Compare the2026 Subaru UnchartedVS 2025 Nissan Ariya

The Uncharted has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Ariya doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Subaru Uncharted’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Nissan Ariya does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Uncharted and Ariya have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Uncharted has Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Ariya’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Uncharted and the Ariya have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Nissan With 3 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Nissan.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 12th.

The Uncharted can travel longer on a full charge than the Ariya on a full charge:

For better stopping power the Uncharted’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Ariya:

For greater off-road capability the Uncharted has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Ariya (8.2 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the Uncharted to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Uncharted is 5.1 inches shorter than the Ariya, making the Uncharted easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Uncharted uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Ariya doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 10th.

The Uncharted has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Ariya doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

If the windows are left open on the Uncharted the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Subaru service department.) The driver of the Ariya can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Uncharted’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Ariya’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Uncharted has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Ariya doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Subaru Uncharted stands out above the Nissan Ariya by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and two of them provide more flexibility.

The Uncharted has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Ariya doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.