Nissans First Electric Crossover Vehicle! Can it keep up with the competition?

Another Manufacture making its entrance into the electric Crossover/SUV market, the competition to be the best Family electric SUV is tough with the likes of Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, and Skoda Enyaq all being good family vehicles. Can Nissan’s first electric crossover trump them? 

How Practical is this Electric Crossover?

Probably the most important thing when it comes to electric SUVs/Crossovers for families is practicality. This Electric Crossover comes with some handy features making it just that bit more practical. A power tailgate enables you to open the boot automatically by simply swiping your foot under the vehicle. The idea being if you were approaching the vehicle with your hands full perhaps from shopping, you would still be able to easily access the boot. Of course, this feature will work if you have the keys close by, in your pocket for example. However, there is also just a button on the back if you would prefer to just use that.

The boot space is different depending on which version of this Electric Crossover you go for. The single motor option comes in at 466 litres of space whilst the dual motor option reduces that space and has 406 litres. Both options have more space than the Lotus Eletre SUV (400L of boot space) and the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT (402L of boot space). However, it falls short when compared to the likes of the Tesla Model Y with over 850 Litres of boot space or the Skoda Enyaq with over 580 Litres of boot space.

So, if practicality is the most important thing for you when looking for an Electric Crossover or SUV maybe look at the Enyag or Tesla.

What’s it like on the inside of this Electric Crossover? 

The rear space is good with decent headroom and plenty of legroom. USB ports that help those sitting in the back keep their entertainment systems charged for those long journeys. There is also a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Those sitting in the back will also have access to a rear climate control system.

The front has a nice subtle simplistic design and nothing too extraordinary technology-wise but comes with some nice features. Like the Mercedes infotainment system, this Nissan Crossover has an infotainment system that runs alongside the driver information screen. However, many rival electric vehicles have a massive infotainment screen separate from the driver's information screen. In fact, some rival infotainment systems come with vast entertainment options making them even more practical. The Ariya infotainment system may not be as big as its rivals it but works well and is extremely responsive. Many other electric vehicle infotainment systems feel slow and sluggish in comparison to the Ariya.

The Nissan Ariya uses capacitive buttons located on the lower dash controlling fan speed & heating. A physical volume nob which you don’t see very often in electric vehicles, especially amongst other electric SUVs. Innovatively the centre console moves with the press of a button allowing for more legroom for either passenger or driver.

The centre console also has a wireless charging compartment for compatible phones. A button that reveals a sort of glove compartment under the dashboard that acts as a small shelf or storage.

What is the drive and performance of this Electric Crossover like?

Overall, this Electric Crossover is quiet not letting off too much wind/road noise. Almost silent electric motors only let off a slight distant whining but aren't very noticeable. However, there is some slight thudding from the suspension system when going over imperfections in the road. Apart from that this Electric Crossover isn’t very loud and makes for a good long cruise. The handling is good, and you feel in full control over the vehicle while taking sharp turns and bends. This Electric Crossover will come in two versions with different specifications The Ariya and The 4-wheel drive Ariya e-4ORCE.

The Ariya comes in at 217 Horsepower, does 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds and has a range of up to 223 miles. On-board charger CCS type, taking up to 7.4kWs and a 63kW battery pack with a max charging rate of 130kW going from 20% - 80% in 30 minutes.

The 4- Wheel drive Ariya e-4ORCE comes in at 306 Horsepower, does 0 to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds and has a range of up to 285 miles. On-board charger CCS type, taking up to 22kWs and an 87kW battery pack with a max charging rate of 130kW going from 20% - 80% in 30 minutes.

If this Electric Crossover is the vehicle for you or you’re thinking of getting a here at CAR-CHARGER.UK and get your EV Charger Installation.