What we like

The Ariya Nismo serves up impressive shove thanks to its uprated 435hp dual-motor setup, delivering brisk acceleration that outpaces rivals like the Skoda Enyaq vRS. It also looks the part, with its stealthy black bodykit, larger alloys and red accents giving genuine showroom appeal. Inside, there is plenty of passenger space, and the natural-feeling brakes are a pleasant surprise in a performance-focused EV.

What we don’t like

Sadly, the sporty looks are not matched by keen dynamics. The Ariya Nismo’s stiff ride borders on uncomfortable, and the handling feels blunt even in Nismo mode. The cabin tech looks dated, the boot is small for the class, range takes a hit from stickier tyres, and rivals like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 charge far quicker. It also cannot tow a trailer, which could be a dealbreaker for some buyers.