Nissan Ariya vs Kia EV6: Which one will you buy? The brand new Nissan Ariya will take its place among the most intriguing electric vehicles of the moment, and we will compare it with the one that won the Car of the Year award: the Kia EV6. Between the Korean and the Japanese, which one is for you?
One of the latest electric SUVs to hit the market, the Nissan Ariya, offers a beautiful package for many potential buyers. With its original interior, high level of onboard technology, and quality driving experience, many are tempted to make it their next vehicle.
However, there is plenty of competition in this segment, starting with one of the electric cars that recently caused a stir: the Kia EV6. So let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two references to try to answer the question: which one is the better electric car?
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE Nissan Ariya AND Kia EV6
| Launch | Nissan Ariya Launch | Kia EV6 Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, June | 2021 |
| Status | Coming soon. Expected release 2022 | Available. Released 2021, December |
| Base price | $ 45,950 £ 43,850 | € 48,990 £ 43,940 |
Nissan Ariya vs Kia EV6, DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND EXTERIOR DESIGN
Nissan wanted to make a strong impression with the design of its Ariya, with two words in mind: chic and refined. If its lines suggest that its aerodynamics has been very well worked out, its coefficient of penetration in the air of 0.29 (Cx) shows that it remains an SUV and that at high speed, its design can be a handicap.
With its 1,914 kilograms on the scale in the best case and more than 2.2 tons in the worst case, we are not in the presence of a light vehicle far from it. Its dimensions are classic for the segment, with 4.60 meters long, 1.85 meters wide (without mirrors), and 1.66 meters high.
As for the Kia EV6, its dimensions are between a crossover, a sedan, and an SUV, with a length of 4.68 meters, a width of 1.88 meters, and a height of 1.55 meters. The design of the EV6 plays with the different codes of the market segments and gives it a concept car look that is not to be disliked.
Even though it’s a bit longer and broader, the Kia EV6 is overall lighter than the Nissan Ariya (after all, it’s the batteries that weigh a lot), with between 1,920 and 2,170 kilograms on the scales depending on the version.
Although it is subjective, the point in favor of the design is to be given to the Ariya, which offers colors out of the ordinary and a front view that gives the impression that the vehicle is constantly in motion while trying to keep a proportion pleasant to the eye.
| Body | Nissan Ariya Body | Kia EV6 Body |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 5 door SUV, 5 seats | 5 door crossover, 5 seats |
| Dimensions | 180.9 x 72.8 x 65.4 in (4595 x 1850 x 1660 mm) | 184.3 x 70.9 x 61.0 in (4680 x 1800 x 1550 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in (2775 mm) | 114.2 in (2900 mm) |
| Clearance | 7.3 in (185 mm) | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
| Weight | EU: 3968 lb unladen, 5071 lb gross | EU: 4211 lb unladen, 5346 lb gross |
| Suspension | Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link | Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link |
| Wheels | R19, R20 | R19, R20, R21 |
| Trunk | EU: 16.5 ft³ | EU: 17.0 ft³, 44.5 ft³ max |
| Frunk | No | 1.8 ft³ |
| Towing | EU: 1653 lb unbraked, 3307 lb braked | EU: 1653 lb unbraked, 3527 lb braked |
INSIDE Nissan Ariya AND Kia EV6
When you open the door of the Nissan Ariya, a rather unusual interior is revealed. Indeed, the Japanese manufacturer wanted to offer something innovative to maximize the available space. The result is a bit mixed, especially in the first row where we look for possible places to put some personal belongings.
Indeed, there are usually small storage compartments in the center console, but here there is no separation between the driver and the passenger. As a result, it’s impossible to put a bag or a few things on the floor without them all being moved around the cabin.
The dashboard looks pretty good, with the integration of buttons to control the ventilation, for example. Finally, the highlight of the interior: the center console where the armrest is located can be moved back and forth about 15 centimeters using electronic controls.
The space for the rear passengers of the Ariya is rather generous, and the 468-liter rear trunk allows you to go on a road trip with your family for several weeks without too much trouble, even if it means using the double bottom, which will enable you to gain a little space.
At Kia, the available space in the rear trunk is a bit more generous – after all, it’s a longer vehicle – with 490 Liters, and a small front box of 20 to 52 Liters allows to fit an extra bag.
With a long wheelbase, the Kia EV6 offers generous legroom in the back, which takes full advantage of the flat floor and reclining seats to keep taller people comfortable in all situations.
