Let’s be honest — not all electric SUVs are created equal. Some shout. Some strut. But Nissan’s ARIYA? It glides in with poise and purpose, all sleek lines and zen energy. With sharp Japanese styling, a sculptural “shield” front, and a minimalist interior that feels more boutique hotel than traditional car cabin, the ARIYA is here to elevate your EV expectations.
We took the dual-motor e-4ORCE version out for a spin to see how it performs — from Monday commutes to spontaneous queer road trips down the Forgotten World Highway.
What it actually is
The ARIYA is Nissan’s first fully electric SUV — think of it as the X-TRAIL’s more sophisticated, all-electric big sibling. It’s got that confident energy without trying too hard. Depending on your flavour, you can get up to 498 km of range (WLTP) in the long-range model. The e-4ORCE setup delivers 290 kW and 600 Nm of torque — enough to get this nearly two-tonne glamazon from 0–100 km/h in just over five seconds.
Translation? It’s got more than enough punch for drag brunches, beach weekends, or those last-minute missions to pick up your bestie from the airport.
The drive: Smooth operator
On the motorway, the ARIYA is blissfully composed. It filters out road and wind noise like a pro, while the all-wheel drive keeps things planted — even when Tāmaki Makaurau throws a greasy downpour your way. The ride is firm but comfy, with just enough feedback to keep things fun.
Push it a little, and she responds — not with shrieking theatrics, but with graceful confidence. The ARIYA may not be a drama queen, but she knows how to make an entrance.
Range and recharge
With a WLTP rating of up to 498 km, your mileage will vary depending on the weather, terrain, and how heavy your foot is. But don’t stress — even with real-world conditions, the ARIYA easily covers a full week of inner-city cruising and social swanning before needing a recharge.
When you do plug in, fast-charging up to 130 kW means you can go from 20–80% in about 35 minutes — ideal for a quick juice-up between flat whites. At home, an overnight wallbox charge fits neatly into any routine.
Interior goals
Step inside and it’s giving: clean lines, curated calm, and tech that’s subtle but smart. The dashboard is low and elegant, flanked by a chic twin-screen display. The vibe is less cockpit, more luxe apartment lobby. Physical switches are minimal, with sleek haptic touch controls — a high-design flex that some might love and others… might yearn to replace with a dial.
The zero-gravity seats? Heavenly. Think proper support for those long roadies to the bach or out-of-town gigs. There’s even a sliding centre console to suit your vibe — practical, yes, but also kind of fun.
Space for days
The boot serves 466 litres of cargo capacity — more than enough for weekend bags, a box of wine, a ring light, or your entire drag wardrobe (minus the 6-foot wingspan). The back seats fold down flat if you’re hauling bigger stuff. No frunk up front, and the sloped rear means taller items need a bit of creative Tetris-ing, but overall it’s versatile without screaming “family car.”
Who’s it for?
If you’re after a car that’s stylish, comfy, planet-friendly and a little bit luxe, the ARIYA might just be your new ride-or-die. It’s ideal for drivers who care about aesthetics and sustainability, but still want performance and practicality. Whether you’re couple-upped or sharing with flatmates, the ARIYA feels like a lifestyle choice — not just a vehicle.
And unlike some Euro brands wrapped up in their own badge game, the ARIYA stands out because it dares to be different. Iconic behaviour.
Final thoughts
The Nissan ARIYA isn’t here to replicate Tesla minimalism or German swagger. Instead, it offers quiet luxury, Japanese precision, and a refreshingly unique take on what an electric SUV can be in Aotearoa. Sure, it has a couple of quirks (looking at you, haptic buttons), but overall it’s a smart, distinctive and queer-friendly choice.
For those ready to make the electric leap — without compromising style or substance — the ARIYA might just be your perfect match.
Pros and cons
What we love:
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Graceful motorway manners
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Stylish, curated interior
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Practical 466L boot
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Responsive performance and solid AWD grip
Things to note:
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A bit hefty; you’ll feel it over sharp bumps
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Touch controls are not everyone’s flavour
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Real-world range is slightly less than claimed
🚘 Ready to glow up your garage?
Slide into serenity with a test drive of the Nissan ARIYA at your local Nissan dealer — or head to nissan.co.nz for all the deets. Electric, elegant, and unapologetically different — the ARIYA might just be your next great love.
