The Latest Nissan Ariya Launched in Japan with Design Changes and Modern Features

JAKARTA - Nissan officially launched the latest version of the Nissan Ariya for the Japanese market. Almost four years since its debut, this electric crossover has received a thorough overhaul, ranging from exterior design, technology updates, to re-tuning the suspension.

Interestingly, even though Ariya will leave North America, Nissan ensures that this model will still be maintained in the Japanese domestic market. As reported by Arena EV, Wednesday, December 24.

The 2026 model was originally introduced briefly at the Japan Mobility Show earlier this year. Now, Nissan is revealing its complete lineup for Japanese consumers, with a number of changes also projected to follow into other markets in the coming months.

The most noticeable change is visible on the front, Ariya's face now looks cleaner with a grille-less design, combined with a new bumper and LED lights with a sharper character. Meanwhile, the side and stern silhouettes are maintained without much touch, keeping the distinctive identity of Ariya intact.

The visual touch is strengthened by the presence of a new 20-inch alloy wheel model that combines aluminum and resin. Nissan also added an exclusive Hisuinohikari color option, combining the Plasma Green body with Midnight Black accents on the roof, pillars, and lower panels, giving a bolder contrast impression.

Entering the cabin, the layout is still familiar, but the technology sector has experienced a significant leap. The NissanConnect system now runs on Google's software architecture, presenting new features such as Navi-Link Battery Conditioning and Intelligent Distance Control.

Nissan's material team also offers a new soft green leather option with a light gray accent, creating a more elegant interior atmosphere. The practicality aspect is also improved, the latest Ariya is equipped with an AC external power connector that is now capable of supplying power up to 1,500 watts, even when the vehicle is locked, a feature that is relevant for emergency needs and outdoor activities.

From a technical standpoint, Nissan still maintains two battery options, namely 66 kWh (B6) and 91 kWh (B9), with the option of front-wheel drive single motor or dual-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive. The suspension is claimed to have been optimized specifically for the Japanese road character, with a focus on improving comfort and smoother driving quality.

Meanwhile, the Ariya Nismo variant is also back in this latest lineup. However, the performance version does not get visual updates like the standard model and still retains its aggressive body kit.

Updates on Nismo are more focused on Google-based infotainment systems, high-capacity external power connectors, and Intelligent Distance Control features. As for the price, the facelift Ariya in Japan is priced starting at 6,675,900 yen, or around Rp719 million for the B6 FWD variant.

Meanwhile, the highest variant of the B9 e-4ORCE reaches 8,072,900 yen, or equivalent to Rp869 million, this figure is up around 85,800 yen compared to the previous version. Nissan itself has not announced the official price for the latest version of the Ariya Nismo.