The sleek design of the dashboard is not to our displeasure, with a floating center console that offers more storage than the Ariya and provides a “Relax” function that allows you to stretch out the seats to rest during a short break.
For its more generous onboard space and the few extra storage compartments, the Kia EV6 beats the Nissan Ariya in terms of livability.
| Comfort | Nissan Ariya Comfort | Kia EV6 Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | Heated and ventialed front seats, heated rear seats | Heated and cooled front seats, heated outer rear seats |
| Roof | Panoramic glass sunroof, tilt & slide | Panoramic glass roof, tilt & slide |
| Parking aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera, ProPilot autonomous parking | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera |
| Connectivity | Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
Nissan Ariya vs Kia EV6: ONBOARD TECHNOLOGIES
As the flagship electric vehicle of 2022 for the Japanese brand, the Nissan Ariya has to embark on all the technologies in vogue at the moment. In addition to the classic Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired only), the ProPILOT driver assistance suite combines adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping, a 360-degree view, and a screen as a rearview mirror on some trims.
The Ariya has two screens in the classic layout: one in the center of the dashboard, the other behind the steering wheel. A head-up display complements these two screens, allowing the driver to see relevant information in all circumstances.
The same is true of the Kia EV6, which is appropriately equipped with in-car technology. The two screens on the dashboard are arranged the same way as on the Ariya, and a head-up display is available on the top-of-the-line versions.
A minor point not present on the Ariya but found on the EV6: an augmented reality display of the vehicle, convenient for parking maneuvers in complete peace of mind. It’s also worth noting that the side camera can be displayed when a turn signal is pressed, which is helpful for visual confirmation that the lane is clear when overtaking.
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a suite of level 2 driving assistants are, of course, available. We can see that overall, Kia, like Nissan, wanted to do everything possible to offer a very comprehensive package that would appeal to technophiles. It’s a tie regarding onboard technology for the two vehicles of the day.
| Displays | Nissan Ariya Displays | Kia EV6 Displays |
|---|---|---|
| Center | 12.3″ touchscreeen | 12.3″ touchscreeen |
| Driver’s | 12.3″ | 12.3″ |
| Head-up | Yes, with augmented reality | Yes, with augmented reality |
Nissan Ariya vs Kia EV6 ON THE ROAD
The entry-level engine of the Nissan Ariya, which we tested recently, is no warrior, with its 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. However, the comfort on board is relatively pleasant, while its agility is surprising considering its size.
While regenerative braking is managed up to about 15 km/h, the e-Pedal Step – which replaces the well-known e-Pedal system on the Nissan Leaf – no longer allows you to come to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal. This is a big negative point in an urban environment, especially when you’re used to vehicles that allow you to stop without using the left pedal.
The fuel consumption of the Nissan Ariya in its lightest version (over 1.9 tons) is quite good at low speeds (less than 17 kWh/100 kilometers), but you should temper your expectations at high rates, where it will undoubtedly soar.
As for the Kia EV6, if we put aside the GT version with its breathtaking performance, the eternal battle between comfort and dynamism is won by ease too. The nearly two tons of the base version with its 170-horsepower engine don’t allow it to take off quickly, as it takes 8.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
The driving experience is excellent, with steering wheel-mounted paddles that allow you to adjust the regenerative braking to suit all driver profiles. Finally, the i-Pedal mode will enable you to come to a complete stop when activated in all circumstances, giving the EV6 the edge over the Ariya in terms of road handling.
| Performance | Nissan Ariya Performance | Kia EV6 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Power | FWD 218 hp (160 kW) | RWD 228 hp (168 kW) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) |
| Acceleration | 7.5 sec 0-62 mph | 7.3 sec 0-62 mph |
| Max speed | 99 mph (160 km/h) | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
THE DIFFERENT ENGINES OFFERED
The Nissan Ariya is offered in three different powertrains, with two battery sizes:
- Traction with 63 kWh battery: 218 horsepower front engine, 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, top speed 160 km/h ;
- Traction with 87 kWh battery: 242 horsepower front engine, 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, top speed 160 km/h ;
- All-wheel drive with 87 kWh battery: 306 horsepower front and rear engine, 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, top speed 200 km/h.
The Kia EV6 comes in four different engine options :
EV6 two-wheel drive: 58 kWh battery, the rear engine only (170 hp), 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of 185 km/h ;
EV6 two-wheel drive: 77.4 kWh battery, the rear engine only (229 hp), 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and a top speed of 185 km/h ;
EV6 four-wheel drive: 77.4 kWh battery, front and rear engine (325 hp), 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and a top speed of 188 km/h ;
EV6 GT: 77.4 kWh battery, front and rear engine (585 hp), 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 260 km/h.
