Is the 2023 Nissan Ariya e-4orce a Good Electric Car? 5 Pros and 3 Cons

With the launch of the Nissan Ariya last year, the Japanese brand jumped into a growing field of electrified compact SUVs, joining some worthy competitors such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Volkswagen ID.4.

Related: 2023 Nissan Ariya e-4orce AWD Review: More Grip, More Go

But one thing the original Ariya lacked was the availability of all-wheel drive. That has been remedied with the arrival of the 2023 Ariya e-4orce, which also gets a substantial boost in power and other improvements. The e-4orce retains positive attributes of the original Ariya, including a nicely finished, comfortable cabin with simple controls. However, it still lacks the range of the best in the category, and the improvements come with a significant increase in price.

Cars.com’s Damon Bell recently traveled to California for an opportunity to get to know Nissan’s newest EV. (Per our ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its own airfare and lodging when attending such manufacturer-sponsored events.) His complete expert review can be found by tapping the link above. For a quick look at the highs and lows, read on to learn five things we like about the 2023 Nissan Ariya e-4orce and three things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Added Oomph

Where the front-wheel drive Ariya uses a single electric motor, the e-4orce adds a second one to power the rear wheels. The result is a quicker claimed 0-60 mph time of up to 4.8 seconds and a total system horsepower of up to 389 to go with the benefits of AWD. Response is immediate at any speed, and power comes on in a smooth, quiet rush. An estimated range of between 205 and 272 miles depending on trim is competitive, as well.

2. Light on Its Feet

Thanks to an AWD system that’s constantly monitoring grip to each wheel and controlling power output accordingly, the e-4orce demonstrates impressive cornering grip and agility for a car weighing as much as 5,057 pounds, depending on trim. Like the FWD version, the e-4orce offers a Sport drive mode that enhances response to accelerator input and quickens steering response and feel.

3. Comfy Cruiser

For all its impressive grip, the Ariya makes for an agreeable cruiser. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than performance, and the e-4orce gobbles up road imperfections with ease, even when equipped with the optional 20-inch wheels in place of the standard 19-inch wheels.

4. Hands-Free Driving

The available ProPilot Assist 2.0 system allows for limited hands-free driving on road trips and proved to be an effective aid during our time with the e-4orce. While it lacks features like the lane-changing capability found with the more robust GM Super Cruise, ProPilot can smoothly maintain lane position, speed and distance between other vehicles. Simple indicators monitor system status underway, and warnings effectively alert the driver when it’s time to retake control.

5. Handsome Cabin

The Ariya’s cabin is competitively spacious, with a modern design and simple controls. All but the tallest adults should find adequate room in both the first and second rows. The Platinum+ trim is particularly welcoming, with rich-looking Nappa leather on the seats and suede inserts on the doors and dashboard. A power-sliding console is a nice touch and allows for a more customized driving position or added room in front or back as desired.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Artificial Soundtrack

One downside of the previously mentioned Sport mode is an artificially boosted powertrain soundtrack, which Nissan refers to as “acceleration sound enhancement.” But rather than enhancing anything, we found the feature to be an annoyance, creating something more like an eerie electronic wail than any sort of muscular song.

2. Short on Storage

While storage room is adequate overall, the Ariya falls short of competitors in some ways. Unlike some similar EVs, the Ariya lacks a front trunk for additional locking storage. Inside the cabin, space under the center armrest is very limited, and a small concealed compartment in the dash helps, but not much. The added components necessary for AWD in the e-4orce also eliminate the rear underfloor cargo compartment found in the FWD version.

3. Cost of Entry

The necessary added motors and components for AWD bring a substantial cost increase to any EV. In the case of the Ariya e-4orce, the premium works out to about $4,000. While that’s in line with competing models, other options can make the Ariya one of the most expensive choices in the category. Our loaded Platinum+ trim rang in at $62,770, including destination, making it one of the most expensive choices in the category.

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