The electric vehicle (EV) market continues its meteoric rise, with automakers competing to release new and innovative models. Two recent additions sparking interest are the Nissan Ariya and Volvo C40 Recharge – sleek and modern electric crossovers making waves in sustainability.
But how do these hot EVs compare? This in-depth face-off explores every key dimension differentiating the Ariya and C40, from driving range and performance to styling and tech features. By evaluating their pros and cons,specs and expert reviews, we’ll help you determine the superior electric SUV. Let’s examine these exciting next-gen vehicles!
Overview of the Nissan Ariya and Volvo C40
The Nissan Ariya debuted in 2020 as Nissan’s first all-electric crossover SUV. Built on an EV-specific platform, the futuristic Ariya boasts up to 300 miles of range, advanced driver assistance features, and a sleek, spacious interior.
The 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge, meanwhile, is a coupé-style electric SUV coupe and Volvo’s first EV sold exclusively online. Part of Volvo’s aim to produce only electric cars by 2030, the C40 touts a 78 kWh battery providing over 200 miles range, 402 horsepower, and an upscale cabin with minimalist Scandinavian design.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specs | Nissan Ariya | Volvo C40 Recharge |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $45,950 – $60,000 (est.) | $55,500 – $59,845 |
| Range (EPA) | 300 miles (long-range battery) | 226 miles |
| Power & Torque | 389 hp, 443 lb-ft torque (AWD) | 402 hp, 486 lb-ft torque |
| 0-60 mph | 5.1 seconds (AWD) | 4.5 seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 63 kWh / 87 kWh | 78 kWh |
| Fast Charging | 130 kW | 150 kW |
| Charging Time | 60 min (10-80%) | 40 min (10-80%) |
| Cargo Capacity | 27.4 cu ft (rear seats up) | 25.6 cu ft |
Exterior Design and Styling
The Ariya sports a sleek, futuristic design language for the electric age. Its smooth, aerodynamic fascia, slim LED headlights, and trademark V-Motion grille flow nicely with the body‘s sharp lines and proportions. Flush door handles and wheels pushed to the corners reinforce the modern, high-tech styling.
Conversely, the C40 features more conventional electric SUV styling signatures like a tall, upright grille and Thor’s hammer headlights. While not as eye-catchingly radical, the C40 still displays attractive lines and curves, including a forward-leaning profile and fastback roofline culminating in a integrated spoiler.
Winner: Ariya – For those desiring something bolder and more experimental, the Ariya brings it with space-age aesthetics. The C40 is handsome but safer.
Interior Comfort, Design and Cargo Space
Inside, the Ariya again embraces radical change. Uncluttered surfaces, thin A/C vents, a flat floor, and open, airy cabin make it feel special. The minimalist futurism even extends to the flat-bottom steering wheel and floating center console. Front seats also contain zero-gravity NASA tech for superb comfort, while the rear seats enjoy decent legroom.
The C40’s cabin exudes sophistication and refinement with superior materials and attention to detail. Highlights include available Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, a panoramic roof, and Google-powered infotainment. However, the tapering roof intrudes on rear headroom. Cargo room is good but behind the Ariya.
For packing in people and gear, the Ariya’s packaging and flexible cabin can‘t be beat. The C40 offers a nicer environment for front passengers though.
Winner: Ariya – Superior interior spaciousness and cargo capacity give it an advantage.
Technology, Connectivity and Driver Assistance Features
Both EVs serve up advanced technology. The Ariya‘s 12.3-inch instrument display and 12.3- or 14-inch central touchscreen feature crisp graphics, natural voice control, and smartphone integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and over-the-air updates are also included. For driving assist, Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 furnishes collision prevention braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Volvo equips the C40 with Google built-in services, voice commands and Google Maps navigation. The 12.3-inch driver display and 9-inch touchscreen even enable video streaming. For safety, Volvo packs its latest ADAS features like blind spot data, road sign information, pilot assist adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation support.
Winner: Tie – Both boast awesome, up-to-date tech. Volvo has an edge on active safety while Nissan counters with OTA updates.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
Built off a dedicated EV architecture, the Ariya feels stable, nimble and quiet on the road. Available e-4ORCE AWD provides incredible traction and performance too – 389 hp rockets the crossover to 60 mph in under 5 seconds! The low center mass enhances composure around turns. Regenerative brakes reign things in smoothly as well.
