Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

Nissan Ariya 63kWh Advance review

The entry-level version of the award-winning Nissan Ariya has a 250-mile range

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£6,106 off RRP*
Find your Nissan Ariya
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Verdict

The Nissan Ariya is a shining example of an EV done right. Predictable and usable range, plenty of kit on even the entry-level model, quality, space and style combine to make this a desirable car that’s backed up by solid performance and superb refinement. It also acquits itself well dynamically. After its initial EV exploits with the Leaf, Nissan was left in the doldrums when it came to electrification, but the firm has really joined the race against both mainstream and premium competitors with the Ariya.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Fresh from its victory at the 2022 Auto Express New Car Awards last month, the Nissan Ariya has proved it has what it takes to cut it with premium EV players. And a chance to reacquaint ourselves with Nissan’s latest electric car has only reinforced our opinion.

Despite its name, our Advance-spec test car is the entry-level point of the range – and range is as good a place as any to start when discussing an electric vehicle.

A 63kWh battery means an official range of 250 miles from a full charge; we got 235 miles, which translates to roughly 3.7 miles per kilowatt hour. With 130kW rapid charging, an 80 per cent top-up takes just over half an hour. There’s also a 87kWh battery car with a range of 329 miles. 

A clever EV menu on the infotainment and sat-nav set-up can suggest charging stops on your journey if necessary and condition the battery so it’s in optimum charging condition when you arrive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come as standard; owners might prefer to use these systems on the 12.3-inch screen, even though the Ariya’s native software is sound.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ariya

2024 Nissan

Ariya

28,276 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £24,499
View Ariya
Ariya

2024 Nissan

Ariya

1,254 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £29,000
View Ariya
Ariya

2024 Nissan

Ariya

32,505 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £24,200
View Ariya
Ariya

2024 Nissan

Ariya

48,170 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,990
View Ariya

That tech blends with fantastic material quality; wood-effect trim inlays house touch-sensitive climate controls. While we prefer physical dials and switches for ventilation, a gentle touch in the Ariya is registered with welcome haptic feedback.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Nissan plays on its Japanese heritage, too. The ambient LED lighting is inspired by traditional Japanese paper lanterns, for instance. It’s a cool touch that adds an injection of personality that’s important in an EV. That’s partly because without a combustion engine, a big element of how a conventional car drives isn’t present.

But we have no problems with performance. The Ariya’s 215bhp front-mounted electric motor delivers smooth acceleration and it’s more than fast enough for a family SUV, helped by a chunky 300Nm of torque that carries the car along in near-silent serenity. Refinement on the move is very good indeed, and while the suspension set-up is a little on the firm side, it still delivers enough compliance to be comfortable overall.

The Ariya is also surprisingly direct to drive for a taller, heavier SUV. The steering is light and positive; like other EVs, the battery’s mass is kept low in the chassis, but even so, the Ariya is much more agile and engaging to drive than its closest rivals.

Based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-EV platform, the Ariya is much softer than Renault’s Megane E-Tech Electric, for example, although it’s a bigger car so there’s more space inside. Rear-seat space is excellent and, despite the sloping roofline and the £1,295 panoramic sunroof on our car, there’s no problem when it comes to headroom for those in the back seats.

At 466 litres, the boot’s volume is merely okay, but it’s not far shy of that of Kia’s EV6, which isn’t as roomy inside, and eclipses the Toyota bZ4X. There’s also plenty of storage, including a lidded tray on the elegant centre console.

The Ariya delivers in every area, which means it’s one of the most well rounded electric cars on sale right now.

Model:Nissan Ariya Advance
Price:£43,845
Powertrain:63kWh battery/e-motor
Power/torque:215bhp/300Nm
Transmission:Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 
0-62mph:7.5 seconds
Top speed:100mph
Range:250 miles
Charging:130kW (10-80% 35 mins)
On sale:Now
Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

New & used car deals

Nissan Ariya

Nissan Ariya

RRP £35,000Avg. savings £6,106 off RRP*Used from £21,990
Toyota Bz4x

Toyota Bz4x

RRP £36,995Avg. savings £7,686 off RRP*Used from £26,599
Lexus RZ

Lexus RZ

RRP £50,145Avg. savings £5,197 off RRP*
Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Megane E-Tech

RRP £32,495Avg. savings £4,401 off RRP*Used from £15,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Vauxhall Grandland Electric GS long-term test: impressive efficiency eases range anxiety
Vauxhall Grandland Electric GS long-term - front 3/4 with a Dacia

Vauxhall Grandland Electric GS long-term test: impressive efficiency eases range anxiety

Long-term tests
12 Sep 2025
MINI Aceman review
MINI Aceman - front

MINI Aceman review

In-depth reviews
10 Sep 2025
Cupra Terramar V2 long-term test: the Batmobile? My family’s already convinced
Cupra Terramar V2 long-term - Batman and Robin header

Cupra Terramar V2 long-term test: the Batmobile? My family’s already convinced

Long-term tests
10 Sep 2025

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test
MG3 - front cornering

Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test

The MG3 has caused the automotive safety body to review the way it scores crash tests
News
10 Sep 2025
New Austin Arrow arrives as a retro roadster with electric power
Austin Arrow EV

New Austin Arrow arrives as a retro roadster with electric power

The dinky Austin Arrow EV promises huge fun despite a 20bhp motor
News
9 Sep 2025