Used Nissan Ariya Prices Are Plummeting, Creating a Surprising EV Bargain

The Rise and Fall of the Ariya

The Nissan Ariya was supposed to mark a new era for Nissan’s EV lineup. As the brand’s first modern electric crossover after the aging Leaf, it came with sleek styling, a futuristic cabin, and two available battery sizes. On paper, it should have been a hit.

But the Ariya faced several challenges. With a starting price above $41,000 and no eligibility for federal EV tax credits due to being imported from Japan, it was already at a disadvantage. Rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E offered better range, faster charging, and lower effective prices. As a result, Ariya sales were underwhelming, and Nissan has now confirmed that the model will be discontinued in the U.S. for 2026, partly due to tariffs.

What You Get with a New Ariya

A 2025 Nissan Ariya starts at $41,265. That buys the base model with 19-inch wheels, a 214-horsepower front motor, and a 63-kWh battery rated for 216 miles of EPA range.

Higher trims upgrade to the 87-kWh pack, stretching range up to 289 miles, while top-spec dual-motor models add all-wheel drive and more performance. The cabin is a highlight, with spacious seating, premium finishes, and modern tech features.

Good numbers, yes—but still not competitive enough to stand out in today’s crowded EV market.

Used Ariyas: A Bargain Hiding in Plain Sight

Here’s where things get interesting. A recent scan on Cars.com revealed around 160 used Nissan Ariyas, most with clean titles and under 10,000 miles.

The cheapest example? A base-spec Ariya in Ohio, listed at $18,500 after applying the $4,000 used EV tax credit. Even without the credit, the price was $22,500—almost half the cost of a new one.

Cars.com’s price history tool shows that this model alone has had four price drops since being listed in late June, sliding from nearly $21,000 to today’s bargain level. And this isn’t an isolated case—dozens of Ariyas have been repeatedly discounted within weeks.

Discounts on Higher Trims

The depreciation isn’t limited to base models. Some Platinum+ Ariyas, which carried sticker prices of over $55,000 new, are now listed at under $34,000.

That means buyers can get:

• Dual-motor all-wheel drive

• The larger 87-kWh battery

• 267 miles of EPA range

• Premium upgrades like Bose audio, leather-trimmed climate-controlled seats, and panoramic glass roof

…all for $20,000 less than new.

Why the Ariya Depreciated So Fast

It’s no secret that EVs depreciate quickly, especially compared to gas-powered cars. Models like the Porsche Taycan and Mercedes-Benz EQS have seen steep resale drops. But those are luxury flagships—buyers expect fast depreciation.

For a mainstream Nissan crossover to lose so much value so quickly is unusual. The likely culprit is mispricing: the Ariya launched at a higher price than competitors without offering class-leading specs. When sales slowed, dealers began discounting aggressively, which pushed resale values down even faster.

Should You Buy a Used Ariya?

If you’re shopping for an affordable EV, the Ariya might be one of the best bargains on the market right now. Low-mileage examples are plentiful, warranties are still active, and interior comfort is a strong point.

The trade-off? You don’t get the fastest charging speeds or longest ranges, and Nissan’s uncertain EV strategy means future support may be limited. Still, for under $25,000, it’s a compelling option—especially if you want a near-new EV without paying new-car prices.

Bottom Line

The Nissan Ariya may have failed to make its mark as a new car, but its used market story is very different. With prices dropping at record speed, it has quickly become one of the most surprising EV bargains of 2025.

Recommend Reading: Top 10 Fastest Depreciating EVs in 2025 — Best Time to Buy Used?