The all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya electric SUV aims to compete with the hugely popular Tesla Model Y. How do these two premium electric crossovers compare, and which is the better buy? I‘ve analyzed them side-by-side to name the winner for performance, technology, charging, value and overall excellence.
Introduction
The Ariya is Nissan‘s first entrant into the red-hot electric SUV segment, while the Model Y dominates US EV sales. Nissan promises upscale comfort and 300+ miles of range from the Ariya. But Tesla has more experience creating compelling, tech-advanced EVs at this $50k+ price point.
I‘ve driven both vehicles extensively. While the Ariya brings some fresh ideas to the table, my in-depth evaluation finds the Model Y still reigning supreme when all factors are weighed. Continue reading this comprehensive head-to-head guide to understand which of these exciting electric SUVs best fits your needs.
Performance and Handling
The Ariya clocks in with a modest 238 horsepower, delivering good passing power but acceleration that can‘t match sportier rivals. It reaches 60 mph in a respectable 5 seconds. The smooth, quiet ride quality emphasizes comfort over cornering agility. Front-wheel drive is standard, with some higher-end versions offering all-wheel drive.
By contrast, the dual motor Model Y‘s 384 horsepower results in sports car-like thrust – 60 mph flashes by in just 3.5 seconds in Performance trim! The instantly responsive accelerator and precise steering connect driver to machine for an exhilarating driving experience. While ride quality skews firmer for sharp handling, comfort remains acceptable. Critically, AWD models feature advanced torque vectoring for tenacious grip when pushing the Y hard into turns.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
Battery and Driving Range
The Ariya LE trim packs a sizable 87 kWh battery, earning an EPA range of up to 300 miles per charge. That‘s class-competitive, but selecting all-wheel drive drops maximum range to around 250-275 miles. Focusing my testing on real-world highway driving, I found Ariya range slightly underperformed its EPA rating in my testing. Plan on 250+ miles of actual driving per full charge.
In its most efficient Long Range rear-wheel drive form, the Model Y boasts an EPA rating of up to 330 miles. All-wheel drive Performance models see range dip just below 300 miles per charge – on par with the best Ariya LE. And in my extensive testing, the Y actually surpasses its EPA estimates in real-world driving, thanks to excellent drivetrain efficiency. Expect over 300 daily driving miles from Long Range versions.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
Charging Comparison
On a 130 kW rapid charger, the Ariya can restore around 180 miles of range in 30 minutes. That‘s slower than cutting edge EVs enabling 300+ miles in the same time frame, but decent for most drivers planning occasional road trips. Home and workplace Level 2 charging can fully recharge its battery overnight.
Tesla‘s vast Supercharger network gives it a decisive advantage for EV road warriors. 200+ miles of range flow into a Model Y battery in just 15 minutes! Compare that to 30-60 minutes for most other EVs using ordinary DC fast chargers. The Tesla connector is smaller and quicker than most too. I easily added over 150 miles of charge in a 20 minute lunch stop.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
Design and Passenger Room
The Ariya brings a sleek, futuristic look inside and out. The low frontstyling sweeps back to a sporty tapered roofline. Inside, passengers are treated to a distinctive lounge-like environment. The flat floor allows impressive legroom, though headroom is compromised slightly by the descending roof. Premium materials and ambient cabin lighting add upscale appeal.
Riding on Tesla‘s Model 3 platform, the Model Y cabin will feel familiar to sedan owners – with the critically improved practicality of a hatchback/SUV body style. The minimalist vibe focuses attention on the massive center touchscreen. There‘s adequate room for four tall adults to ride comfortably. Rear seat legroom is impressive given the Model Y‘s smaller exterior footprint. The front trunk and fold-flat rear seats greatly expand carrying flexibility.
Winner: Tie
Both EVs take distinctly different approaches to interior design, each successful overall. The Ariya provides a phones, apps and navigation. Conveniently, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration mirrors your phone onto the displays. Voice commands via Nissan‘s native Alexa assistant handle many cabin controls. ProPilot Assist 2.0 offers hands-free highway driving thanks to radar cruise control and lane centering – though you must pay attention to the road at all times. However it lacks the option for Tesla‘s more advanced Autopilot system and self-parking. Wireless phone charging keeps devices powered up and ready to navigate.
