Nissan ARIYA's e-4ORCE All-Wheel Drive System Secures Spot in Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems for 2023

The Nissan ARIYA has once again turned heads in the automotive industry, this time securing a position on Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list for 2023. This latest achievement follows a previously awarded spot on Wards' list for the 10 Best Interiors & UX earlier in the year. The award signifies the ARIYA's prowess not just in design, but now also in engineering innovation.

This marks a milestone moment for Nissan, as it's the 20th award the brand has earned since Wards started spotlighting standout automotive powertrains in 1995. Interestingly, the ARIYA is the second Nissan electric vehicle (EV) powertrain to be honored. The first was the Nissan LEAF back in 2011, which was also the inaugural year Wards recognized an electric motor.

The ARIYA’s dual motor e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system has been celebrated for its exceptional drivability, especially for a family vehicle. According to Drew Winter, a contributing editor at WardsAuto and one of the judges for the awards, the ARIYA isn't merely strong off the line. It also impresses with its higher-speed overtaking capabilities— an area where some battery electric vehicles (BEVs) tend to lag.

Christie Schweinsberg, another Wards judge, lauded the ARIYA's performance when floored in Sport mode, describing its acceleration as so linear and smooth that it can easily surpass speed limits if the driver isn't vigilant. The system's quiet operation further adds to the ARIYA’s allure.

Delving into the mechanics, the "e" in e-4ORCE stands for Nissan’s 100% electric motor drive system, while "4ORCE" (pronounced 'force') signifies the vehicle's physical energy and power. The "4" underscores the all-wheel-control system. The technology utilizes dual electric motors to propel all four wheels, lending the ARIYA superior road-hugging capabilities. By fine-tuning both power output and braking performance, the e-4ORCE system elevates driver confidence across a wide range of road conditions.

The Wards award process is a comprehensive evaluation, carried out by a panel of seasoned automotive journalists. Factors such as horsepower, torque, noise levels, and efficiency are taken into account, alongside the comparative specifications and applications of new technology. This year, 32 new or significantly improved propulsion systems were rigorously tested, assessed on daily commuting, road trips, and routine errands.

Representing the pinnacle of Nissan’s design, technology, and performance, the ARIYA also offers an advanced driver assistance technology, ProPILOT Assist 2.0, making it an ideal choice for both everyday commuting and long road trips.

The ARIYA's dual accolades from Wards serve as a resounding affirmation of Nissan's commitment to offering a vehicle that is not just sustainable but also excels in design and engineering.