Remember the Tokyo Motor Show of 2019? The crowds buzzed, captivated by a futuristic vision: the Nissan Ariya concept. Fast forward, and the dream is reality. The production Ariya, unveiled in 2020, stays remarkably true to its captivating predecessor. Get ready to experience the future, now.
However, the long-awaited mid-size electric SUV didn’t commence production until 2022 due to component shortages amid the COVID crisis.
After years of speculation, Nissan’s Tesla Model Y rival, the Ariya, is finally electrifying Australian shores. For four years, international markets have enjoyed this all-electric SUV, leaving Aussie drivers wondering when their turn would come. The wait is over. Nissan Australia has officially confirmed the Ariya’s arrival, unleashing pricing and specs this past August and setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.
Nissan Oceania’s Andrew Humberstone reveals the Ariya’s late arrival in Australia was no accident. It was a calculated move, allowing Nissan to nimbly navigate the volatile market and align with the incoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
Nissan’s Ariya isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s a strategic play. Think of it as the eco-friendly counterbalance to Nissan’s gas-guzzling titans like the Patrol and Navara. More than that, the Ariya throws Nissan into the electrifying arena, pitting it against heavyweights like Tesla’s Model Y, BYD’s Sealion 7, and Kia’s EV5 in the battle for family EV supremacy.
Forget struggling legacy automakers! Nissan’s Ariya enters the EV arena swinging, landingunder$56,000. Suddenly, those hyped Chinese EVs don’t seem like such a steal, and even Nissan’s own gas-guzzlers and hybrids face a serious challenger. Game on.
Nissan’s Ariya has finally arrived in Australia, fashionably late to a crowded electric party. Was the wait worth it? We ventured to Victoria for the Ariya’s media launch to uncover the truth.
How much does the Nissan Ariya cost?
Imagine slipping into the driver’s seat of the Ariya Engage for just $55,840, your gateway to electric dreams. Or perhaps, unleash the full electric fury of the flagship Evolve e-4ORCE, a dual-motor beast boasting 290kW, for $71,840. The choice is yours.
| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | Nissan Ariya Engage | $55,840 | | Nissan Ariya Advance | $59,840 | | Nissan Ariya Advance+ | $63,840 | | Nissan Ariya Evolve e-4ORCE | $71,840 |
The Nissan Ariya isn’t just playing in the mid-size electric SUV sandbox, it’s strategically building its castle. With a price tag that squares off against formidable contenders like the Sealion 7 (starting at $54,990 before you add the road trip essentials), the EV5 (a drive-away deal at $56,770), and the ever-popular Model Y (kicking off at $58,900 before on-road costs), the Ariya is ready to rumble.
But the real budget champion? The Geely EX5. Clocking in at a stunningly low $40,990 (before on-road costs), it’s hard to beat. Still, if you’re not exclusively wedded to electric, Nissan’s X-Trail offers comparable space with both petrol and e-Power hybrid options, all at a more accessible price point. Or, dive into the deep end of the medium SUV pool with titans like the ever-popular Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.
To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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What is the Nissan Ariya like on the inside?
"Nissan declares the Ariya its Australian flagship, and stepping inside, you instantly understand why."
The cabin breathes space, a testament to minimalist design. Soft-touch materials cocoon you, while elegant wood-effect trim dances across the dashboard and center console, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication.
While we test-drove the top-tier Advance+ and Evolve models at the launch, rest assured, Mazda’s attention to detail permeates the entire range. Expect consistent refinement across all variants, from the crisp displays and leather-esque door trims to a dashboard graced with elegant top-stitching and subtle bronze accents. But the Evolve trim? That’s where things get truly interesting. Don’t let "blue Nappa leather" fool you it’s a sophisticated splash of color that elevates the interior beyond the ordinary.
Step inside the premium trims, and you’re met with a cabin that whispers modern luxury. Familiar yet sophisticated, the twin 12.3-inch displays seamlessly integrate, echoing the intuitive interface found in Nissan’s acclaimed Qashqai and X-Trail – a digital handshake from one innovative family member to another.
The Ariya might be Nissan’s electric flagship, but ditch any hope of Google Built-in or Nissan Connected Car Services. Prepare for the comment section fireworks – we’re braced.
Nissan’s onboard tech is functional but forgettable. The interface is intuitive enough, but the real magic happens when you plug in or wirelessly connect, if you’re an Apple devotee and let your phone take over. Honestly, that’s where you’ll likely spend most of your digital driving life anyway.
Apple CarPlay connected wirelessly without a hitch on our drive, while the standard 10-speaker Bose system (Advance trim and higher) delivered impressively rich and powerful sound.
