If you’re considering a 2023 Nissan Ariya today, you’re probably not shopping new, you’re hunting for a well‑equipped, comfortable used electric SUV that doesn’t feel like a science experiment. Nissan’s second mainstream EV lands squarely in that space: the Ariya trades headline-grabbing acceleration for quiet refinement, a cushy ride, and a genuinely modern cabin. In this 2023 Nissan Ariya review, we’ll walk through range, charging, trims, and how it stacks up as a used EV purchase in 2026.
Quick take
2023 Nissan Ariya review: who is it for?
Nissan was early to the EV party with the Leaf, but the Ariya is its first ground‑up electric SUV for the U.S. Built on the Alliance’s CMF‑EV platform, the Ariya aims squarely at the heart of the market: families and commuters who want 300‑mile range options, an upscale interior, and available all‑wheel drive without going full luxury.
- Drivers moving out of a compact crossover (RAV4, CR‑V, Rogue) into their first EV
- Shoppers cross‑shopping Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach‑E
- Commuters who value a quiet, refined ride over the quickest 0–60 time
- Buyers who like the idea of Nissan’s long EV experience but want something more modern than a Leaf
A note on availability
Powertrain, battery and real-world range
The 2023 Ariya launched with multiple battery and motor combinations. At a high level, you’ll see two battery sizes and either single‑motor front‑wheel drive or dual‑motor all‑wheel drive (Nissan’s e‑4ORCE) on used listings.
2023 Nissan Ariya batteries, motors and range (U.S.)
Key 2023 Ariya configurations and official range estimates. Always verify exact specs on the specific used vehicle you’re considering.
| Trim (2023) | Drive | Battery (usable) | Official range (mi) | 0–60 mph (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engage | FWD | 63 kWh | ~205–216 | ~7.5 sec |
| Engage+ / Evolve+ / Empower+ / Premiere | FWD | 87 kWh | Up to 289–304 | ~7.2 sec |
| Engage e-4ORCE | AWD | 63 kWh | ~205 | ~5.5–6.0 sec |
| Engage+ / Evolve+ e-4ORCE | AWD | 87 kWh | ~270–272 | ~5.0 sec |
| Platinum+ e-4ORCE | AWD | 87 kWh | ~265–267 | ~5.0 sec |
Range varies by wheel size, options and conditions; use these as ballpark figures.
Real-world range expectations
- 63 kWh FWD (Engage): Best for shorter commutes or as a second car. Range is fine if you charge at home regularly but not ideal for frequent road trips.
- 87 kWh FWD (Venture+/Evolve+/Empower+/Premiere): The sweet spot for many buyers, with up to ~300 miles EPA and better efficiency than AWD versions.
- 87 kWh e‑4ORCE AWD: Strong performance and all‑weather traction, but with a modest range penalty and higher used pricing.
Cold weather caveat
Charging the 2023 Nissan Ariya: home and public speeds
On paper, the Ariya’s charging specs are competitive, but not class‑leading. Where it makes up ground is in how it delivers power consistently rather than through short bursts, which can make road‑trip stops more predictable.
2023 Nissan Ariya charging at a glance
Home charging
- AC Level 2 (240V, 7.2 kW): About 10.5 hours for a full charge on the 63 kWh battery, ~14 hours on the 87 kWh pack.
- AC Level 1 (120V outlet): Works in a pinch, but adds only a few miles of range per hour. Fine for occasional top‑ups, not great as your only solution.
- The Ariya uses the common J1772 connector for AC charging in North America, so it works with most home chargers on the market.
Public and road‑trip charging
- CCS DC fast charging up to 130 kW: 10–80% in roughly 35–40 minutes in ideal conditions.
- That’s decent, but rivals with 800‑volt systems (Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6) can charge significantly faster on the right equipment.
- If you road‑trip often, you’ll spend a bit more time at fast chargers in an Ariya than in some competitors, but many owners find it acceptable with good planning.
Home charging and used Ariya value
If you don’t have dedicated parking or can’t install a home charger, consider shopping trims with the larger 87 kWh battery so you have more flexibility between public charging sessions. You can also pair a used Ariya with a portable Level 2 charger, Recharged can help you understand options and home‑charging costs when you’re comparing vehicles.
