This past week we had our second chance to experience the now in its second year of production, all-electric Nissan Ariya Platinum edition. This is not the first electric vehicle for the manufacture as they have offered the Leaf since 2011.

Being one of the first manufacturers to offer a battery powered vehicle has helped them to incorporate the technology easier and with more effectiveness into their second longer range, up to 300 miles, battery powered SUV.

Design and exterior

The first time we saw the Ariya a couple of years ago it immediately captivated us with its futuristic and bold design. The exterior features a seamless blend of sleek lines and bold curves that let us know it was still a Nissan but with a styling touches all its own.

The front fascia is dominated by a striking Nissan V-motion grille, flanked by narrow, aggressive LED headlights that give the vehicle its distinct and commanding presence on the road, and also kept our neighbors asking questions about the new electric SUV.

The Ariya's aerodynamic profile not only enhances its visual appeal but is also part making it a more efficient drive out on the open road getting more miles per kilowatt hour. Nissan has incorporated a sloping roofline and smooth underbody to reduce drag, that also contributed to the vehicle's overall performance and range.

Interior and comfort

Getting inside the Ariya, we were immediately greeted by a spacious and meticulously crafted interior. The designers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the cabin provided a sense of luxury and modernity. High-quality materials, such as leather and soft-touch plastics, are used throughout, allowing us to feel that we were in a luxury brand vehicle.

The minimalist dashboard was dominated by two large displays: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. These screens are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, providing a clean and uncluttered look. The infotainment system supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, ensuring that we stayed connected every time we went out.

Of course, one of the standout features of the Ariya's interior were Nissans Zero Gravity seats, we have always been fans and love them on longer journeys. Additionally, the panoramic sunroof flooded the cabin with natural light, giving the Aryia an even more open and spacious feel.

Performance and driving dynamics

Under the hood, seems like kind of an oxymoron with and electric vehicle, however the 2024 Nissan Ariya Platinum AWD boasts an advanced dual-motor setup that delivers impressive performance, boasting 389 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time of 4.8 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system, known as e-4ORCE, provided excellent traction and stability all week.

The Ariya Platinum was powered by a 90 kWh battery pack, which offered us a range of up to 300 miles on a single 100% charge, depending on driving conditions and usage.

Nissan has also equipped the Ariya with a wide range of driving modes, including Sport, Eco, and Snow, which allowed us to pick differently depending on our outing in the SUV.

After a week of driving which included a trip to Ogden on the weekend to watch our grandson play in a baseball game we averaged about 2.7 miles per kilowatt hour, which comes out to a cost of about 3.7 cents per mile when we charged at home. If we had used a public charger that would change to about 20.7 cents per mile.

Technology and safety

The Ariya Platinum was packed with cutting-edge technology that was designed to enhance our driving experience and ensure our safety. The ProPILOT Assist 2.0 system was one of the standout features, offering advanced driver assistance capabilities such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist. This system can handle some driving tasks autonomously.

The infotainment system is equipped with NissanConnect, which offers a range of connected services, including real-time traffic updates, remote vehicle monitoring, and over-the-air software updates.

Safety of course was a top priority for Nissan, and the Ariya was no exception. The vehicle came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

Charging and practicality

We have found that one of the key considerations for any EV is charging, and the 2024 Ariya offered a range of options to suit different needs. The vehicle supports both Level 2 home charging and DC fast charging, with the latter capable of replenishing up to 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes. We didn't have the chance for a DC fast charge but the SUV would charge to 100% overnight on our at home Level 2 charger.

The Ariya offered a practical and versatile interior. The rear seats could be folded down to create a flat loading floor, providing ample cargo space for luggage, sports equipment, or groceries. The absence of a traditional engine and transmission tunnel also means that there is more storage space in the front of the cabin, including a spacious center console and glovebox.

Having Craig's Mom Pat in the back for the ride to Ogden proved to be incredibly comfortable with plenty of leg room and space to stretch out!

Final thought

The 2024 Nissan Ariya Platinum represented again a significant step forward for Nissan and the EV market as a whole. With its combination of stylish design, luxurious interior, impressive performance, and advanced technology, the Ariya offered a compelling package for those looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle. Its long range, fast charging capabilities, and practical features made it a versatile choice in our minds.

Base Price: $54,100

Destination Charge: $1,390

Price as Driven: $56,940

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