For better or worse, EV manufacturers like Tesla have established new standards for the segment. EVs should not only have the latest technology but also be quicker than their gas-powered counterparts. However, the 2022 Nissan Ariya bucks that trend. According to U.S. News, the Ariya will have one of the slowest acceleration rates in its class.

Some reviewers have already written off the Ariya as an underpowered Nissan Leaf in disguise. Will this latest news mar the EV’s reputation?

How fast is the 2022 Nissan Ariya?

Equipped with all-wheel drive, the Nissan Ariya could hit 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds, Nissan shows. But the front-wheel-drive models are much slower, reaching that speed in 7.5 seconds. Ariya models with AWD have the highest top speed of 125 mph — a little low for an EV.

Some other EVs, such as Hyundai Ioniq 5, also have leisurely acceleration rates. However, it’s hard for the Ariya to look appealing next to a car like the Tesla Model 3. The Model 3 Performance can hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, as can the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

The Nissan Ariya’s powertrain

When it comes to range, the Nissan Ariya is on equal footing with rivals. The standard-range Ariya comes with a 63-kWh battery pack, capable of an estimated 210 to 220 miles of range. An extended-range model with an 87-kWh battery should provide around 300 miles on a single charge.

Many Tesla models boast over 300 miles of range, but even the Ariya’s extended-range price tag will be comparatively lower. The Ariya also has an unconventional liquid-cooled battery pack, which will reportedly extend the battery’s lifespan.

At a fast-charging station, it can recover 230 miles of range in a half-hour. FWD models are expected to be more efficient, but AWD models will produce more torque. We don’t know yet how it will affect the upcoming Ariya’s handling, but it comes standard with 19-inch wheels and regenerative braking.

What else we know about this upcoming EV

The Nissan Ariya looks stylish from the outside, though there’s a good chance the sloping roofline could impede visibility. The wraparound headlights and taillights make the Ariya stand out among similar SUVs. The interior looks much more conventional, but it has the same LED light strip as the exterior.

Soft-touch panels make up most of the cabin components, though there are some real wood accents too. The cabin also has some added utility thanks to the sliding center console bin and foldable storage tray. The Nissan Ariya can seat up to five passengers, with plenty of legroom in both rows.

The seats are made with Nissan’s Zero Gravity materials to enhance support with soothing pressure points. The Nissan Ariya offers almost 60 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded down, which is average for its class. It offers 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats. And, oddly enough, the Ariya lacks a frunk.

As for tech, expect a 12.3-inch dual touchscreen and an equally expansive digital gauge cluster. The driver controls it with swiping motions instead of taps, but the Ariya also offers physical controls. It comes with standard smartphone integration, plus a large suite of advanced safety features. Spruce up the Ariya with a head-up display, moonroof, and semiautonomous driving.

U.S. News predicts the 2022 Nissan Ariya will be released during the final quarter of this year. It’s expected to start at $40,000, putting it in line with its most popular rivals. It might not be the fastest EV, but the 2022 Ariya’s stylishness and coziness might still appeal to many consumers.