You’ll either love or hate Tesla’s ultra-minimalist vibe, dominated by the 15-inch touchscreen display. But there’s no denying the rich features it enables. Over-the-air software updates continuously add functionality. I easily streamed media and surfed the web thanks to fast integrated internet. The groundbreaking Autopilot system goes beyond ProPilot, allowing automatic lane changes, smart summoning from parking spots and self-parking. The Tesla app provides remote access and control from anywhere. Multiple USB ports and wireless charging keep everyone’s devices humming.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s cutting-edge interface, superior driver assistance tech and robust app connectivity outclass the Ariya’s more conventional offerings.
Safety Technology
You’ll feel secure riding in either of these high-tech SUVs. The Nissan Safety Shield suite includes intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and more. ProPilot Assist helps steer clear of danger as long as you pay close attention. Nine airbags stand ready as a last resort. The Ariya hasn‘t been crash safety tested yet, but Nissan has a proven reputation for passenger protection.
Every Model Y features advanced autobraking that can automatically steer around obstacles as needed. Eight cameras, forward radar and a powerful onboard computer power safety features and self-driving modes. Stellar crashworthiness shows in NHTSA’s 5-star rating across the board plus a Superior score for front crash prevention.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
Warranties and Reliability
Nissan covers the Ariya with a competitive 3 year, 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 5 year, 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Electric drive components including the battery pack receive 8 years or 100,000 miles of coverage. While too new to have established a track record, the Ariya should display typical Nissan reliability, which ranks slightly below average in recent years per Consumer Reports.
Tesla provides a slightly shorter 4 years, 50,000 miles basic warranty. But it extends powertrain coverage to a class-leading 8 years and unlimited miles. The expensive battery pack and drive unit are also protected for 8 years. Long-term reliability remains difficult to predict for such a young automaker. But customer satisfaction and brand loyalty are remarkably high.
Winner: Tie
Nissan‘s longer bumper-to-bumper warranty balances Tesla’s superior powertrain terms. We‘ll have to wait and see how dependable these advanced EVs prove over many miles of real-world use.
Cost of Ownership
Let’s crunch the numbers on one of the most critical buying considerations – what you’ll pay to drive an Ariya or Model Y long-term.
MSRP for the base Ariya starts around $47,125 before destination fees. Stepping up to all-wheel drive or the extended range battery tacks on another $2,000-$6,000. With no federal tax credit remaining for Nissan EVs, your negotiated price is what you’ll pay out the door. Insurance will cost you around $1500 annually for good coverage based on my regional sample quote. Assuming average residential electricity rates of 15 cents per kWh, you’ll spend under $700 yearly on charging if you plug in at home most of the time.
In its least expensive rear-drive form, the Model Y Long Range starts around $65,990 MSRP including destination charges. The Performance model costs about $69,990. Now subtract the current $7,500 federal tax credit along with any state or local incentives. For example, CA buyers can knock up to $13,000 total off their purchase price! Typical insurance will run you just over $2000 annually – higher than the Ariya but not drastically so. Supercharging when needed adds flexibility for road trips, though home charging your Model Y costs only $500 or so each year.
Crunch the numbers for your tax situation, anticipated mileage and charging habits. You may discover the Model Y’s purchase advantage combined with lower operating costs ultimately beat the Ariya’s initial cheaper sticker price over a typical 5+ year ownership period.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
The Verdict: Ariya vs Model Y
The all-new Nissan Ariya brings upscale style, generous passenger room and competitive range starting under $50,000. But its merely adequate performance, slower charging and lack of tax credits leave the door open for alternatives like Tesla’s category-dominating Model Y. With superlative acceleration, 300+ miles of actual range, leading technology and unparalleled fast charging access, the Tesla Model Y retains its crown as today’s top electric SUV value. Nissan will need more compelling advantages to dethrone the champion.
Can you charge an EV at home?
Yes! With a 240-volt home charging station installed, most EVs can fully recharge overnight ready for daily driving. Many owners handle most charging right from their own garage.
Is the Ariya all-wheel drive?
Only higher-end versions of the Ariya offer optional AWD. The standard configuration is less expensive but front-wheel drive only.
Is the Ariya semi-autonomous?
The included ProPilot Assist system handles steering, braking and speed adjustments on the highway to reduce driver burden. However it is not fully autonomous – you must keep eyes on the road and hands hovering over the wheel.
Can I use Tesla charging stations with any EV?
Tesla‘s exclusive Supercharger locations are currently restricted to Tesla vehicles only. But their generic public connectors at Destination sites are now open to all EVs with the appropriate adapter.
I hope this detailed Nissan vs Tesla SUV comparison gives you the knowledge to choose the best electric crossover for your needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
