NISSAN Ariya Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Creating the Ariya was not enough for the Japanese automaker, so it pushed the boundaries of its all-electric crossover and transformed it from a mundane electron-powered EV into a hot crossover.

Nissan unveiled the Ariya NISMO at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Show, offering customers an alternative to other sporty crossovers on the market, such as the Kia EV6 GT or the MG 4 Xpower. But Nissan knew that only adding some power under the car’s skin won’t cut it. As a result, its Nismo motorsports specialist department was involved in the project, helping the vehicle achieve its full potential. In addition, the Japanese engineering team working on the Ariya NISMO altered not just the powertrain but the vehicle’s exterior and interior looks as well.

At the front, the Ariya NISMO featured an improved fascia. While it kept the same narrow headlights and the V-shaped daytime running lights, it sported a black panel between them instead of the dotted one used on the regular Ariya. Furthermore, the bumper had redesigned side scoops to enhance aerodynamics, while under the apron, Nismo installed a piano-black splitter adorned by a red stripe and the motorsports’ specialist lettering.

From its profile, the car’s new 20-inch aluminum wheels stood apart with their five double-spoke design developed together with Enkei, with black and brushed metal details. These were wrapped in high-performance Michelin tires, helping the car’s road-holding and straight-line acceleration. NISMO also altered the bodywork’s styling by applying red stripes on the redesigned side sills. At the same time, the motorsports specialist enhanced the car’s back to lower drag. It added a second spoiler at the lower side of the raked-forward window. To complement the vehicle’s overall look, the automaker installed a broad diffuser under the bumper, adorned by red accents. In addition, it sported a red third brake light, mounted vertically, resembling those installed on race cars.

Inside, the Ariya was not a mundane vehicle, so NISMO’s work was even more complicated since it had to improve something that was already at high levels. Still, it installed suede-upholstered new sports seats with integrated headrests and adequate badging on their seatbacks. The dashboard supported a wide screen made from two displays: a touchscreen for the infotainment system and one for the instrument panel. A flat-bottom steering wheel with a red mark for 12 o’clock marking was also fitted. To complete the sporty character of the vehicle, Nissan added red accents on the door cards, center console, and dashboard.

But the automaker excelled when it improved the powertrain of the massive 2.2-ton (4,850 lbs.). The motorsports specialist developed the Ariya NISMO with the Nissan Formula E team’s engineer, Mr. Tadashi Nishikawa. Based on the e-4orce system, NISMO squeezed another ten percent from the original drivetrain’s power, raising it to 435 PS (429 hp). The all-wheel drive sports crossover was available with a choice of two battery packs.

Nissan was a pioneer in electric mobility with the Leaf in 2010. Before that, a leader in the SUV market with the Qashqai. It might have waited for a while, but it finally combined these segments.

Nissan Ariya was a concept car shown by the Japanese car-maker in 2019 at the Tokyo Motor Show and translated into a production vehicle in the following year. The series version looked almost the same as the concept car.

The Ariya looked like it came from the future with its 24 LED lamps in the front for the headlights and the boomerang-style LED daytime running lights. The prominent black grille was a panel, but the apron's lower opening was used to cool the batteries and the motor. The SUV-coupe stance and the raked C-pillars made a good impression. It looked alive. A roof-spoiler was added to the back to enhance the look, if not the aerodynamic.

Inside, the Ariya didn't share its parts with other products from its lineup. Two wide screens on the dashboard were used for the instrument panel and the infotainment system. There were touch-buttons with a haptic response on the wood-like trim that crossed the dashboard, but the volume knob for the sound system was regular. A voice recognition system similar to Amazon's Alexa was installed, and the updates for the system were made over the air, not requiring a visit to the dealer. The car featured a small gear selector and the touch-buttons for the drive mode on the center console. There was room for up to five adults, with a flat floor in the back.

The Ariya was offered in a few versions for the powertrain, all-electric, with either rear or all-wheel-drive. There were a few options for the battery packs as well.