As automakers shift their focus to green modes of transport, we've seen some competitive developments in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Right now, the primary segment of contention appears to be for EV SUVs, with two of the most exciting options being the all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya and upstart Rivian's R1S. Discover how these models match up if you are in the market for a sizable electric SUV.
Overview and Trim Levels
The Ariya is a new model line for Nissan, part of the Japanese automaker's strategy of expanding its EV lineup. The Rivian R1s isn't entirely new, but the 2023 version is only the second iteration of the model. Rivian is a young company that began in 2009 and rolled out its first vehicles to the market in 2021. So, in comparing the Ariya to the R1s, we're looking at two newcomers to the EV market.
The 2023 Nissan Ariya offers much more variety in trim levels than the Rivian R1s. With the Nissan, you have your choice between an impressive eight trim options:
- Venture+.
- Engage.
- Engage e-4orce.
- Engage+ e-4orce.
- Evolve+.
- Evolve+ e-4orce.
- Empower+.
- Platinum+ (e-4orce).
Every trim level features elegant body styling. Higher-level models offer certain luxuries as standard, such as a power panoramic moon roof starting with the Evolve+ trims. There are also variations in mileage, which we'll discuss in a later section.
With the R1s, however, Rivian offers just one trim level: the Adventure Package. This is because the Launch Edition has sold out, and the automaker has discontinued the mid-tier Explore Package. Some of the default offerings with the Adventure Package include a panoramic roof and vegan leather seats.
Dimensions and Capacities
The 2023 Nissan Ariya is a crossover-size SUV whose exterior measures 182.9 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and a little above 65 inches tall. Inside, you get a two-row, five-passenger layout that provides ample legroom for all occupants — 42.3 inches in the front and 37 inches in the back. The Ariya doesn't disappoint with storage, either. You have a default 22.8 cubic feet cargo volume with the rear seats up. Fold them down, and you expand them to 59.7 cubic feet. Given the short hood, it does not have a frunk.
Nissan's newest EV entry is just about the ideal size for zipping through city streets without compromising space or utility.
The 2023 Rivian R1s is a considerably larger vehicle. At 200.8 inches long, 81.8 inches wide (with the mirrors folded in), and 77.3 inches tall, it's a behemoth that some may find impractical for everyday city driving. That being said, the R1s does offer a large amount of interior space, as it seats seven occupants across three rows.
Interestingly, the Rivian's default cargo volume behind the third row amounts to just 17.6 cubic feet. However, folding down the third row expands the cargo space to 46.7 cubic feet, and disappearing the second row nets you 88.2 cubic feet. Plus, with the 11.1 cubic-foot frunk and a 5.1 cubic-foot rear storage bin, the total enclosed storage amounts to 105 cubic feet. So if you need the space and can manage its bulk, the R1s could be helpful.
Powertrain and Performance
Aside from the e-4orce trims, the 2023 Nissan Ariya has a single externally excited synchronous motor and a front-wheel drivetrain. With this arrangement, you get 238 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.
However, if you opt for any e-4orce trims, you'd get a more powerful dual-motor arrangement in all-wheel drive. The most potent e-4orce models — the Engage+ e-4orce, the Evolve+ e-4orce, and the Platinum+ — can generate 389 horsepower and up to 443 lb-ft of torque. That power can take you from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
The range of the Nissan Ariya varies depending on your choice of trim. You can get up to 304 miles on a single charge with front-wheel drive and an extended-range battery. Even with a smaller battery pack, you can expect around 216 miles before having to refuel.
The 2023 Rivian R1s comes standard with a dual-motor arrangement and all-wheel drive. You can upgrade to a quad-motor setup instead, which delivers over 800 horsepower. Currently, you also have two options for battery packs: standard and large. Rivian claims that the large pack can get up to 316 miles on a charge, but some tests have maxed out at around 230 miles.
In short, the Ariya offers more dependability and versatility than the R1s, while the R1s have an edge in terms of power.
Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ariya has the R1s beat when it comes to fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the Ariya can get up to 111 MPGe in the city and 95 MPGe on the highway. The less efficient trims get an estimated 105 and 91 MPGe, respectively. Compare that with the R1s, which the EPA estimates should get only 75 MPGe in the city and 65 MPGe on the highway.
Price
Price is probably the starkest difference between the Nissan and the Rivian. The Ariya has an MSRP that ranges from $43,190 to $60,190, keeping it within reach of consumers of various financial means. The R1s, however, start at $78,000, which may be prohibitive to many.
And that's how these two newcomers to the EV market compare. We're happy to talk shop if you'd like to learn more about the 2023 Nissan Ariya. Call our sales department at 877-962-2788 or drop us a message online by filling out our contact form. While you're here, feel free to browse our inventory of new Nissans. With our wide selection of models, we're confident you'll find something you love.
When you find it, please drop by our dealership at 1212 Loucks Road in York, Pennsylvania, to get behind the wheel. We're open six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Over the years, we've helped countless satisfied customers get in the driver's seat, and we can't wait to help you as well.
Image via Nissan
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