After years of anticipation, Nissan has finally introduced the Ariya to the Australian market. Tested here in its Advance+ trim, its design feels decidedly deliberate. It’s a calm and mature look that gives subtle hints about its lack of an engine.
Framed by ultra slim LED headlights that stretch into distinctive light blades, the front and is cohesive and yet unmistakably modern. The proportions sit squarely in mid-sized SUV territory, but it carries the clever silhouette of a coupe.
Draped in Gun Metallic, its front-wheel drive platform runs on 19-inch wheels with aero covers. You can opt for two-tone paint and 20-inch wheels should you so desire. Other choices include Pearl Black, Aurora Green, Ceramic Grey and White Pearl.
You can also opt for Akatsuki Copper and Blue Pearl. Stepping inside and you’ll find a cabin that’s both spacious and calming. The flat EV floor allows for a lounge-like feel that’s open and uncluttered.
More like a modern Japanese living room than a traditional car interior, it’s minimalist, and loaded with soft touch materials Physical buttons are almost entirely gone, replaced by haptic touch controls embedded into the wood-look trim.
They light up when the car is on and disappear when its off. It sounds gimmicky at first but in practice it works wonderfully, offering tactile feedback and less visual clutter. Seats are heated, ventilated and designed for long stints.
Rear seat passengers benefit just as much from the EV platform, with generous legroom and a relaxed, heated seating position – with everything trimmed in synthetic leather with Ultrasuede inserts. Infotainment and instruments are delivered via twin 12.3-inch screens.
Embedded in a single, sweeping panel, they’re supported by a 10.8-inch head-up display. In the case of the touchscreen infotainment setup, the interface is clean and laid out logically, avoiding overcomplicated menu structures that plague newer cars.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which feels essential at this price point, and connectivity is seamless. The graphics are sharp and the ability to swipe navigation from the centre screen to the driver display is a small but genuinely useful touch.
Voice controls work well for basic commands. Nissan has really focused on ease of use here, and it’s refreshing. The Ariya Advance+ is powered by an 87kWh battery, with a claimed range of 504km. DC fast charging is up to 130kW.
That translates to a jump from 10 to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes. At home, AC charging options include a standard 7.4kW setup or 22kW should you have the capacity. On the road, this SUV leans into the comfort, more than performance.
Power delivery is smooth and immediate, as you’d expect from an EV, but it isn’t abrupt or overwhelming. The suspension is tuned to absorb poor road surfaces and urban imperfections with ease, making it particularly well rounded for Australian city driving.
Driver assistance technology includes the brand’s ProPILOT platform, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering assistance, significantly reducing driver workload during highway travel and stop start traffic. Its not a hands free system though.
The broader safety suite includes intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot intervention, rear automatic braking and a high quality 360-degree camera system that makes parking effortless.
Compared to the more performance-focused e-4ORCE variant, the Ariya Advance+ feels more sedate. That said, braking performance is strong and confident, complemented by Nissan’s e-pedal step system, which allows for near one pedal driving in most scenarios.
It is intuitive, easy to learn and particularly effective in traffic. Ultimately, for a drive away price of $68,985, it succeeds by knowing exactly what it wants to be. It’s not chasing mental performance figures or trying to out muscle competing cars in this segment.
Instead, it’s a refined product that’s not overcomplicated. It’s a well-designed SUV that fits seamlessly into everyday life. For buyers seeking an EV that feels premium, is easy to live with and genuinely relaxing to drive, the Ariya Advance+ is the perfect middle ground.
You can find out more by visiting the Nissan Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Nissan Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
