Renault Scenic E-Tech 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 Renault Scenic E-Tech starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the Nissan ARIYA opens at $54,990. That makes the Nissan ARIYA the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $61,589 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 Renault Scenic E-Tech and Nissan ARIYA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Renault Scenic E-Tech 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 7 in the Renault Scenic E-Tech and 7 in the Nissan ARIYA.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Scenic E-Tech features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Nissan ARIYA gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Renault Scenic E-Tech stands out with BOSE 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 Renault Scenic E-Tech uses a Electric producing 125kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 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.
The Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan ARIYA is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 60kWh (Renault Scenic E-Tech) vs 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA), giving WLTP ranges of 588km and 385km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Renault Scenic E-Tech) vs 130kW (Nissan ARIYA).
Space & Comfort
The Renault Scenic E-Tech measures 4,470mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 125mm shorter than the Nissan ARIYA at 4,595mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Scenic E-Tech generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 545L in the Renault Scenic E-Tech and 466L in the Nissan ARIYA, giving the Renault Scenic E-Tech a 79L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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 (Renault Scenic E-Tech) vs 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan ARIYA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Scenic E-Tech if: You need more boot space, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Renault Scenic E-Tech and Nissan ARIYA trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Renault Scenic E-Tech 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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