The Nissan Ariya Will Get a New Face at the Japan Mobility Show

Introduced in Canada in 2023, the Nissan Ariya will receive a subtle redesign and technology refresh for the 2026 or 2027 model years.

• The Nissan Ariya gets a few surface improvements

• The new front end aligns with the 2026 LEAF and Sentra

• It will integrate V2L technology

While Nissan is going through a serious financial storm, the automaker continues to renew and modernize its product lineup. Although the Ariya electric compact SUV isn’t very old, Nissan will present a lightly revised version of its first electric SUV at the Japan Mobility Show.

In Line with the LEAF

Based on the released images, most of the changes are found at the front. The large textured black plastic panel that defined the front end since its 2021 debut on the global stage is now gone. The new design follows the cleaner, sleeker approach seen on the latest-generation LEAF.

The result is a much smoother look, with a flush bumper and only a single opening at the bottom. As a result, the fog lights have been removed entirely. From the side, the only notable change is a more textured finish on the plastic inserts covering the wheels.

For now, we’ll have to wait for the show to see the rest of the vehicle. It’s likely that the rear design remains unchanged. Nissan also notes that new colours will be added to the lineup.

Updated Cabin and Technical Adjustments

Inside, the spirit remains the same, but the infotainment system now runs on Google built-in technology.

Among other key updates, the Ariya now features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing energy from the battery to be used externally when needed.

At this time, Nissan hasn’t announced any powertrain changes. However, the suspension has been recalibrated. That could be good news, as the current Ariya is known for being overly soft. Nissan says the revised suspension is now “tailored for Japanese roads.”

2026 or 2027?

Due to disappointing sales and ongoing tariffs, the Ariya will be dropped from the U.S. lineup for 2026. Currently, Nissan Canada’s website still lists the 2025 model. It remains unclear whether the version unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show will be for the 2026 or 2027 model year. One thing is certain: the Ariya remains a highly relevant model for the Canadian market.