Nissan Ariya vs Kia EV6, RANGE, BATTERY, AND CHARGING
Between 398 and 533 kilometers of WLTP range are available on the Nissan Ariya, depending on the battery size (63 or 87 kWh) chosen. The version with the most extended range is the one with a single front engine and an 87 kWh battery, while the four-wheel drive version uses more electricity.
The Nissan Ariya’s charging curve is quite impressive, not for its maximum peak power, which peaks at 130 kW, but for its ability to sustain that power long enough. The result is that a 20-80% charge is completed in less than 30 minutes, which is about average for the segment.
A good point for Ariya is the availability of an onboard 22 kW AC charger, which allows the battery to be fully charged in three to four hours at a compatible charging station. The same exercise takes between 25 and 40 hours on a domestic outlet.
With its 800-volt battery architecture, the Kia EV6 is the champion of fast charging: it is difficult to compete with it. For example, it takes less than 18 minutes for the EV6 to go from 10 to 80 percent battery under ideal conditions on an Ionity charger.
At home or at an AC charging station, the onboard 11 kW charger ensures that the battery is filled in less than eight hours. On a domestic outlet, it takes around 30 to 40 hours, depending on the storm’s size.
The version with the EV6’s small 58 kWh battery has a WLTP range of 394 kilometers. The most enduring understandings offer up to 528 kilometers, equivalent to Nissan’s proposal but more efficient.
Naturally, thanks to its ultra-fast charging and close range, the Kia EV6 wins this head-to-head competition over the Nissan Ariya.
| Battery | Nissan Ariya Battery | Kia EV6 Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 63 kWh usable, 65 kWh total | 77.4 kWh usable, 82.5 kWh total |
| Tech | Liquid-cooled Li-ion | Liquid-cooled Lithium-ion Polymer 697V |
| Range | 224 mi WLTP | 310 mi EPA (328 mi WLTP, 373 mi NEDC) |
| Consumption | 3.4 mi/kWh EPA (3.8 mi/kWh WLTP) | |
| Recuperation | Yes | Yes, with steering wheel paddles |
| Heat pump | Yes | Yes |
| AC Charging | Type 2 7.4 kW | Type 2 11 kW, 0-100% in 7 hours 49 min |
| DC Charging | CCS 130 kW max, 10-80% in 30 min | CCS 350 kW max, 10-80% in 18 min |
| Vehicle to load (V2L), Vehicle to vehicle (V2L) 230V electrical outlet (3.5 KW max) beneath the rear seats |
Nissan Ariya vs Kia EV6 PRICE
Starting at $47,300 excluding environmental bonus, the Nissan Ariya 63 kWh is not for everyone. Versions equipped with the large 87 kWh battery start at $54,400 and go up to $61,900, not including any options.
On the other hand, the Kia EV6 starts at $47,990 for the 58 kWh version, and the 77 kWh versions start at $55,990. The GT version, which is performance-oriented and sporty, costs at least $66,990.
It is noticeable that a few hundred euros separate the two vehicles with a similar configuration, which has probably not been chosen randomly by Nissan: the Kia EV6 is indeed a significant competitor for the Ariya.
NISSAN ARIYA AND KIA EV6 SAFETY
| Safety | Nissan Ariya Safety | Kia EV6 Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | Side airbags, front and rear, including head airbag system | Side airbags, front and rear, including head airbag system |
| Driving aids | 5 radars, 7 cameras, 12 sensors. Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Automatic front emergency braking with pedestrian & cyclist recognition and junction assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor, High Beam Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, Traffic Jam Pilot, Traffic Sign Recognition | Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN, THE NISSAN ARIYA AND THE KIA EV6?
At the moment of the assessment, it isn’t easy to place the Nissan Ariya as the better of the two vehicles in this comparison. Indeed, apart from the design, which may be more attractive, everything else favors the Kia EV6.
The charging power is not comparable, the driving pleasure is better thanks to the one-pedal driving, and the habitability is above for the EV6. The pricing of the two vehicles is so identical that the Ariya has a hard time beating the EV6 on paper, even looking at price alone.
If you’re in doubt, that will leave a test drive of both vehicles so that it can take the cake with its out-of-this-world interior design. Still, as it stands, the Kia EV6 Car of the Year 2022 wins over the Nissan Ariya.