A brand new electric crossover SUV, the 2023 Nissan Ariya has a few advantages over the Tesla Model Y. Since they are both electric crossovers, it makes sense to compare the two. What does the newbie do that’s so much better than the grizzled veteran?

The 2023 Nissan Ariya is far less expensive than the Tesla Model Y

Not that anyone would expect a Nissan to be more costly than a Tesla, but it’s a clear advantage. Since the Model Y isn’t running away with the electric crossover segment, is it worth all the extra cash? Customers can’t have the Tesla Model Y for less than $57,990. That’s $12,040 more than the Ariya’s starting price and only $960 less than the Ariya’s highest trim level.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya recently received its starting price tag of $45,950. Though that is a bit expensive for a Nissan crossover, there’s more than meets the eye. According to Motor1, Nissan previously stated that its EV would make less horsepower than the current base model. That’s telling of an unannounced trim level, most likely to be less expensive than the current Venture+ bottom offering.

The difference in driving range isn’t significant

One of the most important things when purchasing an electric vehicle is the driving range. A big problem for most potential buyers is the fear of running out of juice while out and about. Mainly because most EVs still take far too long to charge from a low percentage. The Nissan Ariya doesn’t have a spectacular driving range, but it is almost as good as a Tesla Model Y for the price.

The Tesla Model Y Long Range model has a driving range of 330 miles and costs $57,990. The base model 2023 Nissan Ariya Venture+ starts at $45,950 and has a driving range of 300 miles. In other words, for an extra $12,040, you’ll be able to drive only 30 additional miles per charge. Especially when most people charge their vehicle every night, those few extra miles aren’t worth the price.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya has more cargo space

The cargo space inside the Nissan Ariya gives owners 59.7 cubic feet to store their belongings. The Tesla Model Y has only 30.2 cubic feet, thanks to its extra row of seats. Although the Model Y can fit seven passengers to the Ariya’s five, did anyone ask for a three-row crossover? It turns out no, as plenty of reviewing outlets have the Model Y ranked far down on their lists of best electric SUVs and crossovers.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya is brand new to the market, so everything in it is also new. That makes it far more exciting than the Tesla Model Y, available since March 2020. The Ariya will not be delivered to customers until Fall 2022, so we’re a year away from seeing one out and about. We still don’t know everything about it yet, but we hope more exciting news comes soon.

Comparing two vehicles like this isn’t easy, and both have their distinct advantages. When buying an electric crossover, the price of the vehicle is of the utmost importance. Not only is the Ariya affordable, but it might also become even more so when the other trim levels are announced. For how much more expensive the Tesla Model Y is, it just doesn’t have enough significant advantages to beat the Ariya.