Gripping the two-spoke wheel, your fingers instinctively reach for the gloss-black controls. A tap confirms their presence with a satisfyingclick, but beware – they’re magnets for fingerprints. Glance up, and the crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster bursts to life, a canvas of customizable data. While it doesn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, it offers a wealth of information at your command.
Imagine a dashboard where technology melts into artistry. A tactile volume knob, nestled within the air vent, beckons a touch. Then, run your fingers across the rich wood trim; seemingly hidden, haptic controls awaken at your command, summoning infotainment, climate, and driving modes. Power off, and the digital world vanishes, leaving behind an unbroken expanse of elegant wood, a testament to seamless design.
Cleverly concealed cupholders slide away under a sleek lid, while a hidden cubby lurks beneath the customizable center console. Though the door bins could stand to be a tad more generous, the conveniently placed wireless phone charger nestled under the front armrest is a definite win.
Now, about that centre console – prepare to be intrigued. With the press of a button, it glides silently forward or back, transforming the cabin. Suddenly, you’ve got ballroom dancing space up front, or you’re treating your rear passengers to limousine-level legroom. It’s automotive origami, a trick of engineering that redefines personal space on wheels.
Up front, juice up your devices with both USB-C and 12V power outlets. Backseat passengers aren’t left out, enjoying their own pair of USB-C ports and climate-controlling vents. For those opting for the Advance+ or Evolve trims, rear passengers can also indulge in the luxury of heated seats with dedicated controls.
Other interesting elements include Japanese kumiko patterning on various surfaces mimicking the same look etched into the front ‘grille’ insert.
"Sure, some might scoff, but Nissan’s doubling down on the Ariya’s distinctly Japanese DNA. This isn’t just another EV; it’s a deliberate departure from the increasingly homogenous landscape of Chinese and Korean competitors, showcasing a unique design philosophy."
The rakish roofline and fastback rear might suggest a cramped interior, but don’t be fooled. Even at six-foot-one, I found ample space behind the driver’s seat, with headroom, knee room, and legroom to spare. Though, admittedly, stretching out fully in the top-tier models meant sinking into the subtly sculpted headliner, a clever design trick cleverly masking the panoramic sunroof.
"Kids and smaller teens will find plenty of room in the back – though some of those modern-day giants might be pushing it! With the center console slid forward, the flat floor actually allows three across the back, but be warned, it’s a cozy fit."
Sunlight floods the cabin through the panoramic glass roof and generous side glasshouse. Forget cheap rear-door plastics; Nissan lavishes the same soft-touch finesse on passengers in the back as it does upfront. A touch of class.
For secure family travels, the Ariya comes standard with complete ISOFIX and top-tether points for child seats. Notably, Nissan invested significantly to specifically equip the center rear seat with a top-tether anchor for the Australian market a feature absent from the Ariya’s global design.
Cargo space? Think versatile cavern. You get 408-466 liters to start (models with the extended-range battery trade a bit of space for extra miles), but fold down the rear seats andbam– a practically flat loading floor unveils a whopping 1280-1350 liters ready to swallow bikes, boxes, or that impulse buy antique armoire.
"While the modular floor panels offer flexibility, keep in mind the 87kWh models trade underfloor storage for convenient access to the standard-issue tire repair kit – a feature consistent throughout the entire lineup."
| Dimensions | Nissan Ariya | | — | — | |Length| 4595mm | |Width| 1920mm (2172mm incl. mirrors) | |Height| 1660mm | |Wheelbase| 2775mm | |Cargo capacity| 466L |
To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Two battery and two powertrain variants will be available in Australia, depending on the variant.
| Specifications | Ariya 2WD 63kWh | Ariya 2WD 87kWh | Ariya e-4ORCE 87kWh | | — | — | — | — | |Drivetrain| Single-motor electric | Single-motor electric | Dual-motor electric | |Battery| 63kWh li-ion | 87kWh li-ion | 87kWh li-ion | |Power| 160kW | 178kW | 290kW | |Torque| 300Nm | 300Nm | 600Nm | |Drive type| FWD | FWD | AWD | |Kerb weight| 1911-1924kg | 2078kg | 2234kg | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 8.0s | 8.1s | 5.6s | |Energy consumption (claimed)| 18.4kWh/100km | 19.1kWh/100km | 20.8kWh/100km | |Energy consumption (as tested)| – | 14.2kWh/100km | 18.0-22.4kWh/100km | |Claimed range – WLTP| 385km | 504km | 487km | |Max AC charge rate| 7.4kW | 22kW | 22kW | |Max DC charge rate| 130kW | 130kW | 130kW |
To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How does the Nissan Ariya drive?
