The Nissan Ariya is generating some buzz in the electric vehicle world, and rightly so. With its 20-inch wheels, the top-spec model boasts an impressive EPA-rated range of 257 miles in combined conditions and 249 miles under highway conditions. But let’s be honest—those numbers look great on paper, but how do they translate to real-world driving? Let’s dive deeper.
Nissan certainly has a pedigree when it comes to electric vehicles. Remember the Leaf? For years, it was the best-selling EV globally, until players like Tesla raised the stakes. So when Nissan introduced the Ariya, anticipation was sky-high. This isn’t just another electric car; it’s a stylish, battery-powered crossover competing for attention against heavy hitters like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Kia EV6. To win over potential buyers, the Ariya has to show it can hold its own and truly deliver on its promised capabilities.
In our full review of the Ariya, we examined various aspects of how it performs day-to-day. One area we didn’t cover was a real-world range test. Thankfully, Tom Moloughney, an expert on all things electric vehicles, took the newest 2025 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE for an extensive drive. Can this electric crossover deliver on those rated range figures, or will it fall short?
Equipped with an impressive 87-kilowatt-hour battery pack—the largest available for this model—the Ariya is ready for the challenge. With its 20-inch wheels, it’s designed for both style and performance. The EPA tells us it can travel up to 257 miles on mixed driving routes and 249 miles on the highway. On this test, the Ariya was put through its paces at a steady 70 miles per hour—the kind of speed you’d expect on a long highway trek.
Starting out on the New Jersey Turnpike, the Ariya had a fully charged battery, tire pressure set to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and was in its most efficient driving mode. The climate control was set to a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with the outside temperature hovering between 50 and 60 degrees.
After consuming 50% of the battery, the Ariya had made 124 miles, achieving an efficiency of 3.1 miles per kWh. Not too shabby, especially for a vehicle rolling on 20-inch wheels that typically command a performance trade-off. Even as the trip progressed, the efficiency held steady, with the odometer creeping up to 183 miles on just 25% of the battery.
However, as the battery continued to drain, the car eventually displayed a “Battery too low; Please charge now” warning at just 10% state of charge (SoC). It estimated a remaining range of 25 miles, while the nearest charging station was 30 miles away—not exactly a comforting thought. Remarkably, even after the display dropped to 0%, the Ariya maintained a steady pace of 70 mph, continuing for an additional seven miles before finally coming to a stop.
In the end, the Ariya achieved a remarkable 249.6 miles and maintained efficiency at 3.1 miles per kWh. That’s pretty much a home run in achieving the EPA’s highway range rating.
That said, it’s essential to contextualize this performance. There are other electric vehicles in the same segment that can go further. For instance, the extended-range Ford Mustang Mach-E managed 285 miles during a similar test, while the pre-facelift Tesla Model Y with all-wheel drive made it 276 miles. Yet, it’s comforting to know that the Nissan Ariya can meet its EPA-rated range in a real-life setting, essentially allowing drivers to plan road trips with confidence and ease, without the looming shadow of range anxiety.
Image Source: Nissanusa.com
