Nissan Ariya facelift revealed with Leaf-inspired look

Despite being a just few months old in the Australian market, the Nissan Ariya mid-size electric SUV has received a facelift that’s been revealed ahead of its full debut at the Tokyo motor show at the end of this month.

Originally revealed in 2020 and scheduled for a 2021 global launch, the Ariya didn’t start trickling into showrooms around the world until 2022. The Australian launch was delayed from 2023 to this year due to a number of factors, including compliance with local design rules and limited supply.

While the updated Ariya is scheduled to arrive in Japanese showrooms before the end of March 2026, timing for Australia has yet to be confirmed. We do know, though, that the facelifted Ariya isn’t heading to the States, with Nissan USA preferring instead to focus on the smaller and cheaper new Leaf instead.

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The revised Ariya features a new front fascia that eliminates the current model’s large gloss black faux grille. In its place is a smaller gloss black strip linking the blacked-out main headlight clusters.

Also redesigned are the driving lights, which are now spear-like and drop down from the headlights’ outer edges. The new look is reminiscent of the third-generation Leaf, although the black surrounds for the Ariya’s driving lights don’t loop back around.

Along the side we can see new alloy wheel designs with polished ribs along each of the five fat spokes.

It’s unclear how drastic the changes will be at the rear, but given the wrap-around portion of the tail-light housing doesn’t look like it has changed, we’re not expecting the Ariya to adopt the Leaf’s Z-inspired lighting treatment.

The Ariya will reportedly receive a new infotainment system running on the Android Automotive operating system. It is also set to gain vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing it to power appliances.

Japanese models will also benefit from a new suspension setup with a more compliant ride. No official word on whether there will be any changes to the Ariya’s drivetrain or battery offerings.

Currently, local versions of the Ariya can be had in front-wheel drive form with a 160kW/300Nm motor and a 63kWh battery, or a 178kW/300Nm motor paired to a 87kWh battery.

Top-shelf models have a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup featuring a 160kW/300Nm motor at both axles hooked up to the 87kWh battery.

MORE: Explore the Nissan Ariya showroom