The engine roared to life in Tullamarine, a northern Melbourne suburb, kicking off the launch drive. From there, the asphalt ribbon unwound, snaking through the city’s eastern hills, a verdant escape from the urban sprawl. Finally, the journey culminated at Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula, where rugged cliffs plunged into the turbulent sea. A truly immersive experience, spanning diverse terrains and breathtaking vistas.
We started in the Advance+, which rides on smaller 19-inch alloys and chubbier 235/55-profile tyres.
The moment we hit the pockmarked tarmac just outside Tullamarine, then merged onto the M80’s relentless churn, the Ariya revealed its secret weapon: tranquility. It wasn’t just quiet; it was a serene hush, transforming the drive from a commute into a velvet-smooth glide, the kind usually reserved for premium luxury sedans.
The car glides forward with seamless power, external sounds fading into a distant hum, creating a truly tranquil driving experience. Whether navigating city streets or cruising down the highway, the ride remains composed and controlled, exhibiting a sporty firmness that connects you to the road.
The open road beckoned, and Nissan’s ProPILOT answered. On the freeway, the system seamlessly blended adaptive cruise control and lane centering, transforming monotonous miles into a relaxed, almost effortless glide. This wasn’t just driving; it was a taste of future travel, where technology shares the burden of the journey.
"I blurted out to the journalist beside me, "This Ariya justfeelsJapanese, doesn’t it?" The steering is a katana – sharp, precise, and perfectly weighted. It begs to be thrown into corners. Sure, it leans a little, but never loses its composure, even when you’re pushing it hard."
The real character of the drive emerged once we escaped the freeway’s concrete embrace. We traded monotonous miles for the playful dance of roundabouts and the quiet rhythm of suburban streets, a prelude to the winding B-roads that snaked through Melbourne’s northeast, each turn revealing a new facet of the city’s charm.
The front-wheel-drive Ariya isn’t going to win any drag races, but its instant torque delivery makes Nissan’s quoted 8.1-second sprint to 100km/h feel almost sluggish. Nissan cleverly tuned the accelerator, metering out the power smoothly to prevent wheelspin. The result? Effortless control and a distinctly polished driving experience.
Forget range anxiety. On a mixed driving loop of freeways, suburban streets, and spirited back roads, the Ariya sipped electrons like a hummingbird. The dash displayed a mere 14.2kWh/100km, crushing Nissan’s claimed 19.1kWh/100km. After devouring 67.4km, the range predictor still flaunted a confident 481km, projecting a total of 548km – a distance that handily beats Nissan’s official 504km figure.
Nissan’s e-Pedal: one-pedal driving, but not as you know it. Forget Tesla’s near brake-less experience, and dial down the aggressive regen of Hyundai-Kia’s i-Pedal. Nissan offers a gentler approach. Me? I usually stick to standard braking. No one enjoys unexpected, gut-lurching stops.
Stepping into the e-4ORCE Ariya, the upsized wheels telegraphed a crisper connection to the road. Then, the surge. Bury the accelerator, and the twin-motor system answers with an eagerness that’s far from timid. Think ‘swift,’ not ‘snap.’ Nissan consciously tuned the Ariya’s electric punch for smoothness, prioritizing serenity and effortless driveability over outright neck-snapping acceleration.
The closer we crept toward Cape Schanck, the more the ribbon-like B-roads resembled a neglected tapestry, unraveling beneath the Ariya’s wheels. Suddenly, the Nissan lost its composure. With just two souls aboard, the rear suspension became a tattletale, broadcasting every ripple and undulation directly into the cabin. Though thankfully, it possessed enough grace to absorb the bigger blows without shattering our spines.
"The rear suspension’s flaws became glaringly obvious when we crammed four adults inside and tackled the same roads. The back end became a bucking bronco. Sadly, time constraints prevented a direct comparison with the Advance+ model. This left me pondering: is this unruly rear end a consequence of the Evolve’s upsized wheels, or a more fundamental flaw in the rear suspension’s overall design?"
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Otherwise the Ariya really impressed me with its all-round refinement and premium-leaning personality.
The quest for EV ride perfection? A tightrope walk. Even luxury models often stumble, battling battery weight with suspension finesse for that elusive balance.
The Kia EV5’s ride? Firm bordering on jarring, and maddeningly inconsistent. Even Tesla’s perpetually-almost-perfect Model Y hasn’t quite nailed the suspension yet. Flip the script to many Chinese EVs, and you’re swimming in a sea of marshmallowy softness, a wallowing sensation that leaves you yearning for a stable shore.
Before signing on the dotted line for the Ariya, consider this: Cruising city streets and gliding down the highway, it’s pure bliss. But picture this: a fully loaded Ariya, battling bumpy, forgotten backroads. The ride transforms. Know thyself, know thy commute. The Ariya’s charm shines brightest on smooth surfaces.
To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
At launch, the Ariya will be available in four distinct trim levels.
