Nissan may have been a bit slow to dive into the world of electric vehicles (other than the Leaf, of course), but now they’re stepping up their game with the new Nissan Ariya. The Ariya is a crossover SUV that’s similar in size to other popular electric vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Kia EV6, and the Tesla Model Y.
If you’re shopping for a new electric car, you might be debating between the well-known Tesla Model Y and the newer Nissan Ariya. Both cars are packed with tech features, but while the Ariya leverages Nissan’s long history in the auto industry, the Model Y brings a fresher approach to the table.
So, which one should you choose? Let’s break it down.
The Nissan Ariya and the Tesla Model Y have quite different design philosophies. If you’ve ever seen a Tesla, you’ll recognize the Model Y’s minimalist design right away. It has slim headlights, a rounded roofline, and flush door handles that give it a sleek, modern look.
On the other hand, the Nissan Ariya opts for a more conventional appearance. It looks like a traditional gas-powered car with a faux grille at the front. While its design can seem a bit off-balance with a sloped roofline and a larger body, it’s not unattractive. If you want something that looks completely new and modern, the Ariya might not be your best bet. But remember, design preferences can vary widely, and some people might not be fans of how Teslas look either. So, in terms of design, it’s a tie.
Moving inside, the Model Y continues its minimalist streak with an interior that relies heavily on its infotainment system. Most controls are digital rather than physical, which some people find sleek, but others might miss having tangible buttons and knobs. The Model Y’s standout feature is its large 15.4-inch display, which provides access to Tesla’s suite of cameras, driver-assistance features, and navigation system.
Meanwhile, the Nissan Ariya takes a more traditional approach with plenty of physical controls and buttons. It features dual 12.3-inch displays for both instrument readings and infotainment. While its software isn’t as polished as Tesla’s, the Ariya does support wireless CarPlay, a feature Tesla lacks.
When it comes to tech, the Model Y has the edge. It offers more advanced features and a better-designed interface overall.
Performance-wise, both cars deliver that quick electric car acceleration, but there are differences. The Nissan Ariya comes in various configurations with different powertrains and battery sizes. According to MotorTrend, the single-motor version goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the dual-motor version does it in 5 seconds. Those are respectable times, but they don’t match some of the Model Y’s variants. The standard Model Y hits 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, the Long Range model in 4.8 seconds, and the Performance model in an impressive 3.5 seconds.
So, when it comes to performance, the Tesla Model Y takes the lead.
The range is another key factor. The Nissan Ariya offers between 205 miles and 304 miles of range, depending on the model. However, its charging speed maxes out at 130 kilowatts, which is relatively slow. The Tesla Model Y, on the other hand, offers a range between 260 miles and 330 miles, and it can charge at up to 250 kilowatts. Plus, Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network gives it a clear edge.
Both cars are available now, and their prices are pretty close. The Nissan Ariya starts at a bit over $43,000, while the Model Y starts at just under $44,000. The price difference is minimal, but the Ariya is slightly cheaper.
In conclusion, while the Nissan Ariya is a solid electric car, it’s clear that the Tesla Model Y has the upper hand in several important areas like performance and range. If you’re deciding between these two electric crossovers, the Model Y is likely the better choice.