Review: Nissan Ariya Nismo

Alongside the Leaf and Micra, the Ariya completes Nissan’s trio of fully electric models. A mid-sized SUV, it is the largest of the three and is competitively priced against its rivals.

It has real road presence, sitting tall with sharp angles and a distinctive, friendly ‘face’. We tested the high-performance Nismo version, which enhances the styling further. It stands out with a black body kit, red accents and striking 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin is equally stylish. The driver feels cocooned in a cockpit-like environment, with the dashboard flowing seamlessly into the door panels and a substantial central armrest and console subtly separating driver and passenger. The Nismo model adds red detailing across the dashboard and a red starter button for extra visual drama. Upholstery is plusher than in the standard Ariya, and the rally-inspired bucket seats provide both support and comfort.

The twin digital displays — for instruments and infotainment — are crisp, clear and generally intuitive to use. However, while the touch-sensitive controls look sleek, the absence of a physical dial for the air-conditioning is frustrating. Sliders may appear modern, but they can be distracting to operate on the move.

Up front, storage is plentiful, and overall comfort is excellent, with ample adjustment to achieve an ideal driving position. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom, although taller occupants may find the sloping roofline slightly restrictive. Boot space stands at 408 litres in the Nismo version — smaller than the standard Ariya due to the additional rear motor, but still practical for everyday use.

Power comes from two electric motors — one on each axle — operating through Nissan’s e-4ORCE four-wheel-drive system. Together they produce an impressive 429hp, delivering 0–62mph in five seconAds and a top speed of 124mph. Nissan says the e-4ORCE system works in tandem with finely tuned suspension to provide precision and confidence across varying road conditions. Ride comfort is good, though it’s not quite as supple as some competitors in the class.

As ever with electric vehicles, range and charging are crucial considerations. Officially, the Ariya can travel up to 261 miles on a full charge, but real-world factors such as cold weather, heating, air conditioning and driving style can significantly reduce that figure. Heated seats, a heated windscreen and a heated steering wheel will dent it further.

Using a rapid charger, a 20–80 per cent top-up can be completed in around 35 minutes. At home, however, a 7.5kW wallbox will require closer to 12 hours for a full charge.

Overall, the Ariya Nismo blends striking design, strong performance and everyday usability — though buyers will need to weigh up real-world range against their driving needs.