Nissan is in the midst of a shift. The Leaf, one of the electric vehicle pioneers, is about to leave production. To a degree, the Ariya is a replacement for the Leaf. This new crossover is a bit bigger and a bit more traditional, and it happens to have some clever features.

Over the course of a week, I drove it around as though it was mine. Before setting off, we asked what you wanted to know about this car. Today, I’m going to answer all of your toughest questions.

Review: The 2024 Nissan Ariya Prioritizes Comfort Like Few EV Rivals

To kick things off, let’s take the most upvoted question in the group.

Is this car any fun to drive at all?

Simply put, sure! Is it the most fun to drive electric vehicle? Absolutely not, but this car isn’t aimed at enthusiasts. It’s directly centered on a demographic that wants a comfortable, quiet, pseudo-futuristic electric vehicle. To that end, it’s pretty good. In fact, it’s powerful enough, boasting 238 hp (177 kW)), that you can still do the sort of point-and-shoot traffic navigation that EVs are so good at.

How quick is the acceleration and what is the real-world range?

During the week, we didn’t have a suitable place to test 0-60, but expect real-world times to be roughly 7.5 seconds for front-wheel drive models like the one we drove. AWD versions will dip close to five seconds flat, and the upcoming NISMO edition could be in the mid-4-second range.

More: Nissan Claims Guinness Bungee Record, But Other Cars Have Fallen From Greater Heights

In terms of overall range, our test car offered 289 miles (465 km) with a full charge according to Nissan. Over our time with the car, it averaged 2.6 miles per kilowatt. In other words, at that rate, it would’ve only gone around 226 miles (364 km) before needing to be recharged. That’s fair considering that I didn’t exactly baby the Ariya. Just as is the case with literally any car on the road today, driving it harder will go through gas or electricity faster.

Would you choose this over the competition? Why?

I think a lot of people would be willing to pick this over rivals from Tesla, Kia, Polestar, and more. Here’s why. It comes from a brand that several buyers are very comfortable with. Lots of people want to buy a Japanese car and many want to buy an EV. That’s not so easy if you plan on going with Honda, Toyota, or Mazda.

On the other hand, as a guy who stands at 6 ‘6, I personally wouldn’t buy the Ariya. No matter what I did, I just didn’t fit in it. It’s not as fast or as sporty as I prefer. Sign me up for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N instead. I’ll need quite a bit more cash than one would need for the Ariya, though.

How is the ride comfort?

Quite good. Over the last month, I’ve had the pleasure of driving the new Nissan Kicks, the Infiniti QX80, the Subaru Crosstrek, the RAM 1500 Tradesman, and the Nissan Z Nismo. The Ariya is the most comfortable of that group in my opinion. It soaks up bumps very well and the cabin is very quiet. The Infiniti is close, but it’s such a tall vehicle and it lacks the kind of nimble handling that the Ariya benefits from.

So, those are all the questions you had, but if you’ve thought of another one or two, leave them in the comments. We’ll follow up down below!

Photos Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

It’s finally here. After more than two decades of teasers, Volkswagen is about to begin shipping production versions of the ID. Buzz to customers in America. In fact, we just returned from a trip to California to drive it. Before we did, we asked what you wanted to know about it. Today, we’re going to give you the answers.

This is a hugely important model for Volkswagen. It’s a flagship in more ways than one. Not only is it the most expensive vehicle it sells, but it’s the largest, most retro-styled, and newest. Volkswagen needs it to be a hit. Clearly, a lot of people are interested in it so without further ado, let’s get to the questions.

Is it truly on sale yet?

Yes and no. Technically, those who put in orders are already receiving updates. Some customers say that their cars are already built and now they’re just awaiting delivery. On the other hand, it’s not like you can rock up to your local VW dealer and get one today. Each VW dealer is only going to get one or two on average so have fun trying to find one.

Review: The VW ID.Buzz Is The Coolest Minivan On The Block, But There’s A Catch

How is the software?

