So, you’ve decided your next car could be electric. Great choice.
Now comes the tricky bit. Which one?
If Nissan is on your shortlist, two names are likely to catch your attention: the all-new Nissan LEAF and the Nissan ARIYA.
Both are fully electric. Both seat five. Both offer the smooth, quiet driving experience we love about EVs. But when it comes to choosing between them, they have two very different personalities.
Think of the LEAF as the smart, practical all-rounder that’s ready for pretty much anything. ARIYA is its bigger, more luxurious sibling with extra space and a premium SUV feel.
So, which Nissan EV deserves a spot on your driveway?
Let’s find out.
Meet the All-New LEAF
Forget what you think you know about the Nissan LEAF.
The all-new model has had quite the glow-up.
Gone is the familiar hatchback shape, replaced by a sleek crossover design that feels fresh, modern and ready for a new generation of electric driving.
It’s also compact enough to make everyday driving easy. Whether you're squeezing into a parking space, navigating busy streets or tackling the school run, the LEAF's smaller footprint could make it a great companion.
Don't let its size fool you though.
There’s up to 437 litres of boot space with the seats up, so there’s plenty of room for shopping, suitcases and everything else everyday life throws at you.
Then there’s the range.
Choose the 52kWh battery and you can get up to 280 miles of WLTP range. Step up to the 75kWh version and that increases to an impressive 387 miles.
Yes, you read that correctly. Up to 387 miles.
Suddenly that weekend road trip is looking very tempting.
Meet ARIYA, Nissan’s Electric SUV
If the LEAF is all about making electric driving easy, ARIYA turns up the luxury.
This is Nissan's larger electric SUV with more space, a higher driving position and an interior designed to feel calm and comfortable.
It's the kind of cabin you'll be very happy to spend a few hours in.
ARIYA is available with different battery and drivetrain options. The 63kWh version offers up to 250 miles of WLTP range while the 87kWh version can offer up to 329 miles, depending on specification.
You also get that larger SUV presence on the road.
So, if your perfect car needs to handle family adventures, motorway miles and plenty of luggage while still feeling premium, ARIYA has a very strong argument.
City Streets or Open Roads?
This is where your lifestyle starts to make the decision for you.
Spend most of your time around town?
LEAF could be your winner.
At around 25cm shorter than ARIYA, it's easier to manoeuvre and should feel right at home on tighter streets and in busy car parks.
But if your weekends regularly involve loading up the car and heading out of town, you might appreciate ARIYA's larger SUV dimensions and roomier cabin.
Neither is limited to one type of journey though.
The 75kWh LEAF's range means it's more than capable of taking on longer trips while ARIYA is perfectly happy navigating the daily commute.
It's less about what they can do and more about what you want your car to do most often.
Let’s Talk Charging
Nobody wants their coffee to go cold while waiting for their EV to charge.
Thankfully, both cars are designed with convenient charging in mind.
The all-new LEAF can support DC rapid charging at up to 150kW in 75kWh form, with Nissan quoting a 10% to 80% rapid charge in around 35 minutes under suitable conditions.
ARIYA supports rapid charging at up to 130kW, with Nissan quoting around 35 minutes to go from 20% to 80% for the 63kWh model.
Plug in, grab a coffee, stretch your legs and you'll be ready to get moving again.
Of course, much of your charging could happen while the car is sitting at home. Plug it in overnight and your Nissan can be ready to go when you are.
Want More Range? LEAF Has a Surprise for You
You might assume the bigger SUV automatically goes further.
Plot twist.
The 75kWh all-new LEAF offers up to 387 miles of WLTP range, giving it the longest official range of these two Nissan EVs.
That makes LEAF particularly interesting if efficiency and fewer charging stops are high on your wish list.
ARIYA takes a slightly different approach.
Its strength lies in combining strong electric range with more space, SUV proportions and a premium cabin designed with comfort in mind.
So the question isn't simply, "Which goes furthest?"
What matters most when you’re getting there?
Team LEAF or Team ARIYA?
Still undecided? Here's the easy version.
Choose the all-new Nissan LEAF if you want something compact, practical and easy to drive with impressive electric range. It's particularly appealing if you regularly drive around town but still want the freedom to head further afield when adventure calls.
There's another reason to feel good about choosing LEAF too. The all-new model is built right here in Britain at Nissan's Sunderland plant.
Choose the Nissan ARIYA if you want more of that premium SUV experience. You'll get a roomier cabin, a higher driving position and a more luxurious feel that makes longer journeys something to look forward to.
One is the clever electric crossover.
The other is the sophisticated electric SUV.
The good news?
You can't really make a bad choice.
There’s Only One Way to Settle It
Specs can tell you a lot about a car but they can't tell you which one feels right when you're sitting behind the wheel.
That's where we come in.
At Ancaster Nissan, our team can help you explore Nissan's electric range, understand the differences between the models and find the EV that suits the way you actually drive.
So, are you Team LEAF or Team ARIYA?
There’s only one way to find out.
