2024 Nissan Ariya Review: Lower prices make for a more compelling EV

Pros: Functional, stylish and well-made cabin; reasonable prices; various performance, range and trim combos; standard front-wheel drive

Cons: No one-pedal driving and weird e-Step functionality; comparatively slow charging

The 2024 Nissan Ariya hasn’t changed a bit for its second model year, and yet it’s now a lot more appealing and competitive. Why? As a philosopher once said, “it’s all about the Benjamins.” The price of most Ariya trim levels plunged by $6,000 for 2024 (the base trim is down just $3,600), bringing all but the range-topping Platinum within the $40,000 range. This lower price means that the Ariya now undercuts similarly sized competitors, while offering more space and a high-quality cabin than those with a similar price. It also makes it a bit easier to overlook the Ariya’s main flaw: slow charging speeds.

There are other ways the Ariya provides compelling value for an EV. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, meaning those in the Snow Belt should feel less compelled to get all-wheel drive, which in EVs means paying a lot more than you would with a gas engine because it also adds a lot more power (that’s the case with the Ariya’s e-4ORCE dual-motor that uniquely adds handling-enhancing torque vectoring). There’s also loads of standard equipment included in the base trim level that comes with a smaller, short-range battery – if you’re just looking for an EV as a city car, why pay for range you don’t need?

All this talk of value loses sight of the many ways the Ariya is a compelling EV. It really isn’t all about the Benjamins (or six Grover Clevelands). The cabin really is special in terms of appearance, materials and functionality – that’s even the case with lower trim levels. The difference between the Ariya and a VW ID.4, Honda Prologue or Tesla Model Y really is stark. Range, performance and interior space certainly aren’t class leading, but they’re also fully competitive. In other words, if you’re looking for a more affordable electric car, the Ariya should be on your list.