It’s improved! In fact, it’s about as snappy and easy on the eyes as any modern-day smartphone. That’s a huge upgrade over the previous infotainment system, however there are some odd choices here. For example, VW doesn’t seem to offer any way for drivers to actually see what their tire pressure is. In addition, the automaker seems determined to ignore customers and critics who point out how bad the haptic sliders are for climate control and volume.

What is the real-world range?

I’m happy to report that, during our testing, the ID. Buzz actually indicated that it would meet or beat VW’s range estimates. That means one can expect to at least match VW’s claim of 230 or 234 miles of range depending on trim and motor layout.

What are the fast-charging times per trim?

All VW ID. Buzz trims can charge at up to 200 kWh. That’s enough to allow the van to go from 10 percent to 80 percent in 26 minutes.

Can both rear rows of seats be removed easily?

No. The third row does pop out quite quickly. Sadly, the second row is bolted down and so owners will need to break out some tools to remove it should they basically want to convert their ID. Buzz to a cargo van.

How is it from a noise, harshness, and vibration standpoint?

Honestly, quite good. This vehicle is well-built and doesn’t feel cheaply put together. It does seem to be a little more jarring in the cabin than expected but it also doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall apart anytime soon. The suspension is simply firmer than in most minivans.

Does the ID. Buzz deliver on its price tag?

If you’re someone with a bunch of free cash laying around who wants to relive the good old days, then absolutely. If you’re anyone else, probably not. Look, as I said in the full review, it’s absolutely the best vehicle on the market in terms of packaging. I hope other automakers recognize that and mimic it.

More: VW Dealers Will Only Get 1 Or 2 ID. Buzz Vans Each At Launch

That packaging though doesn’t make it worth this much cash. In fact, making it such a hardcore retro play is perhaps the biggest reason it doesn’t deliver. The original Type II bus would cost around $25,000 adjusted for inflation. This vehicle costs three times that and doesn’t come close to offering three times the value that the original did. Sure, being a much more modern vehicle, and an electric one at that, drives up costs, but if VW had managed to offer a more affordable version, it would certainly draw in a much wider audience.

After literally decades of teasing buyers with the promise of a modern “bus”, Volkswagen is about to put its ID. Buzz on sale in America. In fact, we’re about to have the opportunity to pilot it on public roads before dealers see the one or two that might arrive on their doorstep. Before we do, we’re asking you: what do you want to know about it?

Back in 2017, VW announced production of the ID. Buzz for 2022. Technically, that worked out as VW began selling it in Europe that year, but Americans have had to wait longer. Now, the wait is over, and the U.S. is about to see the ID. Buzz hit the streets, offering several configurations to choose from.

More: VW Dealers Preview Future Lineup, Tiguan Confirmed For LA Show

The base version comes standard with rear-wheel drive, 282 horsepower (210 kW), and just 234 miles (376 km) of range. Oh, and it’ll cost $59,995 before destination and handling, which makes it the most expensive car VW sells. Starting at $67,995, Volkswagen will offer an all-wheel-drive version as well that makes 335 horsepower (250 kW) and features 231 miles (372 km) of range.

US PRICING

Buyers who want one of the “1st Edition” trims will need to be willing to pay at least $65,495. Those versions come standard with two-tone paint and an electrochromic panoramic smart glass roof. Customers who might have been interested in the California Camper version will need to wait until “later this decade” as VW has pushed back plans for it. It’s also worth noting that a short-wheelbase version of the van, available in Europe, will not be sold in the USA.

For now, the automaker is very clearly leaning heavily into the nostalgia effect in an effort to sell this minivan. Beyond the classic styling elements, VW has featured the ID. Buzz in various ads that call back to the heyday of the brand. Ultimately, Volkswagen needs this van to sell well. Arno Antlitz, VW Group’s CFO, told workers that the brand has “one, maybe two” years to turn things around as it’s facing reduced demand in Europe and serious challenges in China, which used to be a serious money-maker for the German automaker.

With all that in mind, what would you like to know about this pivotal new product from VW? Share your thoughts in the comments, and we’ll be sure to update you after we take it for a spin.