AFTER OUR FIRST DRIVE, IS THE NISSAN ARIYA STILL ONE WITH THE E-4ORCE?

EV Channels Review

The Nissan Ariya e-4orce is presented as a compelling electric SUV, but the review highlights a significant divergence in opinion between the presenters. While one found the initial drive in California enjoyable, the other experienced considerable nausea, attributing it to the vehicle's suspension and damping, which felt too soft and prone to rocking. Key criticisms include a disconcerting brake pedal behavior in e-pedal mode, a lack of storage in the center console, and a poorly placed charging port for left-hand drive markets. The infotainment system's haptic controls for climate are deemed a "pain in the butt," and the wired-only Android Auto is noted as a drawback. Despite these issues, the interior is praised for its quality and design, particularly the optional panoramic sunroof and the attention to Japanese woodworking details. The Pro Pilot system is functional, though its blue indicator for hands-off driving is questioned. Efficiency figures around 2.6-3.0 miles/kWh are considered acceptable for the size but not class-leading. Ultimately, while acknowledged as a "grocery getter" and a comfortable around-town vehicle with a tight turning circle, the Ariya e-4orce is seen as falling short of its potential, especially when cross-shopped against more dynamically engaging or better-packaged rivals like the Tesla Model Y, particularly given its $61,000 price point.