2023 Nissan Ariya vs Tesla Model Y

If you’ve researched electric vehicles (EVs), you’ve probably come across the 2023 Nissan Ariya and Tesla Model Y. Both offer capable powertrain options, an excellent driving range, and the latest tech to elevate your Herculaneum commute and keep you safe. So, how do you decide on which EV to purchase? To help, we had our EV experts compare the two vehicles, listing the pros and cons to help you make an educated decision.

Nissan Ariya Vs. Tesla Model Y: Exterior Style

Nissan’s new entry to the EV market, the Ariya, arrives with much fanfare and some bold exterior styling cues. First, your eyes will take in the Ariya’s futuristic design, drawn to the V-shaped grille framed by LED headlights deliberately angled to enhance its futuristic appeal. Next, your gaze will wander over the sloping roofline to the split roof spoiler that’s both stylish and aerodynamically functional, ensuring your Ariya hugs the pavement. The Ariya rolls on 20-inch blade-like alloy wheels, and the soft curves and sleek lines along the sides give it a dancer’s posture, perfectly capturing its agility and grace.

While popular, the Tesla Model Y remains minimalist in design. It presents a curved roof and an angular front fascia, but not much else. We happily take Tesla Model Y vehicles as trades and add them to our extensive inventory of pre-owned vehicles.

Edge: Nissan Ariya

You can’t escape the Ariya’s elegant exterior design that turns heads along the boulevard.

Nissan Ariya Capability Vs. Tesla Model Y: Capability

Most EV comparisons begin with driving ranges and charging times. However, your powertrain factors into these figures and so much more. For example, the Nissan Ariya uses a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a single electric motor to power its front-wheel-drive platform. This pairing produces 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. In addition, you can travel 300 miles on a single charge, putting it squarely in the top tier of EV ranges.

If you’re searching for more power and performance, you can opt for the e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that combines two electric motors, one for each axle, to deliver exceptional power and control. The e4ORCE AWD variant provides 388 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. You also get fast charging that adds 130 kW of energy with a Level 3 DC charger. For comparison, using a Level 2 240-volt charger, you can add 7.2 kW.

Tesla’s Model Y offers slightly better performance, with the dual motor AWD powertrain coming in at 384 horsepower, 375 lb-ft of torque, and a driving range of 316 miles on a single charge. Tesla also makes a Performance Model Y that pumps out 450 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque for this AWD trim. However, the driving range drops to 291 miles.

Edge: Tesla

The Tesla Model Y has more power and only a slight increase or decrease in the driving range, depending on your chosen model. However, when you compare the cost of the Ariya against the Tesla Model Y, you won’t want to pay the premium for such a marginal improvement.

Nissan Ariya Vs. Tesla Model Y: Comfort and Convenience

The first EVs offered little in the way of comfort and convenience. Instead, they offered you a green alternative that largely left comfort and convenience out of the equation. Today, EVs offer premium interiors and the cutting-edge technology that you crave. In addition, the platforms allow the battery packs to ride low in the chassis, providing more cabin space without raising the roofline. The result is more passenger and cargo volume without adding size and weight.

Nissan capitalizes on this with Ariya’s battery strategically placed for optimal effect. As a result, you can comfortably seat five people and still have 16.5 cu ft of storage in the cargo hold.

Tesla claims up to 68 cu ft of cargo area, but this number includes folding the seats flat and the front trunk. When comparing just the trunk, you see similar numbers in the Ariya. The Ariya offers more flourishes with features, such as the sliding center console, which delivers more space and comfort.

Both the Nissan and Tesla offer premium materials. Each manufacturer provides clean, futuristic interiors that match the EV market trends.

Edge: Nissan Ariya

Again, as most of the comfort and convenience features are equal, why pay more?

Nissan Ariya Vs. Tesla Model Y: Technology

Nissan has installed innovative technology in the Ariya to match its futuristic design. Dual 12.3-inch touch screens digitize the instrument panel and infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology come preloaded for your convenience. Now, you can use the onboard voice assistant to control your smartphone using intuitive voice commands. In addition, Nissan gave the Ariya the ProPilot Assist 2.0, which is the latest iteration of driver-assist systems.

Tesla’s clean interior design maintains the previous model’s layout and functionality. It also utilizes a similar suite of driver-assist systems. In addition, both vehicles offer over-the-air updates on technology systems.

Edge: Even

Nissan Ariya Vs. Tesla Model Y: MSRP

After reviewing both vehicles, it’s clear they both have several impressive qualities. In many ways, these vehicles seem on par with one another, at least until you consider their price tags. For example, the Nissan Ariya starts at $40,000, well under the Tesla Model Y’s sticker price of $49,990. While you get more power out of the Tesla, the Nissan Ariya offers a thrilling powertrain.

Regarding the in-vehicle tech, driver-assist technology, and comfortable and spacious cabins, the two models are equal. However, the modern and exquisite exterior style of the Nissan Ariya tips the scales in its favor. Clearly, the Nissan Ariya gives you better value for your money. We’ve also streamlined the financing process with our online pre-approval application. You’ll receive your approval in minutes, including your monthly payment and interest rate.

Edge: Nissan Ariya

Order Your Nissan Ariya Today

At AutoCenters Nissan, we know what you want from an EV. That’s why we’re so excited about the imminent arrival of the revolutionary  Nissan Ariya. Not only will it change how you feel about electrified driving, but it will also change how you move through life. If you want to upgrade your commute with a technologically advanced EV loaded with comfortable features and driving dynamics that will make your pulse pound, the Nissan Ariya provides it all at an affordable price.

We invite you to pre-order your Nissan Ariya today. One of our friendly EV specialists will walk you through the process and get you behind the wheel of your dream vehicle.