New electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more affordable as technology advances and production scales up. However, when the $7,500 federal tax credit isn’t considered, new EVs are still slightly more expensive than their hybrid or internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. This makes the used EV market an attractive option, and there’s one major reason why: EVs tend to depreciate faster than their gasoline-powered equivalents.
If you’re looking for a used EV, particularly in the crossover or SUV body style, the Nissan Ariya is worth considering, and here’s why.
Get the Nissan Ariya When Depreciation Is Your Friend
For those seeking a well-priced used EV that offers a good amount of technology, excellent range, and luxury features, the Nissan Ariya is a strong contender. The Ariya is the Japanese automaker’s second all-electric model for the United States, building on the foundation of the Nissan Leaf.
Low Resale Values Mean Affordable Prices
According to iSeeCars, the Nissan Ariya is expected to retain only 43.8 percent of its value over five years. This ranks it 14th among electric crossovers and SUVs for resale value. While low resale values are a disadvantage for original buyers, this depreciation creates an opportunity for used car shoppers.
Since the Ariya only started production in 2022 for the 2023 model year, it has only been on the market for two model years. The average used price for a 2023 Ariya ranges from $18,550 to $26,125, depending on the trim level and condition. This makes the Ariya significantly more affordable than a new 2025 Nissan Kicks, despite offering more modern features and technology.
I’m sure you’d rather be seen in an Ariya than a Kicks since the two cars are worlds apart in design, technology, and driving experience.
Why Does the Ariya Depreciate Rapidly?
EVs, in general, depreciate faster than traditional gasoline cars, mainly because EV technology advances very rapidly. For example, the 800-volt architecture was innovative in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 when it was launched in 2022, but is now becoming an expected feature in many new EVs. Furthermore, with Mercedes-Benz already road-testing all-solid-state batteries (ASSB), the battery technology itself is also on the cusp of a significant leap forward.
The Ariya isn’t even what many would consider cutting edge. The Ioniq 5, EV6, and Model Y are far more advanced. This contrasts with ICE cars whose technology has reached its peak.
In addition, a new Ariya used to be cheaper than a new Model Y, but the price reductions by Tesla have affected the entire EV market. Because Tesla’s Model Y is now priced competitively with the Ariya, this has had a negative effect on the resale values of all EVs, impacting the prices of competing brands.
Why the Ariya Is More Compelling When Bought Used
The EV market is evolving extremely fast; if an automaker keeps its EV models untouched for a couple of years, competitors could easily surpass them. That’s exactly what happened to the Nissan Ariya. In 2022, when it was initially revealed globally, the Ariya felt cutting-edge, but in 2025, many competitors provide a broader range of features for a similar price. However, in the used car market, the Ariya becomes an increasingly competitive option.
Modern and Striking Looks
The Ariya’s design is undeniably one of its best features. Its sleek shape, with steeply raked front and rear windshields, gives the Ariya a coupe-like profile. This, combined with its clean lines and available black contrasting roof, gives the Ariya a futuristic look. You can opt for the standard 19-inch wheels or the 20-inch wheels available in the Platinum+ AWD, but bear in mind the larger wheels will reduce its range.
Also, the interior of the Nissan Ariya is very modern and sleek. It’s well-trimmed with plush microfiber or leatherette and matte textures. Nissan integrated the touch-capacitive controls into the matte textured dash to make it look even more modern. All models feature two 12.3-inch screens connected to the latest NissanConnect operating system, which offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional Bose sound system and panoramic sunroof, and Nappa leather upholstery are available.
Average But Durable Drivetrain
The Ariya’s drivetrain is competitive at its price point. Nissan separates its trims into two versions: Standard Range and Extended Range (with a “+” designation). The Standard Range has a 63 kWh battery and is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). For even more range, you can opt for the Extend Range “+” models with an 87 kWh battery, also available in FWD and AWD.
The highest-range Ariya can travel up to 289 miles, which is good but not as high as some competitors. The Nissan Ariya offers reliability. According to Consumer Reports’ latest data, the Ariya is the second most reliable electric crossover and the fourth-most reliable EV overall. This makes the Ariya an excellent used option.
Nissan Ariya Specs
The Ariya’s charging times are acceptable but not class-leading. AC charging maxes out at 7.4 kW for the Standard Range and 22 kW for the Extended Range. DC fast charging tops out at 130 kW for all versions.
