It feels like it’s been a long wait since the covers first came off the Nissan Ariya battery electric crossover back in July 2020. Now, the Ariya has finally landed on Canadian soil for the first time.
It’s not driveable yet, though. In fact, the example we previewed isn’t even laid out for North America. It’s a right-hand drive pre-production prototype from Japan.
Nonetheless, it offers Canadians a closer look inside Nissan’s upcoming entry into the suddenly hot EV crossover segment ahead of its official Canadian launch this fall.
Here’s what we know about the Ariya so far.
In Canada, six models will be available, in variations offering both front- and all-wheel drive, 63 kWh or 87 kWh batteries, and power output ranging from 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque to 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. The Ariya’s range is estimated at 328 kilometres with the smaller battery and front-wheel drive, while the larger battery’s range with front-wheel drive tops out at 482 kilometres. Charging from its CCS port tops out at a speed of 130 kW.
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
Here at the Ministry of Interior Affairs, though, our duty is to study vehicle interiors in extreme detail. Nissan says the Ariya represents a step up in production quality and a significant shift in design for Nissan’s electric vehicles. From our first look, these claims appear to hold water.
Nissan says the Ariya’s interior is designed to invoke a “lounge” feel that makes it a comfortable and soothing place to relax. The dedicated electric vehicle platform removes the need for a drivetrain channel, which permits an open and airy footwell area across the full first row.
This Ariya prototype is roughly equivalent to what will be the Platinum grade here in Canada. It comes with a contoured version of Nissan’s zero-gravity front seats, which are heated as standard and ventilated on higher grades. On the Platinum grade, those seats are wrapped in stitched Nappa leather, while cloth and leatherette upholstery is included in lower trims. As the driver or front passenger make adjustments to the seat position, a graphic shows the changes on the infotainment screen in the same style seen in related vehicles like the new Infiniti QX60. The Ariya also receives a new power telescoping, flat-bottomed steering wheel design with a centring marker.
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
This twin 12.3-inch screen setup for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster is standard on the Ariya, and it integrates both wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto functionality. Beneath these screens, and below a detail line that integrates the front-row vents, a wood-look panel has controls built directly into it for HVAC controls with haptic feedback. This allows for functions used more often such as temperature control to stay within easy access, while those used less frequently can be adjusted through the infotainment screen.
The centre console is motorized and can move up to 15 centimetres forward or backward. Two cupholders are found underneath a retracting panel, while a bottle holder is built into each front door panel. The gear shifter sits ahead of haptic buttons for adjusting drive modes and activating Nissan’s e-Pedal function. Unlike Nissan’s past versions of its one-pedal driving mode, the Ariya’s e-Pedal brings it nearly, but not entirely, to a stop. Nissan says this is in response to customer feedback requesting this change in functionality.
A wireless charging pad is standard and is housed beneath the armrest, while an indicator light positioned just ahead of it lets the driver know a device is charging. At the front of the console, there’s a small pocket to hold a smartphone, and there’s a place to wrap a charging cable to keep it out of the way while charging with the built-in USB-A, USB-C, or 12-volt ports. This console doesn’t include any storage space, but a pair of drop-down glove compartments is installed underneath the dashboard as an alternate.
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
Upper trims include a Bose audio system with a speaker grille design that incorporates a motif that gets repeated throughout the Ariya’s exterior and interior. In higher trims, a digital rear camera mirror and head-up display are available. The available panoramic sunroof includes a panel that opens above the front row. Ambient lighting is integrated into the dashboard, door panels, and front footwell.
In the second row, which is spacious enough for two full-sized adults, buttons for the available heated seats are built into the back of the centre console along with a USB-A and USB-C port. The LED reading lamps are touch-activated with three different brightness settings, and two cupholders are built into the drop-down centre armrest while a bottle holder is integrated into each door pocket. The Platinum upholstery includes zipper covers over the LATCH connectors and leather straps for the rear seatbelts that nudge the Ariya’s appearance into premium territory.
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
2023 Nissan Ariya Photo by Jay Kana
The cargo area holds a maximum of 468 litres behind the 60-40 splitting second-row seats. This Ariya includes Nissan’s latest version of its Divide ‘n Hide system, which has three settings: a higher position that creates covered storage underneath, a lower one that lets the cargo area accommodate taller items, and a third setting that creates a vertical divider to keep items separated. Additional small bins are provided on the sides, and a tire fill kit is fitted underneath the lowest panel.
The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety features, as well as the ProPilot Assist package of advanced driver assistance technologies, are both standard on the Nissan Ariya. A new system called ProPilot Park is also available, which provides automated parking assistance.
We’ll be able to provide more details on this new system, as well as much more about the Nissan Ariya, closer to its planned Canadian launch this autumn.
Keyword: Ministry of Interior Affairs: 2023 Nissan Ariya