Nissan ARIYA vs smart #1
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 Nissan ARIYA starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $60,489 and $60,390 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 Nissan ARIYA and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Nissan ARIYA.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan ARIYA and 7 in the smart #1.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan ARIYA features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan ARIYA stands out with head-up display that you will not find on the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan ARIYA uses a Electric producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 385km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (Nissan ARIYA) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 325mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 203L in the smart #1, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 263L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 (Nissan ARIYA) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You need more boot space, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 7 of 8 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan ARIYA and smart #1?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan ARIYA by $90.
Which has the longest driving range?
The smart #1 has the most range at 420km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan ARIYA and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan ARIYA has the largest boot at 466L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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