Trims, configurations and key features
The 2023 Nissan Ariya lineup looked confusing at first glance, Engage, Venture+, Evolve+, Empower+, Premiere, Platinum+, but once you strip it down, you’re mostly deciding between battery size, drive wheels, and luxury features.
Core 2023 Ariya trim themes
Most used Ariyas you’ll see fall into one of these buckets.
Engage / Engage e‑4ORCE
Entry models with a shorter feature list and the 63 kWh battery.
- Best prices on the used market
- FWD or e‑4ORCE AWD
- Range is fine for daily duty but not ideal for frequent long trips
Venture+, Evolve+, Empower+, Premiere
Most of the 2023 lineup: 87 kWh battery with FWD or AWD.
- Stronger range numbers (up to ~300 miles FWD)
- More comfort and tech features
- Premiere was a limited launch edition with cosmetic extras
Platinum+ e‑4ORCE
Top‑spec AWD only with nearly every feature.
- Strong acceleration (around 5.0 seconds 0–60 mph)
- Premium audio, quilted leather, head‑up display, more
- Shortest range of the 87 kWh trims due to weight and equipment
Key features to look for on a used Ariya
Driving experience: comfort first, not thrills
On the road, the Ariya is tuned much more like a quiet near‑luxury crossover than a sporty EV. Even the powerful e‑4ORCE trims, which can run 0–60 mph in about five seconds, prioritize smoothness and composure over snap‑your‑neck acceleration.
Ride and refinement
- Quiet cabin: Double‑pane front glass and good sound insulation make the Ariya one of the calmer EV cabins at this price point.
- Comfort‑biased suspension: It soaks up broken pavement well, especially on the common 19‑inch wheels.
- Easy to drive: Light steering and gentle regenerative braking (via Nissan’s "e‑Step" mode) make it friendly for EV newcomers.
Handling and performance
- FWD models: Adequate power for daily use but not exciting. Expect a relaxed character.
- e‑4ORCE AWD: Dual motors add serious punch off the line and help the car feel more planted in bad weather.
- Not a hot hatch: If you crave tight, playful handling, you’ll likely prefer a Kia EV6 or Mustang Mach‑E.
Which powertrain feels right?
Interior, space and tech: Ariya’s standout strength
If there’s one area where the 2023 Ariya punches above its weight, it’s the cabin. Nissan leaned hard into the "EV lounge" idea, with a flat floor, sliding center console, and an open, airy feel that compares well with more expensive crossovers.
What stands out inside the 2023 Ariya
More than just another crossover cabin.
Spacious front row
Minimalist dashboard and a nearly flat floor make the front seating area feel open.
Most adults will find plenty of headroom and legroom, even with the panoramic roof.
Rear seat and cargo
Comfortable rear bench for two adults (three in a pinch). Sliding rear seat on some trims lets you trade cargo space for legroom.
Cargo room is solid for the class, though not best‑in‑segment.
Tech and controls
Dual 12.3‑inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay (wired Android Auto), and available head‑up display.
Capacitive climate controls blend into a wood‑look panel, stylish, though they can require a glance to hit the right spot.
Touch controls vs. physical buttons
Ownership, reliability and battery health
As a relatively new model, the long‑term reliability story for the Ariya is still being written, but Nissan brings more than a decade of EV experience from the Leaf. Early reports suggest that the Ariya’s liquid‑cooled battery and thermal management are a major step forward from the older air‑cooled design.
- Battery warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles against excessive capacity loss on U.S. models.
- Thermal management: Liquid‑cooled pack should help the Ariya age more gracefully than early Leafs, especially in hot climates.
- Service network: Nissan dealers familiar with the Leaf can generally handle Ariya routine service and software updates.
Support even after discontinuation
When you shop through a marketplace like Recharged, every used EV, including the Ariya, gets a Recharged Score with verified battery health, pricing analysis, and a detailed condition report. That matters on a vehicle this new, because mileage, charging habits and climate can all influence how the battery will perform 5–10 years down the road.
2023 Nissan Ariya vs rivals: Model Y, Ioniq 5 and more
If you’re cross‑shopping the Ariya, you’re probably also looking at a Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach‑E, or Volkswagen ID.4. Each one has a slightly different personality; the Ariya leans toward comfort and design rather than raw numbers.
