The 2-Year-Old Japanese EV That You Should Buy Used

Buy any brand-new car, electric vehicles (EVs) included, and you will be dealt with a hefty upfront premium. Used car buyers can avoid the big initial sum, and don’t have to opt for a model that is 10 years old. Choosing a two-year-old car over a new car can save you an average of around 27-percent, says Consumer Reports. What’s more, EV prices typically decline far more dramatically than their ICE counterparts. This is primarily due to battery and range depreciation, although it should not be a serious consideration when purchasing a two-year-old EV unless the accrued mileage is already high.

The main factors to take into account are reliability and durability. Japanese car brands are historically strong in both fields, though this generalization becomes more complex when considering EVs. With this in mind, which two-year-old used vehicle is the best to buy?

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book.

The Used Two-Year-Old Japanese EV That You Should Buy Is The 2023 Nissan Ariya

To identify the best two-year-old Japanese EV, our focus turned to ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. The 2023 Nissan Ariya scores well across all metrics and clearly stands above the competition, though a few other models came close. But if you are in the market for the most reliable and highly rated two-year-old EV, the Ariya is your best bet.

Scoring an average of 74 out of 100 for quality and reliability on J.D. Power, the 2023 Ariya beats the Nissan Leaf, the Toyota bZ4X, and the Subaru Solterra, with the latter coming closest and receiving an average score of 67 out of 100. The 2023 Ariya also scores highly on driving experience with 88, dealership experience with 83, and resale value with 74. This gives it an overall rating of 79 out of 100.

Owners mentioned that they like the sound of the engine, the quietness of the cabin, and the sound the doors make when you close them. Of all the features to highlight, the sound of doors closing is rather peculiar. The dislikes include the lack of storage for your personal items and the voice assistance feature. But if we are completely honest, there isn’t a single voice assistance system on the market today that works seamlessly.

2023 Nissan Ariya Performance Specifications

Up To 304 Miles Of Range

The standard Engage variant is equipped with a 238-horsepower electric motor, while the highest spec and most powerful Ariya has a 389-horsepower dual-motor system. A little slow off the mark, the Engage will go from a standstill to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the Platinum+ e-4ORCE variant will do it in around five seconds.

The range is similar to other electric SUVs on the market today. With the basic Engage drivetrain layout that includes a 63 kWh battery, the Ariya will last for around 216 miles of driving. This is boosted with the inclusion of the 87 kWh battery by up to 304 miles, which is almost identical to the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq. It is plenty of juice to get you to work, or out for a trip on the weekend.

The Cost Of A 2023 Nissan Ariya

The 2023 Nissan Ariya will cost between $18,550 and $26,125 according to Consumer Reports, depending on the condition. This is a noteworthy saving over a 2024 Nissan Ariya, which will set you back anywhere between $21,025 and $29,875. But the biggest saving comes when comparing the 2023 model with a brand new Ariya, the starting price of which is $39,590. And that is before all the added trimmings like the larger battery, increased torque, and all the additional features that can be included.

A Choice Of Five Trims

There are five trims to choose from when buying a Nissan Ariya. The standard spec model is called Engage, and while it is the cheapest by some margin, it is well-equipped with an amalgamation of features. Nissan has not scrimped, and includes advanced systems like its ProPILOT Assist advanced driver assistance system. However, the newer 2.0 system is only available on the higher trims.

As well as choosing between five trims, you can also choose to add Nissan’s electric all-wheel drive system which is called e-4ORCE. This fully loaded option will set you back even more, and adds even more weight to the idea of buying a two-year-old model.

2023 Nissan Ariya Trims and Prices

What You Get In A Two-Year-Old Ariya

The Nissan Ariya was first released in 2023, so purchasing a two-year-old model means you are getting the original model without any updates or revisions, of which there have been few. So, rest assured, the carmaker got most things right the first time around.

Timeless Japanese Design

As well as being the first Ariya, the 2023 model also marked the start of a new design philosophy for Nissan, and it has clearly made its mark on the design of the SUV. Dubbed ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’, the philosophy is characterized by three concepts: sleek, sexy, and seamless. It also includes the conscious implementation of the Japanese term ‘iki’, which is roughly defined as looking good while maintaining an understated and nonchalant air.

The Ariya also has a distinctive face with a shield that uses a traditional Japanese 3D pattern and thin LED headlamps that are made up of four 20-millimeter mini-projectors. This gives the model a coupe-like feel, but the chunky rear and flared wheel arches suggest otherwise, giving the Ariya a strong stature. It gives the electric SUV a unique appearance, placing it somewhere between sleek and functional.

A Strong Foundation

Described as a ‘magic flying carpet’, Nissan worked with Renault to jointly develop the CMF-EV platform which is used for the Ariya. The layout of the platform allows for more space inside the cabin as well as providing benefits to the driving experience. For example, in the absence of a traditional combustion engine, the climate control system is positioned under the hood, making it possible to optimize the front and rear seating positions for more legroom. The platform also enables different drivetrain combinations, from the simple single-motor configuration to the dual-motor e-4ORCE option.

What It’s Like To Live With The Ariya

If you have gone ahead with your purchase of a 2023 Nissan Ariya, you will quickly become familiar with its standout features. With conservative performance figures, there is not much here to raise your blood pressure, but the electric SUV does have some defining qualities that make it the best option when purchasing a two-year-old Japanese EV.

Minimal And Spacious Interior

Being an SUV, the need for space is extremely important. And while owners have voiced disappointment when it comes to personal storage solutions, the Ariya is undeniably roomy with 42.3 inches and 37 inches of legroom in the front and rear respectively. It also boasts a cargo capacity of 22.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and a total passenger compartment volume of 101.2 cubic feet.

Nissan Ariya EV Interior Dimensions

In comparison, the 2023 Subaru Solterra has 42.1 inches of legroom in the front and 35.3 inches in the rear, a cargo capacity of 23.8 cubic feet, and a total passenger compartment volume of 95.7 cubic feet. So, the Ariya is clearly the better option if you want room for the family, suitcases, and the dogs.

Tech Galore

Nissan’s tech game has greatly improved over recent years. The carmaker has pushed forward with its driver assistance systems, but has also made marked progress with infotainment and UX features.

As well as the ProPILOT system, the Ariya comes with the company’s latest human-machine interface (HMI) with a hybrid voice recognition system that uses natural language understanding technology. This has been specifically designed to help drivers with tasks without causing a distraction.

The Ariya also comes with Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included as standard. Furthermore, the latest SiriusXM entertainment platform is embedded into the system, which adds personalization to the driving experience by offering thousands of on-demand content.