Ariya

Overview

The 2026 Ariya gets a Leaf-style nose, Google-based software and vehicle-to-load power, while its batteries, FWD motor and 130kW charging limit stay on. It targets family buyers who want a quiet, comfortable electric SUV, and lines up against the Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic E-Tech, and new Volkswagen ID. Tiguan. Look elsewhere if you want fast charging, a big boot or an engaging drive. Because of its higher price, lower range and changing speed, and identical software, Nissan's own Leaf makes it look redundant.

Design

The headline change is the nose. The large blanked-off black panel has gone, replaced by a body-coloured front end with redesigned daytime running lights and bumper. Nissan adds new 19-inch wheels and Plasma Green paint, but the rear is otherwise unchanged. That means the Ariya now shares the Leaf's face, but this is a more of a restyle rather than a full redesign for facelift. The long, low roofline gives a coupe-style silhouette, though it costs rear headroom, something for taller passengers to note.

Interior

The interior layout is carried over, with two 12.3-inch screens and a row of touch-sensitive dashboard controls. The new part is the software. The Google-based system brings Maps, Assistant and the Play Store. The system is simple but less slick than rivals, with graphics that could be sharper. Electrifying welcomes the charge planning and battery preconditioning, but warns that similar Google systems in Volvos and Polestars have suffered blackouts, so long-term reliability is yet to be seen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the MagSafe-compatible charging pad now sits in front of the console. Electrifying and Auto Express rate the cabin slightly above most rivals with suede and copper detailing, but noted the unwanted hard black plastic, making it less upmarket than the smart #5. Auto Express found the seat sits high and doesn't lower much, and it found the speed-limit and driver-fatigue warnings too intrusive. Black is also now the only upholstery colour option.

Performance & Powertrains

The Engage+ pairs a 63kWh battery with 214hp, and Nissan claims 251 miles of WLTP range. The Advance has an 87kWh battery, 239bhp, 300Nm and a claimed 329 miles of range. Battery size is the real difference, because peak DC charging is 130kW on both. Auto Express says that gives a 20-80% top-up in roughly 40 minutes on the larger-battery Advance trim, meaning the Model Y, IONIQ 5 and EV6 all charge faster. In independent testing, Auto Express averaged 3.0 miles/kWh in warm Spain with plenty of stop-start driving. That equates to about 261 miles from the 87kWh pack, well below the WLTP claim. Electrifying estimates around 3.3 miles/kWh and says newer rivals often beat 4.0. A heat pump is standard, and V2L can power appliances at up to 3kW.

Reviewers who have driven the car found it firm and bumpy around town and not well settled on the motorway. They described light steering that gives little feedback and a comfort-first character. They also say e-Pedal Step only slows the car to a creep rather than offering true one-pedal driving and bringing the car to a complete stop.

Practicality

The boot holds 466 litres, or 1,350 litres with the 60/40 seats folded, and there is no frunk. The Enyaq, Scenic and Tavascan all offer roughly 100 litres more. Interestingly, the smaller Leaf can git 437 litres and is almost as capacious. Reviewers says six-footers get ample legroom but headroom is tight, due to the sloping roofline, and the low seat base gives little support. Storage is a strength. Nissan says the redesigned centre console holds 3.2 litres, and two glovebox compartments, boot side-pockets, underfloor space for cables and a sliding console all help the storage.

Buying

Nissan's list prices are £35,500 for the Engage+ and £43,425 for the Advance, OTR with the Electric Car Grant. The Engage+ comes with both screens, Google services, heated front seats, wireless charging and ProPilot adaptive cruise. The Advance adds a head-up display, Bose audio, a digital rear-view mirror, a hands-free tailgate, a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree camera. The key rival is Nissan's own Leaf. A Leaf configured with the larger 75kWh battery comes in at £32,249 (OTR with grands) and has a range of 387 miles WLTP, 150kW charging, and almost the same interior and practical space. Being over £11,000 cheaper than the Ariya Advance renders the Ariya useless in Nissan's lineup.

The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Advance. Its £7,925 premium over the Engage+ buys 24kWh more battery and 78 more claimed miles, plus the better seats, head-up display and 360-degree camera. Given efficiency results seen by reviwers, the larger pack gives the margin that long family journeys need. Mostly drivers should look at a Leaf first.