The Nissan Ariya Is One Of The Safest SUVs Of The Year, According To The IIHS – An Indepth Review

The Nissan Ariya EV has been in production since January 2022. Assembled at Nissan's production facility in the Tochigi prefecture of Japan, this compact crossover SUV represents Nissan's first venture into the arena of zero-emission SUVs. The Ariya was initially unveiled in July 2020, with plans to introduce it to the US market in the latter part of 2021 with a starting price tag of $40,000. 

However, unexpected delays, thanks to the global chip shortage brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, moved the launch to 2022. Finally, the first batch of deliveries in the United States and Canada commenced in the autumn of 2022, coinciding with the launch of the 2023 model year. 

Consequently, the 2023 Nissan Ariya, deemed as Nissan's most technologically advanced vehicle to date, received the coveted 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS conferred this honor to vehicles manufactured post-March 2023, reflecting Ariya's exceptional performance in crash tests, headlight assessments, and the efficacy of its crash-prevention technologies. Perhaps, it's a good thing that Ariya received no significant changes for the 2024 MY. 

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The New Ariya Aced The IIHS' Tougher Safety Standards

To earn the IIHS’ acclaimed TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, the independent entity subjects the vehicle to rigorous testing, ensuring "Good" ratings in various crash scenarios, impeccable headlights across trims, and top-notch scores in vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention. 

In response to IIHS's toughened criteria for 2023, the Ariya exceeds expectations with an updated side-impact test, demanding 82% more energy than before. The IIHS says it introduced an additional nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test and elevated headlight requirements to solidify its commitment to pushing the boundaries in safety technology. 

"Receiving the coveted IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, even under the stricter 2023 criteria, gives consumers added peace of mind when considering Ariya as their next vehicle," said Nissan USA’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. 

Notably, the 2023 Nissan Ariya comes equipped with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a comprehensive suite of six active safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking. 

Every Ariya trim level features Full-LED headlights with Intelligent Auto Headlights and High Beam Assist for enhanced visibility. The Ariya's advanced driver assistance technology includes standard ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link2, which provides steering assistance and Intelligent Cruise Control for confident highway driving. 

For those seeking an extra layer of autonomy, the optional ProPILOT Assist 2.0 lets drivers briefly relinquish control under specific conditions. Completing the package is ProPILOT Park, enabling seamless parking assistance by managing steering, acceleration, brakes, and gear shift. 

Powerful, Safe, And Fun To Drive

The Nissan Ariya embodies Nissan's tradition of crafting thrilling and engaging vehicles. It rides on an innovative EV platform designed for superior handling. Thanks to the strategic placement of the battery pack at the vehicle's core, the Ariya achieves a low center of gravity and a near-50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear. 

The battery pack's flat configuration, coupled with an integrated cross-member in the battery case, allows for a flat floor and remarkable structural strength in the Ariya. 

The vehicle's suspension components have been fine-tuned to leverage this setup, resulting in stable handling, a smooth ride, and effective suppression of noise and vibrations from entering the cabin.

Rearward, the Ariya's suspension system, comprising a multi-link system and rear electric motor (if equipped), delivers an exceptional blend of ride comfort, handling, and performance. 

Furthermore, the SUV’s high body rigidity and ultra-responsive rack-and-pinion steering system deliver a sharp turn-in response. Meanwhile, the near 50:50 front/rear weight distribution achieved by centrally positioning the battery under the floor enables the Ariya to navigate virtually all types of corners predictably. 

Developed on a brand-new Alliance-developed EV platform, the Ariya exemplifies Nissan Intelligent Mobility – the company’s vision of enhancing the appeal of its vehicles and progressing towards zero tailpipe emissions and almost zero fatalities. 

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The Nissan Ariya’s Innovative Electric Drivetrains

The Ariya's all-electric drivetrain demonstrates a seamlessly integrated advanced EV technology, promising excellent power delivery, charging capabilities, and extended range. 

With four models coming to showrooms, including two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, the Ariya will meet the motoring needs of a broad customer base. 

Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants offer a choice of 63 kWh or 87 kWh usable battery capacities – a perfect fit for urban commuters and first-time EV owners seeking quality and style in their next-gen EV. 

The all-wheel drive Ariya models, powered by twin electric motors, feature Nissan's cutting-edge all-wheel control technology called the e-4ORCE. 

The "e" in e-4ORCE signifies Nissan's 100% electric motor drive system, and "4ORCE" (pronounced force) represents the vehicle's physical power and energy, with "4" symbolizing all-wheel control. 

