Nissan Ariya vs. Tesla Model Y

After years of relying on the Nissan Leaf as its sole electric vehicle, Nissan has introduced an all-new EV with the Ariya. The Ariya aims to compete in the hotly contested electric SUV segment as Nissan’s first electric SUV and arrives as an all-new vehicle for 2023. With more range than the Leaf, more interior space, more performance, and more tech, the Ariya is a promising next step for Nissan.

While Nissan is just entering the electric SUV segment, the Tesla Model Y has been a leader in the class for years. Few EVs in the segment offer the same amount of range as the Model Y or the same level of performance and tech. There are quite a few reasons why the Model Y is one of Tesla’s top sellers.

In this comparison, we’ll compare the Ariya to the Model Y in a few key categories. We’ll take a look at how these two electric SUVs compare against one another when it comes to pricing, size, range, and cargo space to name a winner.

Nissan Ariya vs. Tesla Model Y Price

Pricing for the Tesla Model Y changes sporadically whenever Tesla deems it necessary. For shoppers that are used to purchasing a vehicle from a traditional automaker that doesn’t change pricing multiple times in a year, this could cause some confusion. Currently, the Model Y starts at $48,380 (with destination) for the base trim and goes up to $55,380 for the Performance. The far more affordable Nissan Ariya has a starting price tag of $44,525 for the Engage FWD trim and $61,525 for the Platinum+ e-4ORCE trim.

Comparing the two entry-level trims against one another reveals a price difference of $3,855 in Ariya’s favor. At the top of the range, the Ariya is $6,145 more expensive than the Model Y Performance. While the base Model Y is more expensive than the Ariya, it’s one of the few electric vehicles that are eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit under the new guidelines.

Despite the Model Y’s higher starting price tag, Tesla’s EV is generally more affordable to lease than the Ariya. Shoppers looking to purchase one of the EVs will find that Nissan offers better financing rates than Tesla does.

Nissan Ariya vs. Tesla Model Y Size

While the Ariya and Model Y are both classified as compact electric SUVs, they differ in size. The Model Y has a wheelbase that’s 113.8 inches long, is 187 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 63.9 inches tall. In comparison, the Ariya has a wheelbase that’s 4.5 inches shorter, is five inches shorter in length, roughly one inch shorter in width, and is 1.5 inches taller.

On the inside, the Ariya and Model Y trade punches for the more spacious SUV. The Model Y has more front and rear headroom and rear legroom. The Ariya is the more spacious SUV in other categories, including front headroom, front legroom, front and rear shoulder room, and front and rear hip room.

While both SUVs have seating for up to five people as standard, the Model Y Performance has an optional third row for $3,000.

Nissan Ariya vs. Tesla Model Y Range

Tesla doesn’t provide battery specs for the Model Y. The electric SUV offers between 279 to 330 miles of range depending on the configuration. Few electric vehicles on sale can match the Model Y when it comes to range. Keep in mind that Tesla’s Supercharger network is one of the largest networks of EV charging stations in the world.

Nissan offers the Ariya in a dizzying number of configurations. The electric SUV starts off with a 63-kWh battery pack that brings a range of 216 miles. The Ariya is also offered with an 87-kWh battery pack on models with a “+” that has up to 304 miles of range. While it’s impressive to see the Ariya eclipse the 300-mile mark, it lags behind the Model Y.

Nissan Ariya vs. Tesla Model Y Cargo Space

With its larger body, the Model Y shines as the better choice for maximum cargo space. The Model Y offers up to 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total of 76.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The smaller Ariya doesn’t have the same cargo capacity. It offers up to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total of 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The Ariya has one of the smaller cargo areas in the class.

Which Is Better: Nissan Ariya or Tesla Model Y?

From a numbers standpoint, it may seem like the Tesla Model Y runs away with the win in this comparison, but that isn’t the case. While the Model Y offers more range, has better performance, and has more cargo capacity than the Nissan Ariya, there are other factors to consider. It’s far more expensive, has clumsy handling, features poor build quality, and has an interior that’s difficult to use. These issues far outweigh the positives.

While the Ariya isn’t the most impressive electric SUV available, it checks all of the right boxes for most shoppers. It’s roomy, quiet, has a competitive amount of range, comes with attractive tech features, and feels buttoned down. With the Ariya, Nissan has used all of its EV knowledge that it’s gained with the Leaf and it shows.

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