Nissan ARIYA vs Tesla Model 3
Two electric cars 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 Tesla Model 3 opens at $54,900. That makes the Tesla Model 3 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 Tesla Model 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA and 96% for the Tesla Model 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model 3 packs more ADAS features with 8 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 8 in the Tesla Model 3. The Nissan ARIYA adds a 360-degree camera that the Tesla Model 3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan ARIYA features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 15.4-inch display.
The Nissan ARIYA stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 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 Tesla Model 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 208kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 has the clear power advantage at 208kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model 3). DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (Nissan ARIYA) vs 170kW (Tesla Model 3).
Space & Comfort
The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 125mm shorter than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm (2,875mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 682L in the Tesla Model 3, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 216L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan ARIYA leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg 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 11.6m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 / 80,000km (Tesla Model 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 takes 6 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model 3 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 Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan ARIYA by $90.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model 3 has the most range at 520km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Tesla Model 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 170kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan ARIYA and Tesla Model 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model 3 has the largest boot at 682L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan ARIYA has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model 3 makes the most power at 208kW. The Tesla Model 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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