Nissan announced it will halt sales of the Ariya, its mid-size electric crossover, for 2026. I’ve driven it several times and like its future-tech style very much, but it faced stiff competition, tariffs, and expiration of the federal tax incentive for EV buyers. It’s OK because you’ll probably want the gas-powered Murano crossover or more affordable Leaf EV anyway.
2025 Nissan Murano
Standing across the parking lot, the Murano could easily be mistaken for the outgoing Ariya with its arching roof and upturned upturned rear window line, but also touches from the electric age like thin LED headlamps, wide expanses of black plastic facias, and driving lights hidden into the strakes. A sharp body line traces from the headlights to muscular rear fenders for a modern athletic aesthetic. Chrome detailing adds pizazz around the windows. Silvery LEDs wrap over the hatch. It all hunkers over 21-inch black alloy wheels. Every detail looks “designed” rather than merely applied.
Ariya vibes continue inside where a swath of translucent aluminum-look sculpture spans the dash to the curved stitched vallance that sweeps from pillar to pillar behind twin 12.3-inch flatscreens. As in the Ariya, a simulated wood plank doubles as a touchscreen with climate controls seemingly embedded and lit from within. Push-button gear selection, wireless phone charging, and a flybridge console add convenience.
Beyond a techy feel, there’s luxury in the intricately stitched heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. The twin-spoke squircle steering wheel and fold-flat rear seats are heated too. Everybody rides under a panoramic moonroof while enjoying Bose audio. A wide head-up display puts speed, navigation and cruise control status straight ahead. Stay safe with automatic emergency braking, lane centering steering, blind spot warning, and rear cross path detection.
On-road, the powertrain is peppy and refined even without the inherent serenity of batteries and motors. It starts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 241 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ariya feels considerably faster, but that’s plenty for a mid-size crossover – especially one putting it down through a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. Fuel economy is rated 21/27-MPG city/highway, which is good, but there’s no available hybrid to make it better.
The big steamrollers at the corners can bam into potholes, but the suspension feels more Infiniti than Nissan. Like most mid-size crossovers without electronic air suspensions, the Murano can feel a little hollow over rough pavement, but there’s nothing untoward in its motions. Just avoid fast corners where it’s competent, but more likely to wallow its way through than carve a groove. It is a family car, after all.
We may be losing the Ariya, but given the dismal sales of some EVs past-incentives, the equally stylish gas-powered Murano should gain popularity. Base Muranos start at $40,470, but reached $51,415 fully lushed. Competitors include the Buick Envision, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-70, and Hyundai Santa Fe.
2026 Nissan Leaf
Beginning its third generation this fall, the compact Leaf EV will come with a base price of just $29,990, the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the U.S. That’s pretty incredible when you realize the starting price for the first-generation 2011 Leaf was $32,780…for a car with just 73 miles range. All that, and a much more stylish ride too.
In fact, the new LEAF can go up to 303 miles per charge and will be compliant with the North American Charging Standard (Tesla-style NACS plug). That allows access to more than 20,000 Tesla Superchargers for convenience away from home or work.
Sleek style channels the Ariya’s concept car sheetmetal with minimalist surfacing and flush motorized door handles. Squinty angled LED lamps, flowing creases in the body, and contrasting color roof connect it to other Nissan crossovers. The arching roof with optional dimming panoramic glass provides an airy cabin and the ability to switch between transparent and opaque instantly. Google built-in, Intelligent Route Planner navigation, 360-degree cameras, and invisible hood view are all on the menu.
The Leaf has become what it should have been all along: A stylish and functional crossover with long driving range that just happens to be electric. The 2026 Nissan Leaf arrives in dealers this fall.
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