Nissan quietly axes electric SUV after difficult campaign

The local arm of Japanese manufacturer Nissan has dropped its short-lived fully electric mid-size SUV, the Ariya.

Following a messy introduction to the New Zealand market and lagging sales, the Ariya has disappeared from the brand’s website. Whilst Nissan’s local arm has yet to issue a statement on the model, CarExpert NZ understands the Ariya has been axed from its line-up.

There are still new examples of the model available at dealerships around the country, with Nissan introducing run-out pricing. 

The 63kWh Engage and Advance have had their prices reduced from $54,990 and $62,990, to $45,990 and $49,990. The flagship 87kWh dual-motor Evolve, meanwhile, has had its price reduced from $79,990 to $59,990. 

Each of these prices had already been considerably reduced since the Ariya’s arrival on the market. The nameplate had an original price of $76,990–$109,900.

The Ariya’s introduction to New Zealand was fraught with issues. The model had already been heavily delayed, having initially been revealed in production form all the way back in 2020. 

First units arrived in New Zealand in late 2023. Then in July 2024, the brand confirmed that it was putting the model’s launch on ice due to the volatility of the local electric vehicle market. Local EV sales were reeling in early 2024, following the National Government’s decision to drop the Clean Car Discount scheme.

Just a few months later in November 2024, Nissan announced it was planning to launch the Ariya after all, and the model finally arrived at dealerships later that month. 

Despite its tumultuous and delayed entry to our market, the Ariya scored some acclaim locally. It recently featured as a New Zealand Car of the Year finalist — ultimately losing out to the Kia EV3.

This is the second fully electric model to disappear from local showrooms, following the departure of the previous generation Leaf. However, an all-new Leaf is set to hit the market in the second half of 2026.