Cargazing
By Derek Price

After trailing rivals with the underwhelming Leaf, Nissan is making a thundering statement about its electric vehicle intentions with the impressive new 2024 Ariya crossover.

I recently spent time in the well-equipped Empower+ FWD trim, and this innovative EV instantly resets expectations for what to anticipate from Nissan’s next generation of EVs.

With a potent 238 horsepower, the version I tested delivered thrilling acceleration, with the instant torque response inherent to electric vehicles. The Empower+ effortlessly zipped away from stoplights and had more than enough passing power for highway driving.

And it’s not even the most powerful version.  The Evolve+ and Platinum+ e-4ORCE top the powertrain options with 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.

At the same time, the Ariya’s electric powertrain is remarkably silent and refined.

Nissan estimates an EPA range of 289 miles for my front-wheel-drive Empower+ tester, which is highly competitive for the EV crossover segment. The Venture+ trim offers even more range, 304 miles, as rated by the federal government.

More robust all-wheel-drive e-4ORCE versions are also available with a slight range penalty. On a full charge, the Ariya has enough capability for most everyday driving needs.

With clean, futuristic lines, the all-electric 2024 Nissan Ariya crossover delivers distinctive, head-turning styling.

The Ariya’s modern exterior styling is a welcome departure, with clean, futuristic lines that are both distinctive and head-turning. The interior is similarly avant-garde, featuring a minimalist all-electric design with capacitive haptic controls and an airy, open cabin. Genuine thought was put into intelligent packaging, including features like an adjustable center console and fold-out tray.

On the road, the Ariya exhibits a comfortable, almost luxury-car-like driving experience. The suspension tuning errs on the soft side, delivering an incredibly smooth and quiet highway ride.

The downside is that the Ariya can feel a bit floaty and uncontrolled when pushing hard through corners. This electric crossover is clearly biased toward comfort over sporty handling.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the Ariya has more than enough performance for most buyers. However, an available sport-tuned suspension option could allow Nissan to better satisfy customers seeking a sharper driving experience from this powerful EV. As it sits, the suspension could benefit from a bit more reining in of body motions over undulating surfaces.

The Ariya’s modern cabin features minimalist styling, capacitive haptic controls and an airy, open layout.

Inside, it’s hard to find fault with the Ariya’s airy cabin, premium appointments and abundance of advanced technology features. Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist 2.0 hands-free driver aid allows for extended periods of hands-off highway operation, making road trips more convenient. The capacitive haptic controls, while gimmicky, are well-executed and mesh nicely with the futuristic interior design.

My primary complaint relates to interior storage space. For being a relatively large crossover, the Ariya lacks the utility that some buyers may expect. Cabin storage is modest, and the cargo area, while functional, isn’t as spacious as the exterior dimensions suggest.

But that criticism feels fairly minor in the grand scheme of what Nissan has accomplished with the Ariya. This new electric crossover is a legitimate head-turner that delivers on the driving experience, styling and passenger comfort expected from a premium model in this segment.

With available all-wheel drive, hands-free highway driving and plenty of range, the Ariya sets a new direction for Nissan’s electric vehicle charge. It’s a cutting-edge crossover that should go a long way in reimagining what buyers can anticipate from Nissan’s next wave of EVs.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Nissan Ariya Empower+ FWD ($47,690). Options: Carpeted floor mats ($260), exterior ground lighting ($750), two-tone paint ($350). Price as tested (including $1,390 destination charge): $50,440
Wheelbase: 109.3 in.
Length: 182.9 in.
Width: 74.8 in.
Height: 65.4 in.
Motor: 238 horsepower, 221 ft. lbs. torque
Battery: 87 kWh (usable capacity)
Fuel economy: 98 MPGe combined

Ratings

Style: 9
Performance: 8
Price: 6
Handling: 4
Ride: 9
Comfort: 9
Quality: 8
Overall: 8

Why buy it?

The powerful and premium 2024 Nissan Ariya offers quick EV acceleration, cutting-edge tech and a comfortable, well-appointed cabin.

Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Nissan Sentra may not set the compact car world on fire, but it delivers solid overall value for budget-conscious buyers.

Nissan has given the Sentra a fresh new look for the new model year, with a sportier grille, updated headlights and new wheel designs. However, as I found during my recent test drive, the Sentra’s performance still lags behind many of its small car competitors.

One of the Sentra’s biggest strengths is the impressive list of standard features it packs, even on the base model. All trim levels come equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes six advanced driver-assist technologies such as automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring.

This comprehensive suite of safety tech is a rarity in the compact segment, where these features are often part of pricey option packages.

The SR trim I tested took the tech even further, adding an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Intelligent Cruise Control, and an available Bose premium audio upgrade. While not the most exciting to drive, the Sentra certainly doesn’t skimp when it comes to features and creature comforts.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra features updated exterior styling, including a reshaped front fascia, new headlight design and available 18-inch alloy wheels on sporty SR models.

Where the Sentra falls short is in the driving dynamics department. Nissan has updated the car’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) for 2024, but the powertrain still feels underwhelming. With just 149 horsepower on tap, acceleration is adequate at best, and the CVT saps most of the fun out of the driving experience with its rubber band-like feel.