A product of Nissan's extensive experience in developing memorable all-terrain vehicles and sports cars, e-4ORCE is the natural successor of the Nissan GT-R's ATTESA E-TS torque split system and the intelligent all-wheel-drive systems found in Nissan's line of crossovers and SUVs. 

Through precise management of power output and braking performance for smoothness and stability, e-4ORCE bolsters driver confidence by adhering to the steered driving line across nearly any road surface. 

Beyond optimizing torque distribution between the front and rear, the system independently controls brake application at each of the four wheels to maximize the cornering force generated by each one, resulting in cornering that faithfully adheres to driver inputs with minimal steering adjustments. 

Notably, WardsAuto named Ariya’s innovative and powerful e-4ORCE AWD to its 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list for 2023. This came on the heels of a similar recognition for Ariya’s interior and user-experience tech. 

Wards intelligence analyst and Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems judge praised Ariya’s e-4ORCE powertrain, saying, “Wow' is all I can say about the gravitational force exerted on my face and neck. It moves pretty darn fast in Standard and Eco modes too. The Ariya is so quiet and smooth, and acceleration so linear that you can quickly exceed the speed limit if you're not careful." 

The Nissan brand has gone home with 20 Wards 10 Best awards since 1995, and the Ariya SUV is the second Nissan EV after the LEAF to clinch the top 10 for electric powertrains. "e-4ORCE provides great drivability for a family vehicle,” remarked Drew Winter, WardsAuto contributing editor and Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems judge.

“It's not just about strong launch, but also in higher-speed passing maneuvers where some BEVs can feel a little weak. This is a strong and technically competent family vehicle that offers consumers an impressive mix of power and range options." 

A New Design Direction

The 2023/2024 Nissan Ariya can be correctly described as a fusion of style and cutting-edge technology, seamlessly blending aesthetics and functionality on an all-electric canvas. The 100% electric vehicle platform liberates designers from the usual constraints of electrifying a gas model. 

Consequently, Ariya's design embodies Nissan's fresh perspective in pursuit of the company’s "Timeless Japanese Futurism" philosophy. This philosophy blends simplicity with modernity, epitomized by sleek, sexy, and seamless styling concepts. 

The front fascia impresses with chic elegance, featuring a shield with a 3-D Japanese Kumiko pattern beneath and housing driver assistance sensors. The aerodynamic shield proudly shows off Nissan's redesigned logo, flanked by slender LED headlamps and illuminated when Ariya is ready for action. 

A continuous horizontal line defines the side profile with architectural tension and drama. The rear boasts a seamlessly integrated C-pillar – a one-piece light blade with a blackout effect when parked and a consistent red glow when the car is awake. Six two-tone exterior paint options, including the Akatsuki package, celebrate dawn's beauty. 

The Interior

The Ariya's interior exudes the Japanese term "ma," embodying spatiotemporal belonging. The cabin mirrors a sleek starship café lounge, maximizing space with an open floor and slim-profile Zero Gravity seats. 

The flat cabin floor and thoughtful placement of the battery result in abundant legroom and a lounge-like ambiance. The minimalist instrument panel blends seamlessly with the cabin, complete with capacitive haptic switches for climate control. 

The ingenious center storage box unfolds into a mobile office or picnic table, while the adjustable center console serves various practical uses. Rear-seat passengers revel in ample headroom and legroom, surrounded by sophistication and comfort. 

The Nissan Ariya’s Superb Infotainment System

The 2023/2024 Nissan Ariya’s infotainment system adopts a driver-centric setup that blends intuition and delight, evidenced in its new human-machine interface and over-the-air firmware updates. 

Ariya introduces intelligent personal assistance technology with a hybrid voice recognition system, ensuring in-vehicle assistance without compromising the driver's focus on the road. 

Amazon Alexa® integration promotes convenience with voice commands for music, calls, audiobooks, and smart home control. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wired Android Auto™ come standard as well. 

Ariya’s advanced audio entertainment platform features SiriusXM with 360L, combining satellite and streaming delivery for a personalized listening experience. The 12.3-inch instrument monitor and center display create a unified horizon with vital information like battery status and navigation. 

Users can swipe between displays to customize information and prioritize the driver's preferences. Ariya's head-up display is one of the largest in the segment and projects crisp driving information just behind the steering wheel. 

More so, this SUV pioneers "Remote Software Upgrade," ensuring the latest software for multimedia, electric systems, chassis, climate control, and EV settings with automatic over-the-air updates. 

Commenting on the SUV’s recognition with the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ award, Nissan North America’s senior vice president of Marketing and Sales said, 

“Ariya represents the best of Nissan advanced engineering, and this recognition from one of the industry's foremost safety agencies validates our continued focus on bringing the latest safety innovations to market."