Nissan to Pull Ariya Out of 2026 U.S. Lineup, Scale Down LEAF Production
Facing huge losses and declining sales, Japanese automaker Nissan has to make several drastic decisions. For example, a few days ago, we learned of the upcoming closure of two of its design studios, part of a plan to cut nearly 20,000 jobs worldwide.
Tough choices also need to be made when it comes to products. According to Automotive News, which got a copy of a memo sent to U.S. dealers, Nissan will not bring back its Ariya electric crossover for the 2026 model year, despite sales being up 24% so far in 2025.
- Also: Seven EVs Were Crash-Tested by IIHS, See How They Fared
- Also: Top 10 Most Affordable Electric Vehicles in 2025
The reasons behind this move obviously include the new 15% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Japanese-made vehicles, as well as the anticipated drop in demand for electric vehicles following the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit after Sept. 30, 2025.
It all comes after Nissan postponed or canceled four brand new electric models it planned to build at its Canton, Mississippi plant. For now, a return of the Ariya to the U.S. lineup in 2027 remains uncertain.
In Canada, Ariya imports are expected to continue since the vehicle comes from Japan and not the U.S., unlike the Pathfinder, Frontier and Murano, whose production for the Canadian market has been temporarily suspended. Production is expected to resume once a trade deal between Canada and the U.S. is reached.
All-New LEAF Off to a Bad Start
Meanwhile, the third-generation 2026 Nissan LEAF, which has transformed from a hatchback into a coupe-like subcompact crossover, is slated to arrive at dealerships soon. However, a report from the Japanese business daily Nikkei claims that Nissan has scaled back LEAF production target at the Tochigi plant.
Due to a reduced supply of batteries from its supplier AESC, less than half the initial volume is expected to leave the factory between September and November. This will increase delivery times and inevitably affect sales.
In Canada, pricing and details for the entry-level S trim will be revealed at a later date. What we know is that the LEAF S+ starts at an all-inclusive price of $47,846, while the SV+ and Platinum+ models retail for $50,846 and $52,798, respectively.
