When the Nissan Ariya debuted earlier this year, it showcased everything from a futuristic yet minimalistic interior to semi-autonomous driving assistance technologies. Look even closer and you’ll realize that this electric SUV is more than just a tech and design showcase. It’s a statement of intent from Nissan; a car that flaunts everything the brand has to offer.
We recently got a closer look at the Nissan Ariya in Los Angeles and immediately found that under the svelte exterior is a car brimming in modernism. The clean lines give the Ariya a modern, yet uncluttered appearance. Not having a conventional grille creates a slick, progressive look, allowing designers to add cool geometric patterns in the front fascia. The curvaceous profile allows the Ariya to slip through the air better and gives it a sense of attractiveness missing from your average crossover. Together with the restrained design, you get a vehicle that won’t age as quickly.
Like the exterior, the interior keeps the minimalist theme, which enhances the futuristic feel. There’s a volume knob but you won’t find physical controls for the infotainment system. Instead you get haptic feedback buttons that appear on the surface of the wood effect trim on the dash or the movable center console. Nissan’s first dual-screen layout also debuts on the Ariya sporting a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch main touch screen. Continuing on the tech overload is ProPilot Assist 2.0. Unlike the current ProPilot Assist system found on the 2021 Rogue, the newer version in the Ariya allows for hands-free operation as long as you keep your eyes on the road. It’ll even steer the car for you to a certain extent.
Take everything that the Ariya presents from the styling to the tech and you’ll see why this is one of Nissan’s halo vehicles. While the Z Proto represents the enthusiast’s side, the Ariya embodies the future of the brand. This is Nissan’s way of telling everyone that it intends to be a leader in electrification and autonomous driving technologies. The fact that the Ariya is a compact SUV further cements that because it lands the heart of the market and one of the largest segments in the automotive industry. Think of it as a flagship vehicle for the masses, an electric compact SUV aimed at making electrified mobility accessible to more consumers.
When it goes on sale next year, the 2020 Nissan Ariya will start around $40,000. It’ll be available in multiple versions: single or dual motor, FWD or AWD, and short or long range. Nissan says that the FWD long-range model can travel up to 300 miles on a single charge. The most powerful version should make around 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. You’ll also be able to choose cool two-tone exterior colors like the copper and black combo Nissan has been showing off.
