MINI Aceman vs Nissan ARIYA
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The MINI Aceman starts from $60,990 before on-road costs, while the Nissan ARIYA opens at $54,990. That makes the Nissan ARIYA the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $67,089 and $60,489 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the MINI Aceman and Nissan ARIYA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the MINI Aceman and 86% for the Nissan ARIYA.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the MINI Aceman and 7 in the Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA adds a 360-degree camera that the MINI Aceman misses.
Feature Showdown
The MINI Aceman features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan ARIYA gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MINI Aceman stands out with panoramic roof, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA counters with head-up display, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MINI Aceman uses a Electric producing 160kW and 330Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.1 seconds.
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 7.5 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the MINI Aceman is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 54.2kWh (MINI Aceman) vs 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA), giving WLTP ranges of 352km and 385km. DC fast charging peaks at 95kW (MINI Aceman) vs 130kW (Nissan ARIYA).
Space & Comfort
The MINI Aceman measures 4,073mm long on a 2,606mm wheelbase, 522mm 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 300L in the MINI Aceman and 466L in the Nissan ARIYA, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 166L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Aceman) vs 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan ARIYA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MINI Aceman if: You or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan ARIYA takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Nissan ARIYA has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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