How the 2023 Ariya stacks up against key rivals (big picture)
High‑level comparison to help you understand where the Ariya fits.
| Model | Strengths | Potential drawbacks vs Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Ariya | Upscale interior, quiet ride, available AWD, competitive range | Slower DC fast charging than top rivals; no access to Tesla Supercharger network without separate adapter ecosystem |
| Tesla Model Y | Supercharger access, strong efficiency, powerful acceleration, large cargo area | Harsher ride, simpler interior, quality can be hit‑or‑miss; used prices often higher |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Ultra‑fast 800‑volt charging, bold design, roomy cabin | Some trims ride firmly; availability and pricing can vary widely |
| Kia EV6 | Sporty dynamics, fast charging, sharp styling | Rear headroom a bit tighter; sportier ride may feel stiff to some |
| VW ID.4 | Comfortable, practical, often good lease/used deals | Infotainment and controls can frustrate; charging performance varies by year |
| Ford Mustang Mach‑E | Fun to drive, strong performance, decent range | Rear visibility and cargo opening less practical; charging speed depends on trim/year |
Exact specs vary by trim; use this as a directional guide when test‑driving competitors.
How to think about the Ariya in this crowd
Who should (and shouldn’t) buy a used Ariya?
Every EV asks you to make a few tradeoffs. The Ariya is no exception, but its compromises will be perfectly acceptable, or even desirable, for the right driver.
Great fit for
- Drivers with a reliable place to charge overnight.
- Buyers who value comfort, quiet and design over track‑day performance.
- Households replacing a gas crossover with an EV that still feels familiar.
- Shoppers who find Tesla’s minimalist interior too stark and want something warmer and more traditional.
Maybe look elsewhere if
- You rely heavily on DC fast charging for daily use and want the quickest stops possible.
- You prize sharp, sporty handling above all else.
- You must have maximum cargo room; a Model Y or ID.4 may serve you better.
- You’re deeply invested in using only one public charging network (like Tesla Superchargers) without adapters.
Used Nissan Ariya buying checklist
What to check before you buy a used 2023 Nissan Ariya
1. Confirm battery size and drivetrain
Check the window sticker or build sheet to verify whether the car has the 63 kWh or 87 kWh battery, and whether it’s FWD or e‑4ORCE AWD. Don’t assume based on trim name alone, listings can be wrong.
2. Review battery health
Ask for a recent battery health report. On Recharged, the Recharged Score includes a verified battery diagnostic so you can see how much usable capacity remains compared to new.
3. Look at charging history
Frequent DC fast‑charging isn’t automatically bad, but a car that lived on fast chargers in hot climates has likely seen more battery stress. Home‑charged commuter cars are usually easier on the pack.
4. Inspect tires and brakes
EVs are heavy. Check for uneven tire wear and confirm the remaining life on pads and rotors. Replacing 19‑ or 20‑inch tires isn’t cheap, so factor that into your budget.
5. Test all driver-assistance features
On a test drive, confirm that adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assistance, parking sensors, cameras and ProPILOT functions work smoothly. Driver‑assist quirks can be expensive to diagnose later.
6. Evaluate infotainment and touch controls
Make sure you’re comfortable with the Ariya’s haptic climate controls and touchscreen interface. Check for any lag, glitches, or pairing issues with your phone.
7. Confirm software updates and recalls
Ask the seller or dealer for a record of software updates and recall work. Many EV drivability and charging improvements arrive via software.
How Recharged can help
2023 Nissan Ariya FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2023 Nissan Ariya
Bottom line: is the 2023 Nissan Ariya a good EV?
Viewed purely on specs, the 2023 Nissan Ariya is a solid but not spectacular entry in the compact electric SUV class. Where it distinguishes itself is in how it feels to live with: a calm, comfortable ride, a genuinely inviting interior, and range that’s good enough for most real‑world use cases. Its mid‑pack DC fast‑charging speeds and discontinued U.S. status keep it from being a slam‑dunk choice for every driver, but they also help create compelling values on the used market.
If you want an EV that slips easily into your life, especially if you have home charging, and you care more about serenity and style than lap times, a well‑specced 2023 Ariya deserves a serious look. Use a detailed battery‑health and pricing report like the Recharged Score, compare it against a few key rivals, and you may find Nissan’s understated electric SUV is exactly the right fit for your first (or next) EV.
