Unfortunately, the Ariya’s arrival has been delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related supply chain issues. Originally scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in 2021, front-wheel-drive versions will trickle in before the end of 2022 and all-wheel-drive models are scheduled to arrive in early 2023.
To say the Ariya is an important vehicle to Nissan is an understatement as it looks to reestablish itself as a serious player in the electric vehicle space. To get an early impression of this critical model, we rented a pre-production Ariya from Nissan.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Ariya is available to you below. We will soon purchase our own model, complete 2,000 break-in miles, then put it through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including evaluations of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results.
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What we rented: 2023 Nissan Ariya Premiere FWD
Powertrain: 238-hp, electric motor; 1-speed direct drive, 87-kWh battery; front-wheel drive
MSRP: $54,690
Options: Premium paint with two-tone body/roof, $695
Destination fee: $1,295
Total cost: $56,680
