The electric crossover market has all the heat at the moment with great cars that have great tech at competitive pricing. With the deliveries of the Tesla Model Y beginning late last year, customers have shown great satisfaction with the electric crossover SUV. On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Ariya is going to be one of the most important cars for Nissan moving forward, since it is replacing the highly successful Leaf lineup. Nissan has prioritized luxury and comfort over high performance while offering enough grunts for the occasional adrenaline rush for its future in the EV crossover market.

Nissan had dominated the EV market for much of the initial years of its Leaf EV, which only found a competitor years later with the introduction of the Tesla Model S, which cost twice as much. It has taken over a decade for Nissan to introduce the Ariya, and it looks to pose a serious challenge to other EV crossovers in this price range. On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y is a successor to the Model 3 and doesn't have many changes in design by sticking to the Tesla aesthetic we've come to expect.

2023 Nissan Ariya Vs Tesla Model Y: Performance

Tesla Model Y rear third quarter view
Via: Tesla.com

The Tesla Model Y does not have an option for a standard range model and only comes with a Performance and a Long-Range trim, which are much more appealing than the standard range anyway. Both trims get the advantage of dual motors with all-wheel drive and superior traction control. While the Long-Range model gets a powerful motor for the rear axle and a less powerful one on the front, producing a combined output of 434HP, the performance trim increases this to 483HP. The Long Range Trim has decent acceleration with a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 135MPH. The Performance trim has a superb 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 155MPH.

2023 Nissan Ariya front third quarter view
Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Ariya has given a lot of customization options for its customers, with options for single motor and dual motor variants and standard range and extended range trims. While North America will only receive the 91kWh battery option, European models will have the 66kWh battery option as standard and the 91kWh option as an extended range. The base model has a rated output of 235HP, while the top-of-the-line e4orce all-wheel-drive model produces 389HP. The 2023 Nissan Ariya offers up to 300 miles of range in its Venture model, and the base 66kWh single motor option comes with 225 miles of range. The 66kWh version has a 0-60 time of 7.2, way behind its Tesla rival, whereas the e4orce dual-motor AWD variant can do 0-60 in about 4.8 seconds.

Related: Nissan Unveils 2021 Ariya Crossover And New EV Logo

2023 Nissan Ariya Vs Tesla Model Y: Design

2022 Tesla Model Y front third quarter hd car wallpaper
Via: Tesla.com

The Tesla Model Y is based on the Model 3, thus focusing on offering a minimalist design with high functionality. The Model Y provides high versatility in its seating, with a capacity of seven people. All the seats in the second row can fold flat independently, thus allowing riders flexible storage. Many feel confused about what the Model Y is in terms of exterior design. Unlike the Model 3, Model Y is a hatchback SUV bigger than its predecessor. Its bigger dimensions are utilized well with the third row of seats, which, like other third-row seats in crossover SUVs, is not made for comfort.

Like other Tesla cars, the Model Y also features a minimalist interior. The 15.4-inch touchscreen is the single most striking feature in its interior, and the only physical controls are the steering controls and the electric door opening and closing buttons. Tesla Autopilot is also available with the Model Y. However, most functions are available with optional additions.

2023 Nissan Ariya

The 2023 Nissan Ariya shows the transition from current-era Nissan cars to a more futuristic design. The 2023 Nissan Ariya is based on the CMF-EV platform developed by Mitsubishi and Nissan. The whole car looks like a concept car design comes to life with its premium and distinctive looks than any other car in the segment. A 3D Japanese Kumiko pattern marks the front end of the Ariya along with Nissan's new logo, which gets illuminated. Its interior is centered around the 12.3-inch touchscreen and a lack of physical buttons around the inside.

Related: Why The Tesla Model Y Is The Best Crossover On The Market

2023 Nissan Ariya Vs 2022 Tesla Model Y: Verdict

Tesla Model Y rear third quarter view
Via: Tesla.com

The Tesla Model Y results from an effort from Tesla to enter the crossover SUV segment, and feels a bit off from the high standards we have come to expect from the EV giant. On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Ariya is crucial for Nissan's success in the future and shows all the work put in by the Japanese manufacturer to make this a benchmark for other crossover SUVs in the price segment. Focusing on comfort and luxury, Nissan has done a pretty good job ensuring a comfortable ride with the Ariya.

2023 Nissan Ariya
Via Nissan

As with other Tesla cars, the Model Y also features superb acceleration and performance specifications that far outshine the Ariya. However, the 2023 Nissan Ariya offers more than decent performance with its 389HP option and its long-range variant featuring a range of 310 miles. Thus, the 2023 Nissan Ariya has a broader user base than the Model Y because of its features, practicality, and pricing.