A Stylish Comeback—Everywhere Except the U.S.
The 2026 Nissan Ariya has been refreshed with a sleek new look and feature upgrades. There’s just one catch: it won’t be returning to the U.S. market.
While Nissan is ending Ariya sales in America, the EV lives on in Japan and other global markets with a cleaner design and smarter features aimed at keeping it competitive.
Cleaner Design, EV Identity
Nissan ditched the faux front grille in favor of a smooth, body-colored panel, giving the Ariya a more EV-authentic face. The headlights are slimmer, and the bumper is more sculpted, taking clear cues from the newest Leaf crossover.
The rear design stays the same, but a few extras were added—like 20-inch wheels and a striking new Plasma Green paint, especially bold with the contrasting black roof.
Smarter Inside, More Useful Outside
Tech upgrades start with a new Google-powered infotainment system that feels quicker and more intuitive. The Ariya also gets vehicle-to-load (V2L) bidirectional charging, offering up to 1.5 kW of output. It can even keep powering your gear while the vehicle is locked—ideal for camping, work sites, or power outages.
Ride Comfort Improved, But No Extra Range
Nissan fine-tuned the suspension for better comfort, but the performance and range remain unchanged. Buyers still get a choice of 66 kWh or 91 kWh batteries, with FWD or e-4ORCE AWD available.
Nismo Trim Keeps Its Edge
The high-performance Ariya Nismo stays visually untouched. It doesn’t receive the facelift due to its unique bumpers, but it inherits the new tech and V2L capability.
Global Launch, But U.S. Misses Out
The updated Ariya rolls out in Japan first, with European availability likely in 2026. Expect a modest price bump of around $500. Sadly, U.S. buyers won’t see this version at all.
As Nissan pushes forward globally, the Ariya’s absence in the U.S. hints at bigger shifts in the brand’s EV strategy.
