The 2023 Nissan Ariya crossover SUV is the long-awaited production model based on a battery-electric concept that was first displayed in 2019 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Ariya’s American launch was postponed until late 2022, based on COVID-19 concerns. And with that Nissan lost what could have been a strong competitive edge. In the interim, several other automakers have introduced new crossover EVs, leaving Nissan to play catch up.

But having driven the all-new Ariya we can say with assurance that the vehicle is all it should be to compete in the segment, and a whole lot more. With coupe-like exterior style and an innovative and simply beautiful interior, the Nissan Ariya seems destined to find more than its share of buyers when it comes to market toward the first of the year. It leverages the learnings Nissan has gained as one of the mainstream electric-vehicle pioneers. And it takes those learning from the Nissan Leaf in an entirely new direction.Initially, only front-drive Ariya models will be offered, but later they will be joined by variations with the innovative e-4orce all-wheel-drive system. In addition to the choice of front-drive or all-wheel-drive, buyers will also be able to choose between long-range and standard battery arrays. Prices for the 2023 Ariya start at $43,190 for the front-drive Engage trim. Our test vehicle, driven at North American Car of the Year testing in Michigan, was a 2023 Nissan Ariya Premiere with an as-tested price of $58,850.

Also in the road test segment, AOTR Co-Host Chris Teague took the 2023 Subaru BRZ sports coupe through its paces in the beauty of the Maine fall. The 2023 BRZ test car was powered by a 2.4-liter 228 horsepower “boxer” engine paired with a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. (A six-speed electronic direct-control automatic transmission is optional.) Offered in two trim levels, The Subaru BRZ has a starting price of $28,595, and is a true bargain in driving fun.

The BRZ’s list of standard features includes a Torsen limited-slip differential; keyless entry, LED headlights, stability control with track mode and dual-zone automatic climate control. But the big question is this: Could it contain the six-foot-tall Chris Teague with his daughter in a booster seat behind him? We’ll answer that question and others in this week’s edition of America on the Road.

This week our special guest is Mark Bole, who is Vice President and head of Battery Solutions for General Motors. His arm of GM is ready to deliver electric power, not just to your cars, but also to your home. And he’ll tell that fascinating story in an interview with Host Jack Nerad in this episode.