Nissan has announced plans to withdraw the Ariya Electric SUV from its US offerings in 2026. Industry experts speculate that this might be influenced by the new 15% tariffs imposed on electric vehicles manufactured in Japan, a decision linked to former President Trump’s policies.
The Japanese automaker informed its dealers that they will cease importing the Ariya next year, stating in a memo that the changing automotive landscape has led them to “reallocate resources and optimize its EV portfolio.”
Nissan clarified that while they will stop producing the 2026 Ariya for the US market, they’re focusing resources on launching the new 2026 Leaf instead.
Although Nissan will halt imports, existing dealer inventory of the Ariya will still be available to customers. Current owners won’t be left in the lurch, as they’ll continue to receive support for services, parts, and warranties.
There’s no indication yet on whether the Ariya will return for the 2027 model year.
Interestingly, White House officials have pushed back against the notion that tariffs were the main factor in Nissan’s decision, noting the company sold fewer than 20,000 units in 2024.
Despite challenges, the Ariya did experience a 47% sales increase compared to the previous year, moving over 13,000 units. However, that volume still may not be enough for Nissan to justify its presence in the market.
All Ariya vehicles intended for the US are produced in Nissan’s factory in China, making them subject to the new tariffs implemented this month. Analysts suggest that these tariffs, combined with Nissan’s financial difficulties, have cast doubt on the viability of the Ariya program.
In addition, Nissan has reduced production plans for the new Leaf due to battery procurement issues, following restrictions on rare earth material exports from Beijing that are crucial for electric vehicle batteries. Recently, they also pushed back the timeline for two electric crossovers set to be manufactured at their Canton, Michigan plant by about ten months.
The Ariya, which debuted in 2023, marked Nissan’s entry into the modern electric SUV market after over a decade of relying on more affordable models like the Leaf. Whether it makes a comeback in 2027 seems contingent not only on Nissan’s financial health but also on the future of the tariffs.
In July, a significant agreement was reached between Washington and Tokyo, where Japan committed to investing $550 billion in the US and boosting its imports of American products, spanning sectors from agriculture to aviation.
The US has established a baseline 15% tariff on most Japanese imports, with the new rates impacting many items. This executive order by Trump, signed on September 4th, officially took effect on September 16th, placing the Ariya, among others, under that 15% tariff rate. The agreement also allows the US to increase tariffs if Japan doesn’t fulfill its commitments.
