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As Nissan looks to control costs, the Ariya electric SUV is set to meet an early end in the US, in favour of the cheaper Leaf.
Electric Cars
As Nissan moves into cost-control mode in a move to lower operating costs and boost profitability, it seems the relatively new Ariya electric SUV could become the first product casualty.
A report by Automotive News in the United States details plans for the Ariya medium SUV to be axed in that market.
The Ariya is the first new-generation EV from Nissan after pioneering with the Leaf hatch range in 2010.
The Ariya began US sales in late 2022 as a 2023 model, but Nissan has since reportedly confirmed that the current 2025 Model Year version will be the last for the US market.
Nissan has positioned the new Leaf as the cheapest electric vehicle in the United States, with a starting price of $US29,990 ($AU45,350), undercutting the model it replaces.
Pricing for the Ariya starts from $US39,770 ($AU60,140) for a physically larger vehicle with a larger 63kWh battery (in place of the Leaf’s entry-level 52kWh useable capacity), and more powerful motor (160kW vs 130kW), but a shorter WLTP driving range rating of 360km compared to 436km for the Leaf.
When asked if the Ariya would return as a 2027 model for the US market, a Nissan USA spokesperson told Carscoops, “No decision has been made yet. We continue to monitor the market environment and will respond accordingly to ensure we are meeting consumer demand with the right line-up of electrified products,”
In Australia, the Ariya launched in September 2025, more than three years after its introduction overseas.
Local pricing starts from $55,840 before on-road costs for the Ariya Engage FWD with a 63kWh battery (which Nissan Aus rates as having a 385km WLTP range) and extends to $71,840 for the Ariya Evolve AWD, with a larger 87kWh battery and 487km claimed range.
The 2026 Leaf has not yet been announced, but if pricing follows the US example, the new Leaf could potentially start below the current model’s $48,990 starting price.
Nissan Australia has been contacted for comment on the potential impact to the Australian line-up. We’ll update this article with their response.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
