Best Car Reviews - 2023 Nissan ARIYA VENTURE Plus FWD 87kWh

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Introduction

The 2023 Nissan ARIYA VENTURE Plus FWD is a long-range, front-wheel-drive electric crossover aimed at drivers who want a relaxed family car with meaningful everyday range. Although it may be listed in some databases as a small station wagon, the ARIYA is more accurately a five-door electric SUV/crossover. Its standout feature is the 87 kWh battery combined with a single front motor, delivering an EPA-estimated range of up to 304 miles in the US-market VENTURE+.

Design and Exterior Features

The ARIYA has a clean, futuristic shape rather than a conventional SUV profile. Its smooth nose replaces a traditional open grille with Nissan’s patterned front shield, while the slim LED lighting and full-width rear light signature give it a distinctive evening appearance. At about 182.9 inches long, it is sized for family use without feeling excessively large in town. As the first ARIYA generation, it does not replace an earlier ARIYA model; instead, it represents Nissan’s more upscale electric design direction beyond the smaller LEAF.

Streamlined electric-crossover body with a low, modern roofline.
Signature front shield and slim LED headlights.
Full-width rear lighting design for a recognisable night-time look.
Front-wheel-drive layout with a practical five-door body.
Flush-looking exterior details that support the car’s clean visual theme.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is one of the ARIYA’s strongest points. Its flat-floor EV platform, wide dashboard and reduced transmission hardware create an airy feel, especially in the front seats. The VENTURE+ combines a minimalist dashboard with two integrated 12.3-inch displays, soft-touch trim and haptic dashboard controls. Seating comfort and quiet electric operation suit commuting and longer trips, although rear cargo capacity is less generous than in some competing electric crossovers.

Dual 12.3-inch digital displays for instruments and infotainment.
Spacious front-seat area with a flat-floor layout.
Quiet electric drivetrain that reduces urban driving noise.
Comfort-focused seating and dual-zone automatic climate control.
60/40 split-folding rear seat for flexible luggage space.

Performance and Handling

The VENTURE+ uses an 87 kWh battery and a single front-mounted electric motor rated at 178 kW, or 238 horsepower, with 221 lb-ft of torque in US specification. Nissan quoted an estimated 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds, giving the ARIYA brisk but not sports-car-like acceleration. Front-wheel drive makes it easy to place in city traffic, while the low battery placement helps stability on faster roads. The supplied fuel-consumption value of 0.0792 does not state a recognised unit, so it should not be presented as an exact l/100 km figure. For a verifiable real-world reference point, the VENTURE+ was EPA-rated for up to 304 miles of range, with range changing substantially in cold weather, at motorway speeds and with wheel choice.

87 kWh battery and 178 kW single electric motor.
238 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque in US VENTURE+ specification.
Estimated 0-60 mph acceleration of 7.2 seconds.
EPA-estimated range of up to 304 miles.
DC fast-charging estimate of about 40 minutes to 80 percent under suitable conditions.

Technology and Connectivity

The ARIYA VENTURE+ brings useful standard technology rather than relying solely on optional packages. The widescreen digital layout supports navigation and vehicle information, while wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto help drivers use familiar phone apps. NissanConnect services add remote EV-oriented functions where subscriptions, mobile coverage and local market support are available. ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link can combine adaptive cruise control and lane-centering support with navigation-based assistance, but it remains a driver-assistance system rather than self-driving technology.

Dual 12.3-inch display interface.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
NissanConnect EV and remote-services capability, subject to market availability.
Voice control and connected navigation functions.
ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link for supported driving assistance.

Safety Features

The ARIYA has a strong safety foundation, including Nissan Safety Shield 360 and a wide range of active driver-assistance systems. Euro NCAP awarded the ARIYA a five-star rating in 2022, scoring 86 percent for adult occupant protection, 89 percent for child occupant protection, 74 percent for vulnerable road-user protection and 93 percent for safety assist. Equipment can vary by country and production date, so buyers should confirm the specification of the exact vehicle.

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
Lane-departure warning and lane-intervention support.
Rear automatic braking and rear-view camera support.
Adaptive cruise control and ProPILOT Assist functions.

Pricing and Variants

The 2023 ARIYA VENTURE+ FWD had an original US MSRP of $47,190 before destination charges and optional equipment. The wider 2023 ARIYA range included ENGAGE, VENTURE+, EVOLVE+, EMPOWER+ and dual-motor e-4ORCE variants, with availability varying by market. Rivals included the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y. The Nissan prioritises cabin calmness and long-range comfort over the sportiest driving experience or the largest cargo area.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent official range for a front-wheel-drive electric crossover.
Quiet, spacious and modern-feeling cabin.
Strong standard safety and driver-assistance package.
Smooth acceleration that suits daily driving.
Distinctive design that stands apart from more conventional SUVs.

Cons

Front-wheel drive is less confidence-inspiring than AWD on very slippery roads.
Fast-charging performance can be less competitive than some 800-volt rivals.
Real-world range falls noticeably in cold weather and at sustained motorway speeds.
Cargo space is modest for the vehicle’s exterior footprint.
Some functions depend on connected services and app reliability.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Nissan does not publish a trim-specific yearly maintenance-cost figure for the 2023 ARIYA VENTURE+, so an exact annual amount cannot be stated reliably. Routine EV maintenance is generally limited to tyres, brakes, cabin filters, wiper blades, coolant checks and inspections, but insurance, tyre wear and local labour rates can make ownership costs vary widely. Reported concerns for the generation include connected-app data or remote-command inconsistencies, infotainment or route-planning frustrations, variable public fast-charging sessions, delayed software updates, and the documented inverter-software recall on certain 2023 vehicles that could lead to loss of drive power if not remedied. A used-car buyer should check recall completion and charging performance before purchase.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.2/10. Design: 8.5/10; comfort: 8.7/10; performance: 7.8/10; technology: 8.0/10; safety: 8.2/10. The ARIYA VENTURE+ is particularly convincing as a refined long-range family EV, even if some rivals offer sharper handling, faster charging or more cargo space.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly highlights the ARIYA’s comfort, quietness and range, while criticism tends to focus on software and public-charging experiences rather than the basic electric drivetrain. Experiences vary by climate, charging network, software version and local dealer support.

Owners often praise the calm ride and low cabin noise.
The long official range is valued for commuting and moderate road trips.
Many drivers like the modern dashboard and wide digital displays.
Some users find the mobile app and charging-route information inconsistent.
Drivers commonly note that winter weather and high-speed travel reduce available range.

Best Cars in This Category

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5
2023 Kia EV6
2023 Volkswagen ID.4
2023 Tesla Model Y

Summary

The 2023 Nissan ARIYA VENTURE Plus FWD 87kWh is best suited to buyers who value a comfortable, well-equipped electric family crossover with long official range and a mature driving character. It is not the fastest or most cargo-capable option in its class, but its attractive cabin, reassuring safety credentials and 304-mile EPA-estimated range make it a compelling alternative to the most common electric SUV choices.