Nissan gives the Ariya a makeover - Japan is getting it first

Nissan published the first official images of a refreshed Nissan Ariya electric crossover, but there's a catch: this updated model is, for now, a Japan-exclusive. The updated version will debut at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, sporting a fresh look and new technology.

Nissan's designers have given the Ariya a cleaner, more streamlined face. The old grille design is gone, replaced by a smooth, grille-less front end that gives the EV a sleeker look. New LED headlights, which seem to take a cue from the new Nissan Leaf, flank the updated nose.

The front bumper was also redesigned for a simpler aesthetic, removing the previous side intakes and toning down the lower intake for a more mature appearance. Even the fog lights have been removed in the name of a cleaner design. The side profile is unchanged, but newly designed five-spoke alloy wheels with a new texture and a fresh exterior color option round out the visual updates.

Inside the cabin, the Ariya is about to get a technological boost. The old infotainment system is out, and a new Google-powered system is in, promising a more user-friendly experience, with familiar Android apps and features integrated directly into the dashboard.

Another practical upgrade is the addition of Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. This technology allows the car's battery to be used as a mobile power source, capable of running everything from a laptop to small appliances - a handy feature for camping trips or during a power outage.

The refreshed Ariya features a revised suspension setup specifically tuned for Japanese roads. While the company did not provide extensive details, this change is intended to deliver a more comfortable and controlled ride quality suited to the local driving environment.

Nissan has not announced any changes to the electric powertrain options or the battery packs. This means buyers in Japan will likely get the same performance and range figures as the previous version of the popular EV.

The Japanese debut raises some questions for customers in the United States. Ariya first appeared in 2020 but didn't go into production until 2022, and was supposed to be discontinued from the US lineup after the 2025 model year. It is still unclear if this refreshed version will ever make its way across the Pacific.

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