2025 Nissan Ariya Engage equipment highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre repair kit
- Automatic LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Proximity entry
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Electric park brake with auto-hold
- Eco, Standard, Sport drive modes
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- 6-speaker sound system
- 2 x front USB outlets (Type A and C)
- 2 x rear USB outlets (Type A and C)
- Leather-accented steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- Dual-zone climate control
- 60:40 split/fold rear seats
- One-touch auto up/down power windows
Ariya Advance adds:
- LED front fog lights
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Rear privacy glass
- Cloth/leatherette upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 10-speaker Bose sound system
- 6-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar
- 6-way power passenger seat
Ariya Advance+ adds:
- Panoramic glass roof
- Sequential LED indicators
- Leatherette/Ultrasuede upholstery
- 8-way power-adjustable front seats with memory
- 4-way power lumbar for driver
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Head-up display
- Power sliding centre console
Ariya Evolve adds:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- 3-phase AC onboard charger
- Automatic LED headlights incl. Adaptive Driving Beam
- Matte chrome window surround
- Snow drive mode
- Reverse tilt function, memory for exterior mirrors
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Blue Nappa leather upholstery
- Power tilt, telescopic steering wheel adjustment incl. memory
To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Is the Nissan Ariya safe?
The Nissan Ariya wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating across all variants in Australia and New Zealand.
| Category | Nissan Ariya | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 86 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 89 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 74 per cent | |Safety assist| 93 per cent |
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Blind-spot assist
- Driver attention alert
- Lane-keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Front, front-side and curtain airbags
Ariya Advance adds:
- Intelligent Around View Monitor – 360 cameras
- incl. Moving Object Detection
To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How much does the Nissan Ariya cost to run?
Drive with confidence. Every new Nissan in Australia now comes with a standard 10-year, 300,000km warranty – that’s peace of mind for a decade. Simply service your vehicle within our trusted Nissan dealer network to stay covered. Prefer to choose your own mechanic? No problem. You’re still protected by our comprehensive 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
| Servicing and Warranty | Nissan Ariya | | — | — | | Warranty | Up to 10 years or 300,000km – service activated | | Roadside assistance | Up to 10 years or 300,000km – service activated | | Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000 kilometres | | Capped-price servicing | 5 years – $299ea | | Total capped-price service cost | $1495 |
Think of your EV’s battery like the heart of a tireless athlete, guaranteed to perform. While roadside assistance mirrors standard coverage, the high-voltage lithium-ion battery gets superstar treatment. Expect at least 75% of its original power for eight years or 160,000 kilometers – whichever comes first. Consider it peace of mind for the long haul.
To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Nissan Ariya
Nissan’s Ariya has finally landed in Australia, fashionably late to the electric SUV party. Is it a case of "better late than never?" Perhaps. But one thing’s for sure: this stylish arrival injects fresh competition into the booming mid-size EV segment, proving that even legacy automakers are ready to electrify.
The Ariya still shines. Even three years on, its strengths haven’t faded: a confidence-inspiring warranty paired with responsive aftersales support, instant brand recognition, and a surprisingly smooth ride. Sink into its plush interior, admire the sharp design, and you’ll find a modern, intuitive experience that belies its age.
However, be warned: the ride turns turbulent on rough roads, a stark reminder this chariot isn’t built for comfort. Tech enthusiasts will also find themselves stranded in the digital dark ages with the absence of connected services. And while the base model’s 385km range and 130kW DC fast-charging are acceptable, they’re hardly revolutionary, failing to ignite the electric vehicle landscape.
Forget the hype. Ditch the learning curve. Nissan offers something Tesla and those flashy Chinese EVs don’t: good old-fashioned reliability. We’re talking about walking into a dealership, kicking the tires, and driving off with the peace of mind of a rock-solid warranty and a service network that spans the nation. Think ten years of conditional coverage and surprisingly affordable maintenance. It’s not just a car; it’s worry-free ownership, plain and simple.
Beyond its unmistakable Japanese DNA, early adopters (the first 400, to be precise) score a complimentary 22kW AC on-board charger upgrade. But here’s the real kicker: snag yours before September 30th, and they’ll throw in a free 22kW home charger installation not included, but still, icing on the electric cake!
The sweet spot might just be the 63kWh models. I’m itching to test them, specifically to see if the lighter battery tames the ride quality issues plaguing the higher trims. Frankly, the entry-level trims might be the smartest buys overall. It’s a missed opportunity, though. Imagine an 87kWh Engage or Advance, packing a 500km range, landing around $60k – now that’s a compelling EV.
The Ariya? A compelling contender in the family EV arena. Just remember, while it shines in the city, its B-road manners might leave you wanting if weekend getaways are your thing.
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