruise control. This dual approach makes the Ariya adaptable to different driving styles.

Nissan has equipped the Ariya with a well-rounded suite of safety technologies. You get automatic emergency braking both front and rear, blind spot warnings, and lane departure alerts. The intelligent lane intervention system is particularly helpful on highways, gently nudging the car back into lane if you drift. Night driving is supported by high beam assist, while hill start assist makes uphill launches stress-free. There’s also an intelligent driver alert system that monitors your driving patterns and suggests breaks if it detects drowsiness, a subtle but thoughtful touch for long journeys.

Conclusion

The Ariya’s SUV proportions give it presence, but they can also be a challenge in tight city spaces. Nissan has accounted for this with parking aids and driver assist systems, though drivers may still need to stay mindful of its size when maneuvering.

It’s worth noting that Nissan has introduced a 2024 model in other markets, featuring the advanced e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system and ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance. e-4ORCE balances power delivery to each wheel, improving traction and stability in various driving conditions, while ProPILOT 2.0 allows for more hands-off highway driving with automated lane changes and smoother adaptive cruise control. Unfortunately, this version isn’t yet available in Singapore, but it highlights the Ariya’s potential as Nissan continues refining its EV lineup.

The Nissan Ariya brings together Japanese-inspired design, a thoughtfully laid-out interior, and features that make electric driving approachable. Its standout e-Pedal system, combined with a solid set of safety technologies, makes it a strong contender for those seeking an EV that balances style and practicality. While the 2024 e-4ORCE and ProPILOT 2.0 upgrades haven’t reached Singapore yet, the current model already delivers a polished, modern driving experience.