It’s been a big year for Nissan. The latest development? The brand will discontinue production of the Ariya after the 2026 model year. It will, however, allow Nissan to reallocate its efforts to producing the cheaper LEAF EV. 

Nissan announced it will discontinue production of the Ariya after 2026 to focus on the LEAF

Nissan recently confirmed that it is pausing production of the Ariya after the 2026 model year. Considering Nissan initially rolled out its sole electric crossover SUV for the US market just a few years ago, the move ends a relatively short tenure. 

The Japanese automaker cites multiple reasons, including slowing EV sales, per Automotive News. However, the lackluster buyer interest is only one of the explanations for the indefinite halt to the Ariya’s production efforts. After all, while sales may not have met expectations, they were up compared to last year. 

In addition to the slowed sales, the volatility surrounding the Trump administration’s 15% tariff structures for Japanese-built vehicles and the upcoming termination of the federal EV tax incentive have similarly driven a spike into the Ariya’s heart. 

But the move doesn’t mean that Nissan is leaning away from EV production altogether. Quite the opposite. Nissan reportedly plans to focus its EV production efforts on the long-running and more affordable LEAF EV. 

In the meantime, the Ariya will still be an EV-buying option for American customers through 2026. “Ariya remains available in the U.S. through existing inventory,” the Japanese automaker said in a statement. “Nissan will continue to support Ariya owners with service, parts, and warranty coverage.”

The news follows a decision earlier this year to discontinue plans for an electrified sedan to reach the US market. The move will also leave the LEAF as the only Nissan EV for American buyers, barring some shift in the automaker’s lineup.