Nissan ARIYA vs Mercedes-Benz EQA
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 Mercedes-Benz EQA opens at $79,900. That makes the Nissan ARIYA the more affordable entry point by $24,910.
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 $87,890 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 Mercedes-Benz EQA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA and 97% for the Mercedes-Benz EQA.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan ARIYA packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz EQA.
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 Mercedes-Benz EQA. The Nissan ARIYA adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz EQA misses.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan ARIYA features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz EQA gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan ARIYA stands out with head-up display and heated front seats that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQA. The Mercedes-Benz EQA 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 Mercedes-Benz EQA responds with a Electric making 140kW and 375Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan ARIYA is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA) vs 66.5kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQA), giving WLTP ranges of 385km and 480km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (Nissan ARIYA) vs 100kW (Mercedes-Benz EQA).
Space & Comfort
The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 132mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz EQA at 4,463mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 340L in the Mercedes-Benz EQA, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 126L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQA leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg 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 11.0m
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 (Nissan ARIYA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQA if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan ARIYA takes 6 of 9 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 Mercedes-Benz EQA?
The Nissan ARIYA is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQA by $24,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA has the most range at 426km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Nissan ARIYA accepts the highest DC charging at up to 130kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan ARIYA and Mercedes-Benz EQA 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 Mercedes-Benz EQA has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan ARIYA makes the most power at 160kW. The Nissan ARIYA is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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