by Updated Nissan Ariya Debuts in Japan
Nissan has introduced an updated version of the Ariya electric crossover for the Japanese market. This comes almost four years after the model’s initial debut. While the car is ceasing sales in North America, in its home country it has received a number of improvements in design, technology, and suspension tuning.
The 2026 model was first shown at this year’s Japan Mobility Show, and now the manufacturer has revealed the full lineup for the domestic market. Similar updates are expected to appear in other regions over the coming months.
Design and Color Changes
The most noticeable changes have been made to the front of the car. The new, cleaner radiator grille is completely absent, replaced by an updated bumper with more aggressive LED “fangs.” The side profile and rear end remain unchanged.
The visual updates are complemented by new 20-inch alloy wheels made from a combination of aluminum and special resin. A new paint color, Hisuinohikari, has also become available for buyers — this is a bold Plasma Green shade combined with contrasting Midnight Black accents on the roof, pillars, and lower body cladding.
Interior and Technology Updates
The interior layout remains familiar, but the technology has taken a step forward. The NissanConnect multimedia system now runs on a software architecture from Google. This adds new features such as conditional battery preconditioning Navi-Link and intelligent distance control.
The interior materials have been expanded with new muted green leather, which is combined with light gray elements for a softer and more sophisticated look.
Practicality has also improved thanks to an updated external AC power outlet capable of delivering up to 1500 watts of power, even when the vehicle is locked.
Powertrain and Suspension
From a technical standpoint, the Ariya retains the existing battery packs with capacities of 66 kWh (B6) and 91 kWh (B9). They are offered in single-motor front-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive e-4ORCE variants. Nissan engineers have optimized the suspension specifically for Japanese roads, focusing on comfort and a more refined ride.
Return of the Powerful Nismo Version
The updated lineup will also include the powerful Ariya Nismo version. However, this modification did not receive the visual updates available for the standard models, retaining its original aggressive body kit.
The Nismo version continues to use the e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system with two motors, specially tuned for this model. Its updates are limited to the new Google-based multimedia system, the high-power external power outlet, and the intelligent distance control function.
Price Range
The updated Nissan Ariya in Japan starts from 6,675,900 yen (approximately $42,400 USD) for the base B6 front-wheel-drive version. The price reaches 8,072,900 yen (about $51,300 USD) for the B9 e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive version. This is 85,800 yen ($550) higher than the previous version. The price of the updated Ariya Nismo will be announced later.
The Nissan Ariya updates clearly demonstrate the manufacturer’s strategy: to focus on key markets where demand for electric crossovers remains stable. Improvements in technology, especially the integration of Google services, make the car more competitive in a world where infotainment is becoming one of the main selection criteria. The retention of the powerful Nismo version underscores Nissan’s desire to satisfy not only the mass-market buyer but also enthusiasts who value dynamics. The fact of the price increase, despite exiting the American market, may indicate rising production costs or the positioning of the car as a more premium product in its segment.
