Nissan’s Ariya Nismo is an EVs that manages to be both sensible family transport and genuinely entertaining.
That dual personality makes it interesting to live with day to day.
Slip inside and the first impression is of an upmarket cabin with an edgy vibe.
The graphite suede upholstery with synthetic leather trim and Nismo red stitching immediately set a sportier tone, yet the seats are generously padded and electrically adjustable for both driver and passenger, so you can sink into a relaxed driving position on longer trips.
The minimalist dash with its 12.3‑inch screen and head‑up display keeps key information clear without feeling cluttered, while the Intelligent Rear View Mirror and 360‑degree around‑view monitor make the car easy to place in town despite its size. Practicality is strong, with decent rear space and a 408‑litre boot, so it still feels like a family SUV first and a performance model second.
Press the starter and select Eco or Normal mode and the Ariya Nismo majors on calm refinement. The 87 kWh battery and dual‑motor e‑4ORCE all‑wheel‑drive system deliver power in a smooth, measured way, and on light throttle it feels no more demanding than any other electric crossover. The car retains the standard Ariya’s relaxed gait at a cruise, with impressive grip and a supple ride that shrugs off poorer surfaces despite the 20‑inch wheels. Noise levels are low, the heat pump keeps the cabin warm without hammering range, and the advanced driver assistance – from ProPILOT with Navi‑Link to intelligent cruise and lane keep assist – makes longer motorway slogs straightforward.
Range is officially quoted at 261 miles on the WLTP cycle, a figure borne out reasonably well in mixed driving conditions, which saw around 230 miles.
While the 130 kW DC rapid capability isn’t class‑leading, it’s sufficient to add a meaningful chunk of range in a coffee stop. As an efficient, relaxed EV, the Ariya Nismo is therefore more about easy progress than chasing every last mile per kWh.
Twist the drive‑mode selector round to its dedicated Nismo setting, however, and the character changes markedly. Power from the twin motors climbs to a stout 320 kW (435 PS) and 600 Nm of torque, good for 0–62 mph in 5.0 seconds, and the sharpened throttle response makes the car feel considerably more eager than the figures alone suggest.
In this mode the car feels genuinely agile, with the e‑4ORCE system shuffling torque between the axles to give strong traction out of bends and a more rear‑biased, playful balance than the standard car.
Add in the firmer steering tune and the synthesised performance sound and the car feels to have transformed into a sharp, sporty animal when provoked.
What stands out is that Nissan hasn’t pursued headline‑grabbing numbers at the expense of liveability. It isn’t as explosive as something like a Tesla Model Y Performance, but it benefits from composure, grip and overall polish instead of outright brutality.
The suspension’s MacPherson‑strut front and multi‑link rear layout has been tuned to keep body control tidy without the brittle edge some fast EVs suffer from, and combined with strong, vented discs all round, the car feels secure and confidence‑inspiring when you press on.
In town you can dial things back, rely on the smooth single‑pedal effect from the regenerative braking, and you’re back in relaxed, quietly competent SUV mode.
Overlay all of this with a generous kit list – heated front seats and steering wheel, dual‑zone climate control, ambient Nismo lighting and a full suite of active safety systems – and the £56,620 on‑the‑road price looks competitive against other premium electric crossovers with similar pace. It is not the longest‑range or the quickest EV you can buy, but as a practical five‑seat family car that can switch from calm, economical cruiser to genuinely entertaining B‑road companion at the twist of a dial, the Ariya Nismo hits a sweet spot that few rivals currently match.
Nissan Ariya Nismo
PRICE: £56,620 on the road
POWER: 320 kW / 429 hp / 435 PS
ACCELERATION: 0-62 mph in 5 seconds
RANGE 261 miles WLTP combined
CHARGING SPEED: 22 kW AC onboard charger; 130 kW DC rapid charging
TRANSMISSION: Automatic
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