Picking an EV used to be easy because there were only two or three options. Now? It’s a literal maze. If you’ve looked at the 2024 Nissan Ariya configurations, you know exactly what I mean. Nissan didn't just give us a "base" and a "loaded" version. They gave us a spreadsheet of seven different trims, two battery sizes, and two drivetrain options. It’s a lot to process, honestly.
But here’s the thing: most people end up buying more car than they actually need, or they sacrifice the one feature—like range—that makes EV ownership livable.
The 2024 Ariya is a massive leap over the old Leaf, but because the naming convention (Engage, Evolve, Empower, etc.) sounds like a corporate retreat, it's easy to get lost. Let’s break down what these setups actually look like in the real world, past the marketing fluff.
The Battery Split: 63 kWh vs. 87 kWh
Basically, the first thing you have to decide isn't the leather or the sunroof. It’s the battery. Nissan offers a 63-kWh pack and a larger 87-kWh pack.
If you just want the lowest price point, you’re looking at the Engage FWD. It uses the smaller 63-kWh battery and delivers about 216 miles of range. For a city commuter? Great. For a road tripper? Maybe not. That range can dip significantly in the winter or if you’re doing 80 mph on the interstate.
Most people are going to want the "Plus" trims. In Nissan-speak, that "+" symbol at the end of a trim name usually signifies the larger 87-kWh battery. That’s where you get into the 300-mile territory, which is sort of the "gold standard" for feeling confident on long drives.
2024 Nissan Ariya Configurations: A Raw Breakdown of the Trims
You've got a lot of choices here. It's not just about "good, better, best." Some of these configurations are specifically designed for range, while others are built for speed.
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The Range King: Venture+ FWD
This is the one if you hate stopping to charge. The Venture+ is sort of the "efficiency special." It has the big 87-kWh battery but keeps things light by skipping some of the heavier luxury features. You get an EPA-estimated 304 miles of range.
- Power: 238 hp
- Drive: Front-Wheel Drive
- Vibe: Practical, long-distance focused. It actually has cloth seats and manual adjustments, which feels weird for a $40k+ car, but that’s how they keep the weight down and the range up.
The Balanced Choice: Evolve+
For most families, the Evolve+ is the sweet spot. You get the 87-kWh battery, but you also get the panoramic moonroof, the wireless charger, and the 360-degree camera. It’s "premium" without hitting the $55,000 ceiling.
- FWD Range: 289 miles
- e-4ORCE (AWD) Range: 272 miles
The Tech Powerhouse: Empower+
This one is interesting because it’s the gateway to ProPILOT Assist 2.0. That’s Nissan’s hands-off highway driving system. If you spend your life in highway traffic, this configuration is probably the one you’ll appreciate most. It also adds ProPILOT Park, which literally parks the car for you while you just sit there and watch.
The Luxury Spec: Platinum+
This is the "everything" trim. Nappa leather, ventilated seats (huge in the summer), and a 10-speaker Bose system. It only comes as an e-4ORCE AWD model. It’s fast—0 to 60 in about 4.8 seconds—but the range drops to 267 miles (or 257 miles if you opt for the 20-inch wheels).
What the Heck is e-4ORCE?
You’ll see "e-4ORCE" plastered all over the 2024 Nissan Ariya configurations. It’s just Nissan’s fancy branding for Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive.
But it’s more than just "getting through the snow." Since there’s a motor on each axle, the car can manage torque at each wheel individually. It helps with "pitch." You know how some EVs make you feel car-sick because they jerk forward and back during braking and acceleration? e-4ORCE uses the motors to keep the car level. It’s a much smoother ride than the FWD versions, but you do pay for it with a slight range penalty.
Real World Pricing and Value
Nissan actually slashed prices for the 2024 model year to stay competitive. The entry-level Engage FWD now starts around $39,590. At the top end, a Platinum+ will run you roughly $54,190.
Wait, there’s a catch.
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Don't forget the destination charge and the fact that most dealers add floor mats or "protection packages" that can tack on another $1,500. Also, as of 2024, the Ariya doesn't always qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit for purchases due to battery sourcing, but it’s often available as a rebate if you lease. Always check the latest IRS guidelines before you sign.
Common Misconceptions About the Ariya Setup
People often assume the most expensive trim is the best for everything. It isn't.
If you buy the Platinum+ with the 20-inch wheels, you are buying the worst range in the lineup. Big wheels look cool, but they create more rolling resistance and weight. If you live in a rural area with sparse charging, you’re better off with the Venture+ or Evolve+ on the standard 19-inch wheels.
Another thing? The "Engage" trim is the only one where you can get the AWD system with the small battery. It’s called the Engage e-4ORCE. It’s punchy and has 335 horsepower, but the range is only 205 miles. That’s a very specific configuration for someone who wants a fast, AWD winter car but doesn't drive very far.
Practical Steps for Choosing Your Spec
So, how do you actually pick? Stop looking at the leather and look at your commute.
- Map your longest frequent trip. If you drive 200 miles to see family once a month, skip the 63-kWh battery entirely. You need the 87-kWh "Plus" models.
- Evaluate your climate. If you live in a place like Minnesota or Maine, get the e-4ORCE AWD. The way it handles ice is genuinely impressive, and the heat pump (standard on all trims) helps keep the cabin warm without killing the battery as fast as old-school heaters.
- Check your garage. The Ariya uses a CCS port for DC fast charging, but Nissan is moving toward the NACS (Tesla) standard. For 2024, you'll likely need an adapter if you want to use Tesla Superchargers later on.
- Test the tech. ProPILOT 2.0 (on Empower+ and Platinum+) is a "subscription" style feature after the initial trial. If you don't want another monthly bill, the standard ProPILOT with Navi-link on the lower trims is honestly "good enough" for most people.
The 2024 Nissan Ariya is one of the most comfortable EVs on the market—it feels like a rolling lounge. Just make sure you aren't paying for a 389-horsepower rocket ship when what you actually needed was a 300-mile cruiser.
Prioritize the battery first, the drivetrain second, and the "shiny stuff" last. That's how you actually get a configuration that doesn't lead to buyer's remorse six months later.