The Nissan Ariya arrived in 2022 as a standout contender, earning the prestigious Car of the Year award for its design and technology. However, the electric vehicle (EV) market moves at breakneck speed. To keep pace with rivals and maintain its competitive edge, Nissan has unveiled a mid-life update for its flagship SUV.
Launching in June, the revised Ariya focuses on three key improvements: increased driving range, lower starting prices, and a refreshed exterior design that aligns with Nissan’s latest aesthetic language.
Pricing and Model Lineup
Nissan is simplifying its offering into two primary trims for the UK market, both of which see price reductions or competitive positioning compared to the outgoing model.
- Engage+ : This entry-level variant starts at £37,000, a £500 reduction from the current model. Crucially, Nissan expects this version to qualify for the UK government’s Electric Car Grant (the “Band 2” £1,500 discount), making the effective starting price even lower for eligible buyers.
- Advance : Positioned as the higher-spec option, the Advance starts at £43,425.
Why this matters: By lowering the entry price and ensuring grant eligibility, Nissan is directly targeting budget-conscious buyers who may have been deterred by the initial launch pricing. This move acknowledges the intense price competition in the mid-size EV SUV segment.
Significantly Boosted Range
The most tangible upgrade for drivers is the increase in estimated range, driven by software optimizations and efficiency tweaks rather than larger batteries. The battery capacities remain unchanged from the original Ariya, but the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) figures have improved notably, based on data from markets like Japan where the update has already launched.
- Engage+ (63kWh Battery) : Range increases from 250 miles to 292 miles. This version utilizes a single-motor setup. Note that the ‘e-4ORCE’ all-wheel-drive variant is not expected to be available in the UK.
- Advance (87kWh Battery) : Range jumps significantly from 329 miles to 397 miles. This substantial increase allows the Ariya to surpass even the new Nissan Leaf’s claimed 370-mile range, reinforcing its position as a long-distance capable family SUV.
Charging speeds remain consistent with the previous model, supporting up to 130kW DC fast charging. This allows for a 10% to 80% top-up in approximately 30 minutes for both battery sizes.
Design and Driving Dynamics
Visually, the Ariya has been tweaked to look more modern and cohesive with Nissan’s recent releases, such as the new Leaf and the Renault 5-based Micra.
- Exterior : The controversial large black panel on the front nose has been removed, replaced by a cleaner design. Updates include reshaped LED headlight clusters, a new lower air intake, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a new “Plasma Green” paint option.
- Chassis : Nissan has refined the suspension tuning to enhance ride comfort. The goal is to deliver improved stability, reduced vibrations, and a smoother overall driving experience, addressing early feedback that the ride could be firm.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the cabin retains its futuristic layout, featuring touch-sensitive controls and a sliding center console. However, the technology has been updated to keep pace with current standards.
- Infotainment : The 12.3-inch touchscreen now runs the latest generation of NissanConnect, which includes built-in Google services. This integration provides seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, removing the need for smartphone mirroring for many common tasks.
- Bi-directional Charging : The Ariya continues to offer V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability, providing up to 3kW of power. This is sufficient to run household appliances like an electric cooker or charge multiple laptops, making it a practical choice for camping or emergency power needs.
Conclusion
The updated Nissan Ariya addresses the primary criticisms of its predecessor—range anxiety and design polarities—while becoming more affordable. With a sub-£37,000 starting price (after grants) and nearly 400 miles of range in top trim, it remains a strong contender in the crowded electric SUV market. For those who cannot wait for the June launch, significant discounts on used models are already available, offering a budget-friendly entry point into Nissan’s electric ecosystem.
