USA EV Comparison: Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD vs Tesla Model 3 Mid Range
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General Info
The Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) is currently produced, it has a starting price of $41190. The Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $13794 on the used car market.
The Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) is a SUV, whereas the Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020) is a Sedan.
| Property | Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD | Tesla Model 3 Mid Range |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2021-… | 2018-2020 |
| Current Status | Produced | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan, China | USA |
| Body Style | SUV | Sedan |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | USA |
| Price USA (New) | $41190 | - Price USA (New) |
| Price USA (Used) | $19689 | $13794 |
| GCC Score | 6.4 | 5.9 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020).
| Property | Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD | Tesla Model 3 Mid Range |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 304 mi | 264 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 333 mi | 284 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 287 mi | 246 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 91 kWh | 65 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 87 kWh | 62 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 30.3 kWh/100 mi | 25.2 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.3 mi/kWh | 3.97 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 7.3 | 7.4 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 200 kW, while the Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) maxes out at 130 kW.
The Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.7 kW, whereas the Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) is limited to 7.2 kW.
| Property | Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD | Tesla Model 3 Mid Range |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.2 kW | 7.7 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 130 kW | 200 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 6.5 | 5.6 |
Performance
The Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020) is rear-wheel drive, while the Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD | Tesla Model 3 Mid Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | RWD |
| Motor Type | EESM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 178 kW | 202 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 239 hp | 271 hp |
| Motor Torque | 221 lb-ft | 298 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 s | 5.2 s |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 140 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.6 | 5 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020) has a longer body, while the Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) stands taller, offering a more elevated ride. Their widths are almost identical, so both offer a similar amount of shoulder room.
The Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD | Tesla Model 3 Mid Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9 in | 184.8 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 85.5 in | 82.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 72.8 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 113.2 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
A frunk (front trunk) is available in the Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (2018-2020), but the Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD (2021-…) doesn’t have one.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Nissan Ariya 87 kWh FWD | Tesla Model 3 Mid Range |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 4528 lb | 3686 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 22.8 ft3 | 19.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 59.7 ft3 | 43.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 3.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 6.8 | 5.1 |