The muscular C40 serves up sports car acceleration courtesy of 402 horses and 486 lb-ft of instant torque. Sophisticated all-wheel drive puts it all the ground firmly for a 4.5 second 0-60 dash. Handling feels responsive too for an electric SUV. From behind the wheel, the C40 drives like a much smaller vehicle.
Winner: C40 – Superlative acceleration, grip and dynamics earn Volvo top marks here. The Ariya offers pleasing road manners though.
Battery Range and Charging Comparison
Flexibility is crucial for an electric vehicle. Ariya buyers can choose between two battery sizes:
- Standard 63 kWh battery – Up to 215 mile range
- Long range 87 kWh battery – 300 miles range
With the bigger battery, expect 3.4 miles/kWh efficiency. Both packs recharge from 10-80% in just 60 minutes on 130 kW DC fast chargers. Level 2 charging and scheduled charging timers add convenience.
The C40 only comes with a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery good for an EPA-rated 226 miles range. Expect 200+ at highway speeds. Charging from 10% to 80% takes just 40 minutes with 150 kW charging. Efficiency is lower than Ariya though at 2.84 mi/kWh.
Winner: Ariya – More choice in range capability and faster charging give Nissan the win. The C40 isn’t too far behind though.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance Features
Both automakers take safety seriously. Nissan equips each Ariya with cutting-edge Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear automatic braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Blind spot warning
- Lane departure warning
- High beam assist
Additional available features include intelligent cruise control, vehicle detection for blind spots, and an advanced driver monitoring system.
Volvo has a long tradition of safety innovation. Accordingly, each C40 gains:
- Pilot Assist driver support
- Blind spot information
- Cross traffic alert with auto brake
- City Safety collision avoidance
- Oncoming lane mitigation
- Driver alert control
Extra tech like adaptive cruise assist, active high beams, road sign information and more are offered too.
Winner: Volvo – Hard to beat Volvo’s aura of safety. But Ariya still provides the latest high-tech protection.
Pricing and Availability
The 2023 Nissan Ariya EV starts at $45,950 for the base Venture+ trim, excluding potential federal or state incentives. Stepping up to the mid-range Evolve+ opens access to the extended range battery for $50,950. Range-topping Platinum+ models with AWD can top $60,000.
Currently the Ariya is launching primarily overseas. Nissan began U.S. allocations over the summer, so the electric crossover should hit American soil later this year or early 2023 depending on reservations.
Volvo prices the 2023 C40 Recharge Pure Electric starting at $55,500 before any credits or rebates. Just one well-equipped Ultimate trim is offered, keeping things simple. Customers can place orders online with deliveries happening 6-8 months out.
Winner: Ariya – Ariya again wins on cost, undercutting the C40 by over $10,000 even in range-topping trims. Both feature long waitlists however.
The Verdict: Nissan Ariya vs Volvo C40
The innovative Nissan Ariya delivers efficiency, flexibility and generous interior space at an agreeable price point. For customers focused on range, cabin room or value, it can’t be beaten. Just expect to wait amidst huge demand.
Meanwhile the Volvo C40 Recharge furnishes discerning buyers sustainability mixed with luxury appointments, scintillating acceleration and trademark safety. Yet its higher cost and lower range may deter some – though free charging for the first 3 years helps ease any range anxiety.
Ultimately both push EV boundaries in distinct ways. The Ariya excels as an affordable electric people hauler while the C40 injects luxury, style and performance into the crossover equation. Depending on preferences and needs, either electric SUV stands out as a sound investment into our electric future.
FAQs
Q: Which has the longer driving range, the Nissan Ariya or Volvo C40?
A: The Nissan Ariya decisively beats the Volvo C40 when it comes to maximum driving range. Ariya models equipped with the available extended range battery deliver up to 300 miles per charge, while the C40 maxes out at just 226 miles.
Q: What is each vehicle’s starting price?
A: The 2023 Ariya starts around $46,000 in base form, making it significantly more affordable than the $55,500 C40. Fully-loaded models still cost less in the Ariya too. Shoppers wanting extra luxury will pay for it in the Volvo.
Q: How long are estimated delivery timelines currently?
A: Both EVs have backlogs of reservations that could mean 6-12+ month waits depending on timing and location. Nissan hopes to fulfill U.S. orders for the Ariya in late 2022 into 2023. C40 order slots are similarly booked out through much of 2023 as well.
Q: Which provides the quicker acceleration and performance?
A: The Volvo C40 Recharge is definitively the speed demon, hitting 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds thanks to 402 horses and AWD traction, compared to 5.1 seconds for the range-topping Ariya e-4ORCE. The C40 feels more dynamic too.
