Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity on American roads, and no such type is hotter than that of electric compact SUVs. Like their gasoline counterparts, these models bring high degrees of practicality, features, and tidy size, all in a package that won’t break the bank and runs with zero emissions. With an electric compact SUV, you’ll never need to gas up again, and you’ll be at the forefront of tomorrow’s transportation, today.
The 2025 Nissan Ariya and the 2025 Kia EV6 are two worthy contenders in this class. Here’s how they compare to each other.
2025 Nissan Ariya
You can thank Nissan for making EVs mainstream. After all, the brand’s pioneering Leaf set the stage for affordable all-electric driving when it debuted 15 years ago. Now there’s the Nissan Ariya, the brand’s first electric SUV that’s still fresh from its arrival two years ago. The Ariya boasts an attractive, fluid design, a roomy, comfortable cabin, and innovative technology. For 2025, the Ariya further benefits from a convenient wireless phone charging pad, privacy glass, and rear USB-C ports to keep today’s devices fully juiced. Max range in the Ariya is a sensible 289 miles between charges.
Nissan Ariya Highlights
ProPilot Assist 2.0: Nissan’s innovative driver-assistance system allows hands-free highway driving in some situations. We’ve found its operation smooth and can testify to feeling more relaxed upon arrival at our destination using such systems. It’s hard to put a price on that.
Zero Gravity seats: We’re glad to see this popular Nissan feature arrive in the Ariya. They won’t send you to space, but NASA research on human posture inspired them. All you need to know is that they are super comfortable.
Two-tone roof color: There’s something about a contrast color design scheme — black roof, different-colored body — that brings a certain pizzazz to vehicles. It’s offered on the Ariya but not on the EV6.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ariya models for sale near you.
2025 Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is arguably one of the flashiest-looking electric vehicles you can buy, even those from luxury brands. The EV6 comes in an array of models and power outputs, from the base trim with an adequate 167 horsepower to the high-performance GT with an awe-inspiring 641 hp. This year, the Kia EV6 gains a larger battery pack and more range, design updates, and a North American Charging System (NACS) port to allow charging at Tesla Superchargers. The max range of the Kia EV6 is an impressive 319 miles from the Light Long Range RWD model.
Kia EV6 Highlights
Fast charging: Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the Kia EV6 is among the fastest-charging vehicles available. At its best, it can juice from 10% to 80% capacity in 18 minutes, which is far better than the Nissan Leaf.
Vehicle to load: This essentially enables the EV6 to be used as a massive battery backup to power appliances and even your home in the event of a power outage. You won’t find that in the Nissan Leaf.
Remote Smart Parking Assist: More than a party trick, this option allows you to ease the EV6 in and out of tight parking spots while standing outside the vehicle. Now that’s convenient.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the EV6 models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both compact electric SUVs seat five, have ample range for most drivers, and offer the latest tech and safety features.
Pricing
New 2025 Nissan ARIYA Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (60007)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$41,160 |
$39,727 |
|||
$45,160 |
$42,007 |
|||
$45,760 |
$44,167 |
|||
$46,760 |
$43,963 |
|||
$49,760 |
$48,525 |
|||
$55,760 |
TBD |
|||
$55,760 |
$53,373 |
New 2025 Kia EV6 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (60007)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$44,375 |
$43,212 |
|||
$47,675 |
$46,268 |
|||
$51,775 |
$50,661 |
|||
$55,675 |
$54,093 |
|||
$65,275 |
$63,564 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Nissan ARIYA vehicles and New 2025 Kia EV6 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Nissan ARIYA | 2025 Kia EV6 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Drive Wheels | FWD | RWD |
| Range | 216 miles | 240 miles |
| Charging Time | Unavailable hours | Unavailable hours |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 6.3 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Horsepower | 214 hp | 167 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | N/A | N/A |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 182.9 inches | 184.8 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 74.8 inches | 74.0 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | N/A | N/A |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 19.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.3 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.0 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 27.9 feet | 24.4 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 59.7 feet | N/A |
| Bed Length | N/A | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Nissan Ariya is an attractive choice, literally, with its designer looks, while its lower price is also highly appealing. But our eyes and heart give the edge to the Kia EV6 in this race. The Kia EV6 has a broad lineup to suit a variety of buyers, more range, faster charging, a convenient North American Charging System (NACS) port, and yes, even that wild child EV6 GT variant that will embarrass some supercars.
