NISSAN ARIYA: FIRST LOOK - PUTTING MODEL Y AND MACH-E ON NOTICE

EV Channels Review

The Nissan Ariya emerges as a strong contender in the EV crossover segment, aiming to challenge established players like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The reviewer is highly impressed with the Ariya's styling, describing it as "stunning" and "top-tier Nissan," particularly noting the bronze paint, two-tone options, and the implementation of the light bar and LED-infused Nissan logo. The interior also receives praise for its premium feel, innovative haptic feedback controls, and the dual 12.3-inch screen setup, which the reviewer prefers over Tesla's single-screen approach. Performance figures for the top-end 389 horsepower, 443 lb-ft torque AWD model are competitive, potentially outperforming the Model Y in torque. However, significant concerns are raised regarding cargo space, which is described as "very strange" and surprisingly small, comparable to a Nissan Sentra. While Nissan communicates a 300-mile range for the front-wheel-drive long-range variant, details on battery cooling and real-world range remain somewhat speculative. The Pro Pilot Assist 2.0 is highlighted as a key autonomous feature. Pricing is expected to start around $40,000, with availability in mid-2021 for Japan and later in the US. The reviewer concludes that while the Ariya looks and performs well, its success hinges on competitive pricing and dealer willingness to negotiate, especially against the backdrop of the Mach-E potentially launching a year earlier.