Nissan ARIYA vs. Kia EV6

With the Nissan ARIYA and the Kia EV6, sustainability is skin deep. Each model is outfitted with standard synthetic leather upholstery. This vegan alternative is a smart substitute that offers stylish sustainability. Although if you prefer the look and feel of genuine leather, the Nissan ARIYA allows that choice, whereas Kia has gone strictly synthetic across the EV6 lineup.

Regarding long-term environmental goals, Nissan and Kia offer strong pledges. Nissan has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims to electrify every all-new model by 2030. Kia’s deadline for full electrification also aligns with its carbon neutrality target in 2045.

While both brands are moving in the right direction, Nissan’s slower, more deliberate roadmap may be more thoughtful and realistic for buyers who prefer conscious steps over quick promises.

Daily drives might stay local, but road trips are part of the lifestyle. Your EV has to keep up with those last-minute weekend getaways. Luckily, the Nissan ARIYA and the Kia EV6 boast impressive ranges of up to an EPA-estimated 289 miles.** In everyday terms? That’s a whole weekend of travel without searching for a plug.

Charging speed also plays a huge role. With a 240V home charger, both SUVs are built for overnight refuels. But when charging on the go, the differences start to show.

The ARIYA’s consistent DC Fast Charge time (10-80%) across its trims offers more predictability to your travels than the variable charging time of the Kia EV6. Plus, the MyNISSAN App simplifies your travels by helping you locate nearby public chargers.

Inside the Nissan ARIYA and the Kia EV6, you’ll find similar dual-screen setups: a 12.3-inch multi-function information display and a central touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep navigation, calls, and playlists just a tap away. But the Nissan ARIYA proves tech isn’t just about what you see but how you interact with it.

The ARIYA features a built-in Virtual Personal Assistant that understands natural speech patterns. Simply say things like, “I’m cold,” and the cabin will warm up. This kind of fluid interaction becomes essential during busy morning commutes.

The Kia EV6 also offers voice control with Amazon Alexa compatibility, but interactions are limited and focused on remote access capabilities. With the ARIYA, this built-in virtual assistant helps streamline your day and makes you feel more in sync with daily demands.

Whether backing out of a tight parking lot or navigating late-night highways after a day at the fair, safety isn’t optional but is expected. With advanced driver assistance features, the Nissan ARIYA and the Kia EV6 meet this challenge. Regardless of which SUV you choose, you’ll have access to these brand-specific features:

• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot detection
• Available hands-free driving

Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find subtle differences that matter in motion.

The Nissan ARIYA offers standard Traffic Sign Recognition, a detail that adds peace of mind on unfamiliar roads. Another standout feature is the available ProPILOT Park, a semi-autonomous parking system that handles braking, steering, and acceleration with you still behind the wheel. Kia's optional Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 system, while also capable of autonomous parking maneuvers, is controlled from the key fob and is useful in tight lots.

The Nissan offers more practical assistance when you prefer to stay in control while still getting a little help.

The Nissan ARIYA and the Kia EV6 are head-turners in their own right. With their sleek silhouettes, LED lighting signatures, and modern grilles, they announce their presence without apology. The EV6 leans heavily into its coupe-inspired profile, with a sloped rear that gives it an aggressive stance—a design that may appeal to solo city drivers or couples.

The ARIYA, however, was crafted with families in mind. Its two-tone color schemes and show-stoppers like Sunrise Copper add visual depth, while remote-activated perimeter approach lights add a luxury touch not found with the EV6.

The sharp headlights and sculpted fenders offer boldness, but the design remains approachable—an EV that fits in equally well at the mountain trailhead and the school drop-off line.

Inside, the Nissan ARIYA and the Kia EV6 bring comfort. Heated front seats? Check. Ventilated options? Check. But here's where the fundamental differences emerge. In the EV6, rear heated seats are available, but only on select trims. The ARIYA offers them standard on every trim level because everyone, from toddlers to teens, deserves a warm seat on the drive home from apple picking.

The ARIYA truly shines with its Zero Gravity Seats, exclusive to Nissan. Inspired by NASA ergonomic research, these seats offer a long-drive advantage that's a wellness on wheels:

• Minimizes pressure points for reduced physical fatigue
• Promotes better posture on long drives
• Enhances blood flow and circulation for overall comfort
• Supports natural spinal alignment, reducing back strain
• Perfect for road trips to trails, parks, and destinations hours away

The EV6’s seats are supportive but traditional. In contrast, the ARIYA’s cabin feels like a modern retreat, with a minimalist dash and a sliding center console that gives you room when you need it most.