Nissan tosses its hat into the quickly growing compact SUV EV market with the new Ariya. This small electric SUV is prepared to take on the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Tesla Model Y. This electrifying battle presents eco-oriented buyers with more options than ever in this class.

All five models mentioned offer specific attributes, but only one is a heritage EV. The Nissan Ariya benefits from the history of the Leaf, which entered the market in 2010. The Nissan Leaf sold over half a million models worldwide, giving the Ariya the authority position in this market.

Here are five important qualities this Nissan electric SUV brings to your driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya is the right size?

According to AutoGuide.com, the Ariya fits perfectly in the compact crossover EV class. The 182.9-inch length makes this Nissan slightly longer than the Ioniq 5 but shorter than the Mach-E. You’ll feel more comfortable driving the Ariya than the other models because the Nissan is wider than them all, with a measurement of 74.8 inches across.

How does the Ariya compare to the Rogue?

The Nissan Rogue is often the standard for the brand, primarily due to its high sales rate. While similar in size, the Nissan Ariya is stubbier than the Rogue, and it brings a rakish roofline along with a lower stance. The clean lines and extended wheelbase look great on this compact crossover.

A new look at the front of this Nissan EV

We’re used to the floating V shape of the Nissan grille on gasoline-powered vehicles, but the Ariya is an EV and doesn’t require a grille. The front is a complete design change for the brand, offering a shield-shaped area instead of a grille. You’ll see thin boomerang-shaped headlights at the front along with the Nissan logo front and center on the nose.

Where’s the frunk?

The second item of interest for the Ariya is the lack of a front trunk area or frunk. Many EV models offer more cargo room by opening this area where a gasoline engine would be, giving owners more space for storage. Nissan opted instead to fit the climate control system in this part of the vehicle. The result is a thinner dashboard design, giving you a cleaner look inside the cabin.

You’ll see a stunning interior in the Nissan Ariya

The thin dashboard design blends well with the upscale materials and spacious cabin feel of this crossover EV. Color and texture give you the look of a modern vehicle that should be badged with a luxury name while present in a Nissan SUV. Every seat is comfortable, spacious, and supportive, giving you a lounge feeling in a crossover you can drive every day.

Nissan did away with buttons for the controls in the Ariya, opting instead for touch-capacitive spaces as a control panel. Two 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreens offer the infotainment and instrument displays you desire in this SUV.

This electric SUV comes with powertrain options

When the 2023 Nissan Ariya arrives in America, it will use an 87.0-kWh battery pack to power either a single electric motor or a pair of them. Those selecting the single-motor version can expect 238 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque while dual-motor models produce 389 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. The only vehicle in this class with more power than the dual-motor Ariya is the Mustang Mach-E GT. The single charge driving distance of this Nissan ranges from 265 to 300 miles depending on the equipment included in the vehicle.

How much does the 2023 Nissan Ariya cost?

Forbes tells us the starting price for the Ariya is $47,125. That seems a little pricey for a mainstream compact crossover, even one with an electric powertrain. Apply the minimum $7,500 federal tax credit along with any state credits offered, and the total price drops below $40,000 for the base model, which is much more affordable.

Of course, the base price is for the Venture+ entry-level model. If you choose the Evolve+ version, you’ll pay $50,125, Premiere models require $54,625, and the range-topping Platinum+ e-4ORCE AWD version makes you spend $60,125.

How can you buy a Nissan Ariya SUV?

Reservations are active for this Nissan EV. A refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your place in line. The first 10,000 reservations receive the $500 back in charging at EVgo fast-charging stations around the country.