The Nissan ARIYA is set to mark the “next chapter” for the brand’s EVs in Australia with the first examples of the incoming electric SUV on their way ahead of its September release. 

The first ARIYAs have set sail from Japan according to Nissan. But the arrival of the brand’s second ever electric vehicle in Australia – having launched the LEAF back in 2012 – has been anything but smooth sailing.

The electric SUV was initially unveiled in July of 2020 and was first due to launch in Japan the following year. Its release in other international markets was expected to follow shortly afterwards. 

However, the global semiconductor shortage delayed its Japanese launch until 2022. 

In 2023, the ARIYA was confirmed for an Australia release, but was delayed due to the required addition of top-tether child seat anchors as outlined by Australian Design Rules. 

After lengthy delays, Nissan opened Australian order books for the ARIYA in late-July – with a starting price of $55,840 before on-road costs – with the on-sale date set for September. 

The new electric SUV marks the beginning of a new EV chapter for the brand according to a Nissan spokesperson. 

“Nissan wrote the mass-market EV blueprint with LEAF, and ARIYA represents the next chapter of our electric vision, with incredible design and technology and, most-importantly, an exhilarating and engaging drive experience.”

The Nissan ARIYA enters Australia’s mid-size SUV segment, set to do battle with electric offerings such as the Kia EV5, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y.