In my opinion, Nissan would’ve been better off offering a traditional automatic or even a manual gearbox option, which could have injected some much-needed driving excitement into the Sentra.

As it stands, the continuously variable transmission remains a letdown, especially for enthusiasts or anyone looking for an engaging small car.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra’s refined interior includes standard Zero Gravity front seats.

However, the Sentra’s sensible, practical side shines through in other areas. The interior is well-appointed, with supportive front seats and ample storage space. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats provide excellent comfort, and the available leather upholstery and satin chrome accents lend a premium feel. In terms of pure livability, the Sentra more than holds its own.

Additionally, the Sentra’s exterior has been nicely updated for 2024, with a sportier front fascia, restyled headlights and new wheel designs.

The Sentra SR model I drove stood out with its 18-inch alloys, dark chrome trim, and bold two-tone paint options. While the styling won’t turn heads, it’s a marked improvement over the previous generation.

Ultimately, the 2024 Nissan Sentra is a solid, if unexciting, compact car. It delivers excellent value, a wealth of tech and safety features, and a comfortable, practical interior. But the bland driving dynamics and disappointing CVT hold it back from being a truly compelling option in this increasingly competitive segment.

For buyers who prioritize practicality and safety over driving excitement, the Sentra is certainly worth a look.

Pricing starts at $21,180 for the S trim and tops out at $24,270 for the well-equipped SR, including the delivery fee.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Nissan Sentra SR ($23,620). Options: SR Premium Package ($2,490), premium two-tone paint ($645), floor mats ($270). Price as tested (including $1,095 destination charge): $28,220
Wheelbase: 106.6 in.
Length: 182.9 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 56.9 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter four cylinder (149 hp, 146 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel economy: 18 city, 23 highway

Ratings

Style: 8
Performance: 4
Price: 9
Handling: 5
Ride: 6
Comfort: 7
Quality: 8
Overall: 7

Why buy it?
It delivers excellent value, a wealth of standard safety tech and a comfortable, refined interior.

Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition is both a robust workhorse and rolling slice of nostalgia, particularly for those who, like me, grew up during the era of the iconic original Hardbody.

To me, this edition is reminiscent of the days when a local Nissan dealer’s “Hands on a Hardbody” contest captured the community’s imagination, offering a tangible link to a unique piece of East Texas lore. The unusual contest, an endurance challenge where participants had to keep their hand on the truck without stopping for days, was fascinating to me, even if

I was too young to understand the inherent cruelty of such a stunt.

I saw the shiny Hardbody trucks driving around Longview after they were introduced in 1985. They were cool, no doubt about it. And the new Frontier Hardbody Edition taps into that nostalgia.

From the driver’s seat, the Frontier exudes the essence of a traditional truck. Its solid, heavy feel provides a reassuring sense of durability and strength, exactly what people expect from a pickup.

The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition has a retro-inspired rugged design, blending classic appeal with contemporary functionality.

However, this heft comes with downsides, particularly in urban settings where its wide turning radius and stiff steering can make maneuvering through tight spaces less than ideal. While lending a certain rugged charm, it requires an adjustment for those accustomed to more nimble, city-friendly trucks.

Under the hood, the Hardbody Edition impresses with a 310-horsepower V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering performance that’s both smooth and robust.

This powertrain stands out in the midsize truck segment, offering a level of refinement and muscle that’s a marked improvement over the previous-generation Frontier. In a market where value can sometimes be hard to come by, this truck presents a compelling package, balancing cost with features and performance.

Inside, modern tech meets throwback style for a unique experience.

To me, the design of the Hardbody Edition is a significant draw, particularly for those with fond memories of the original.

The Hardbody Edition is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels in a three-spoke design reminiscent of the original truck, complemented by all-terrain tires.

It boasts an aluminum skid plate, black over-fenders, side rails, mud flaps and a sport bar mounted on the bed, enhancing its classic tough appearance.

Echoing the style of the 1980s Hardbody, this edition features bumpers, mirrors, door handles and grille all finished in black. The design is rounded off with distinctive black graphics, including a prominent “4×4” logo on the front doors and a unique tailgate design showcasing a cut-out “Nissan” logo, offering a modern twist on the classic emblem.

Pricing for the 2024 Frontier starts at $30,030. The Hardbody Edition, only available as a 4×4 with a lot of standard equipment, tops the lineup at $44,200.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Nissan Frontier SV Crew Cab SWB 4×4 Automatic V6 ($37,030). Options: Fender audio package ($750), Hardbody Edition ($3,890), SV convenience package ($2,190), carpeted floor mats ($195), technology package ($990). Price as tested (including $1,495 destination charge): $46,540
Wheelbase: 126 in.
Length: 210.2 in.
Width: 74.7 in.
Height: 72 in.
Engine: 3.8-liter V6 (310 hp, 281 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 18 city, 23 highway

Ratings

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 7
Handling: 7
Ride: 4
Comfort: 6
Quality: 7
Overall: 8

Why buy it?

The Hardbody Edition stands out with a unique blend of nostalgic style, robust performance and good value in the midsize truck segment.