Nissan is pulling its Ariya electric crossover from the U.S. lineup for the 2026 model year, citing import tariffs and a need to reallocate resources as the company restructures its EV strategy. The decision, confirmed through a dealer memo obtained by Automotive News, means the Japanese-built SUV will no longer be available to American buyers after existing inventory sells out.
In the letter to dealers, Nissan stated, “This decision enables the company to reallocate resources and optimize its EV portfolio as the automotive landscape continues to evolve.” Whether the Ariya will return for the 2027 model year remains uncertain, hinging on both market conditions and the automaker’s financial footing.
In a statement to Drive Tesla, Nissan Canada confirmed Canadian supplies of the Ariya are not impacted by this decision.
“This announcement pertains exclusively to the U.S. market. The Nissan ARIYA will remain available in Canada alongside the all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF. Pricing details for the 2026 Nissan ARIYA will be announced soon,” a Nissan Canada spokesperson said.
Tariffs and Tight Margins
The Ariya has struggled to remain profitable since its U.S. launch in 2022. Built at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan, the vehicle faces a 15 percent import tariff imposed by the Trump administration, a cost that has made an already tight-margin EV nearly impossible to sustain.
Nissan attempted to offset these challenges with aggressive lease deals, including offers as low as US$99 per month with a down payment, but sluggish demand and shrinking federal EV incentives limited its success. The tariffs, combined with rising material costs and softening EV sales growth, ultimately forced the automaker’s hand.
Focus Shifts to the New Leaf
Nissan is shifting its attention to the newly redesigned 2026 Leaf, which the company claims will be the most affordable EV on the U.S. market with a starting price of US$31,485. Equipped with modern features like active thermal battery management, the new Leaf is positioned as a volume seller at a time when many rivals are chasing higher-priced EV segments.
Nissan’s EV Struggles
The Ariya’s cancellation adds to a string of setbacks for Nissan’s electrification plans. Earlier this year, the automaker reduced Leaf production in Japan due to battery shortages and postponed multiple EV projects planned for its Canton, Mississippi plant. Restrictions on Chinese rare-earth mineral exports have further complicated its supply chain.
For now, Nissan hopes the new Leaf can stabilize its EV presence in the U.S., but the absence of the Ariya leaves a gap in the increasingly competitive electric crossover segment. Whether the model makes a comeback in 2027 will likely depend on trade policies, production costs, and how quickly consumer demand rebounds.
