Tesla Model 3 vs Nissan Ariya

What's the difference?

It’s been in Australia since 2019 and despite the arrival of a comprehensively upgraded version in late 2023, the Tesla Model 3’s once gargantuan popularity has been declining in recent years.

A seemingly never-ending influx of pure-electric alternatives, primarily from China, has eroded the mid-size sedan’s positioning as the go-to, best-value EV choice. 

But to its credit Tesla has again evolved the Model 3 proposition with the introduction of this Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive grade in October last year, at the time positioning it as “the longest-range EV in Australia”.

Since then, Tesla has adjusted the model grade name to Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive.

Some additional tweaks, made in response to customer feedback, also illustrates the EV pioneer’s determination to step up in the face of increasingly fierce competition.

So, does this latest Model 3 do enough to earn a spot on your electric vehicle shopping list? We spent a week behind the wheel to find out.

Nissan was one of the first to launch a mainstream electric vehicle (EV) in Australia with the cute Leaf hatchback back in 2010.

While two generations of the Leaf have come and gone, Nissan still hasn’t launched another EV offering in Australia. That’s now finally changed.

The Japanese carmaker has just launched the Ariya mid-size electric SUV in Australia roughly five years after it was first revealed. It’s been available in other markets since 2022.

The EV market has gained momentum in Australia and there are a growing number of heavy-hitting rivals out there now for the Ariya to go up against.

Is it too little, too late for Nissan? Read along to find out.