Hyundai Inster vs Nissan ARIYA

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Hyundai Inster at 4 stars (2025) and the Nissan ARIYA at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 86% for the Nissan ARIYA, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan ARIYA, against 5 on the Hyundai Inster.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Nissan ARIYA gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Inster gets cloth upholstery while the Nissan ARIYA offers nappa leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Inster and 2-zone in the Nissan ARIYA.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.

The Nissan ARIYA responds with a Electric making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.

The Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 42kWh (Hyundai Inster) vs 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA), giving WLTP ranges of 327km and 385km. DC fast charging peaks at 120kW (Hyundai Inster) vs 130kW (Nissan ARIYA).

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 770mm shorter than the Nissan ARIYA at 4,595mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 466L in the Nissan ARIYA, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 186L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Inster's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.5 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Inster costs about $672 a year (14 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Nissan ARIYA about $888 a year (18.5 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $216 a year less for the Hyundai Inster.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Inster) and 5 years / Unlimited (Nissan ARIYA). Capped-price servicing: no data (Hyundai Inster), 5 years (Nissan ARIYA).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Inster: the lower starting price ($37,500 against $55,840) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($672 a year against $888).

The Nissan ARIYA: more power (160kW against 71.1kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (466L against 280L).

The Verdict

Hyundai Inster scores higher, 75 vs 73

The Hyundai Inster scores 75 to the Nissan ARIYA's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 9 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: energy efficiency (Hyundai Inster ahead by 30 points), performance (Nissan ARIYA ahead by 16 points), safety (Nissan ARIYA ahead by 14 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Inster costs about $216 less (14 kWh/100km against 18.5 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 280L in the Hyundai Inster, 466L in the Nissan ARIYA.

Common questions