Nissan Ariya vs. Volkswagen ID.4: Which EV Is More Popular?

The Nissan Ariya and the Volkswagen ID.4 are two of the most recognizable cars on the road. Both of these electric vehicles offer spacious interiors and sleek designs, and are classified as mainstream compact electric SUVs.

With similar pricing, technology, and features, it is easy to see that the vehicles are extremely similar to one another, and shoppers who are considering both cars might be a little confused over which one to ultimately choose. So, which is more popular so far this year—the Nissan Ariya or the Volkswagen ID.4?

The first quarter of 2023 saw much higher sales for the ID.4 than the Nissan Ariya

Q1 2023 sales for the Nissan Ariya weren’t exactly stellar, with only 2,860 units sold, according to Nissan News. Q1 2023 saw sales of 9,758 units for the Volkswagen ID.4, and according to the website Green Car Congress, this is a 254.2% over Q1 2022, in which the ID.4 sold only 2,755 units, representing only 4.2% of new sales.

This trend has continued into Q2 of 2023, as the ID.4 again outsold the Ariya. Year-to-date sales figures paint the best picture. So far this year the ID.4 has sold 16,448 units compared to 5,194 for the Ariya.

What is the reason for the difference in sales?

Those who are in the market for a new compact electric SUV may be wondering what the reason is for the glaring difference in sales between the Ariya and the Volkswagen ID.4.

It turns out that the ID.4 has a slightly lower starting price at $40,290 as compared to the Ariya, which starts at $44,525. Both offer similar ranges, with the ID.4 will achieve up to 275 miles while the Ariya gets up to 272 miles.

The Nissan Ariya and the Volkswagen ID.4 both have seating for five, and the Ariya boasts a maximum horsepower RPM of 238, and maximum torque RPM of 221. The ID.4 has a maximum horsepower of 295, and maximum torque of 339. Both vehicles are all-wheel drive, and the features of the cars are similar as well.

Drivers will find that when it comes to the Ariya, Apply CarPlay, in-depth navigation, and Android Auto are all standard. Cooled front seats, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with memory function, and LED headlights, tail lights, daytime running lights, and fog lights are just some of the available features for this SUV.

The ID.4 offers a standard 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and memory settings. Just like the Ariya, this SUV has a list of available features, such as heated front, rear seats, and steering wheel, wireless phone charging⁠, three-zone automatic climate control, and Volkswagen ID. Cockpit digital instrument display.

Is Nissan experiencing a supply issue?

Despite the comparability of the two SUVs, it appears that the Volkswagen ID.4 certainly has the edge. This raises the question as to whether Nissan is experiencing a supply issue which may account for the lower sales.

This may be the case, since according to CarBuzz, there is a lack of inventory. One dealer expressed their thoughts by saying “Why can’t we produce the Ariya in any acceptable volume?” He added that “Customers are walking in saying, ‘I’m sold, let me buy one.’ But we can’t tell them when it’s coming.”

This is still the beginning of the story for both models. Time will tell which electric SUV ends up being more popular in the long run.

The 2023 Nissan Sentra: Stagnant Model Struggles to Keep Up

A Look at the 2023 Nissan Sentra

The 2023 Nissan Sentra remains a fixture in the compact car market, but it struggles to make a significant impact. Despite its reliability and modest starting price, the Sentra hasn’t seen much in the way of updates since its last major redesign in 2020. In a segment bustling with innovation, its lack of fresh features and performance enhancements makes it seem like it’s lagging behind the competition.

Features and Performance: A Closer Examination

Standard features of the 2023 Sentra include the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, its engine, producing only 149 horsepower and paired with a CVT transmission, delivers average performance and fuel efficiency at best. Unlike competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, the Sentra lacks a sporty variant or hybrid option, which might be a turn-off for those seeking more excitement or eco-friendly alternatives.

Value and Market Position

Although the Sentra’s starting price is attractively low, positioning it as a budget-friendly choice, it faces stiff competition from newer models offering advanced features and performance. For buyers valuing affordability over excitement, it remains a viable option, but those seeking cutting-edge technology or dynamic driving experiences might find more appealing choices in the market. To stay competitive, the Sentra could benefit from a refreshed powertrain or an electrified version to add more allure to its practical value.

Why the Used Nissan Frontier is Experiencing a Surprising Price Surge

A Surprising Trend in Used Truck Prices

If you guessed that popular models like the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Maverick are leading the charge in used truck price hikes, you’d be mistaken. The real surprise is the used Nissan Frontier, a truck that’s not usually in the spotlight. Despite often being overlooked in rankings, the Frontier’s prices are on the rise, defying the broader market trends.

Factors Driving the Price Increase

Recent data shows that while the average price for a used Nissan Frontier in June 2023 was $30,097—an increase of 4.3% or $1,248 from the previous year—the Honda Ridgeline, known for its value, saw a price drop. This unusual trend could be attributed to supply constraints: sales of the Frontier plummeted by 24.5% year-over-year, leading to fewer available models. With reduced inventory, prices naturally climb, but the question remains: is there growing demand for the Frontier?

Is a used Frontier worth buying?

Evaluating the Nissan Frontier’s Value

The used Nissan Frontier stands out in the crowded truck market due to its relatively recent redesign and modern features. With a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, it offers impressive standard power compared to its competitors. The Frontier also benefits from a high reliability score of 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power, indicating it’s a solid choice for buyers looking for a dependable used truck. As the market shifts, the Frontier’s modern amenities and robust engine make it a compelling option for those seeking a newer feeling truck at a used price.