SUVs are becoming increasingly popular around the world. This time, we’ve ranked Japanese-made SUVs in order of their 0-100km/h acceleration as of 2024. This ranking is based on official data from Japan and overseas.
Top 10 Japanese SUVs with 0-100km/h acceleration
Nissan’s ARIYA came in first in terms of 0-100km/h acceleration specs for domestic SUV models , but electric vehicles have the advantage.Furthermore, hybrid (HV)/plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models ranked second and third, showing their superiority over gasoline vehicles.
| Ranking | Manufacturer | Car model | grade | 0-100km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Nissan | ARIYA | B9 | 5.1 seconds |
| 2nd place | Mazda | CX-60 PHEV | 5.8 seconds | |
| 3rd place | Toyota | RAV4 PHV | All grades | 6.0 seconds |
| 4th place | Lexus | NX | NX450h+ | 6.0 seconds |
| 5th place | Lexus | RX | RX450h | 7.4 seconds |
| 6th place | Toyota | bZ4X | 4WD | 7.7 seconds |
| 7th place | Subaru | Solterra | 4WD | 7.7 seconds |
| 8th place | Mitsubishi | Outlander PHEV | 8.2 seconds | |
| 9th place | Honda | CR-V HV | FWD | 8.8 seconds |
| 10th place | Mitsubishi | Eclipse Cross PHEV | 10.9 seconds |
Top 10 Japanese SUVs with 0-100km/h acceleration
*Based on the latest automobile information
Like foreign cars, Tesla’s Model X 2024 boasts incredible performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds. In contrast, Japanese cars place more emphasis on fuel efficiency and range, and it is believed that differences in concept are responsible for this difference.
We will be adding new models to the rankings as they are released.
About No. 1 Aria
Nissan announced the new electric vehicle (EV) crossover “Ariya” on July 15, 2020. In Japan, the price of the base model of the new BEV “Ariya” was announced on November 12, 2021.
About the new Ariya exterior
The exterior of the new Ariya embodies Nissan’s new design language and Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology. Its simple yet powerful and modern expression reflects the concept of “timeless Japanese futurism.” The headlights, featuring four LEDs, feature a very thin design, and Nissan’s V-Motion design signature is expressed in white light. When the turn signals are on, they also function as sequential turn signals . Nissan’s new iconic brand logo shines brightly with LEDs. Because motor-driven EVs do not require engine bay cooling, the grille is covered with a smoked panel featuring a traditional Japanese kumiko (Japanese lattice) pattern. The panel protects the sensors that support advanced technologies such as ProPilot, which are located inside.
The body sides feature a low, smooth roofline, creating an impression of minimal air resistance. 19-inch and 20-inch aluminum wheels are available, and the straight waistline connecting the front and rear creates an architecturally beautiful, vibrant appearance that exudes beauty and energy from any angle. The rear styling is also impressive, particularly the smoky, horizontally extending rear combination lamps, which are designed to look clean when turned off and have a clearly visible red light when turned on.
NISSAN ARIYA
About the new Ariya interior
The interior was designed with the key word “ma” in Japanese, which means the space between things or the time between successive events. The Ariya uses a newly developed platform specifically for EVs , which allows for a flat and spacious floor, and the air conditioning unit, which was previously located inside the vehicle, is now located in the motor room. This ensures a spacious interior at a D-segment level despite the vehicle’s C-segment body size. Furthermore, the slim-design zero gravity seats and the generous use of sound-insulating materials, despite the fact that EVs are already quiet, achieve an unprecedented level of quietness.
The two 12.3-inch displays are lined up next to each other, and the wood-grain instrument panel does not have any physical switches like in the past. When the car is turned on, control switch icons for the air conditioner and other controls appear, and these are not just touch sensors, but haptic switches that vibrate so that you can feel the operation even while driving.
The center display, which shows maps and music information, can be swiped, and the two displays are seamlessly connected, with navigation routes and other information displayed on the meter display. Air conditioning and navigation can also be controlled by voice, and the hybrid voice recognition function, which allows for natural language operation, supports the driver by saying “Hello Nissan.” Connecting to the Internet enables voice recognition in even more natural language. The Ariya also comes equipped with Amazon Alexa, a voice service provided by Amazon , which allows for music playback, checking the weather forecast, calling family and friends, and controlling smart home devices, all using just your voice.
The wide center console can be electrically moved back and forth to suit the driver’s seat position. Above it is a newly designed shift knob with “Advanced Ambient Lighting,” and the center console is equipped with a Qi standard wireless charger.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The Ariya is equipped with Nissan’s advanced driver assistance systems, ProPilot 2.0 and ProPilot Remote Parking. Like the Leaf, it also comes with ProPilot Parking.
ProPilot 2.0 uses seven cameras, five radars, and 12 sonars mounted on the vehicle to detect white lines, signs, and surrounding vehicles. It also uses the navigation system and high-precision 3D map data to grasp road conditions, including speed limits. As long as the driver is always paying attention to the road ahead and is ready to immediately and reliably operate the steering wheel in response to road, traffic, and vehicle conditions, it enables hands-off driving within the same lane, ensuring safe and smooth driving. Furthermore, it receives high-precision positioning information from sources such as the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, enabling it to grasp the vehicle’s position with even greater precision. The operating status is displayed in real time on the meter display and head-up display, allowing for intuitive understanding of the driving assistance status.
“Advanced Ambient Lighting” is linked to the operating status of ProPilot, and changes color from white when it is normally on to green when it is hands-on and blue when it is hands-off. A driver monitor camera installed on the steering column checks whether the driver is looking ahead, and if it determines that the driver is not looking ahead, it sounds an alarm to alert the driver. Also, if this condition continues during hands-off driving, the hazard lights come on and the vehicle is stopped immediately.
“ProPilot Parking” automatically detects available parking spaces and assists with the necessary parking operations. It supports forward parking, reverse parking, and parallel parking in three simple steps, reducing the driver’s parking stress. It also comes equipped with “ProPilot Remote Parking” (available in the Japanese market), a function that allows parking to be controlled from outside the vehicle .
Equipped with advanced four-wheel control technology “e-4ORCE”
Nissan’s long experience developing EVs and advanced four-wheel drive systems, leveraging the power, braking, and chassis control benefits of the GT-R’s ATTESA E-TS (Electronic Torque Split All-Wheel Drive System) and the Nissan X-Trail’s Intelligent 4×4 system, further solidifies e-4ORCE. e-4ORCE is equipped with two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear. The torque of each motor can be controlled independently, improving traction during acceleration and deceleration by adjusting the amount of regeneration from each motor, reducing vehicle sway during braking.
Newly developed platform dedicated to EVs
The newly developed EV-specific platform places the battery in the center of the vehicle, designed to achieve a low center of gravity and even front-to-rear weight distribution. In addition, a cross member is placed inside the battery case, and the flat floor without a floor tunnel also ensures high rigidity. The suspension parts that are combined with it also use high-rigidity parts, which not only improves handling stability but also achieves a comfortable ride with less shaking and a high level of quietness.
Newly developed EV powertrain
The newly developed EV powertrain boasts excellent performance in all models, and the newly developed motor reduces power consumption at high speeds, achieving a driving range of up to 610 km on a single charge (2WD 90 kWh battery model WLTC mode internal measurement).In addition, it supports fast charging of up to 130 kW, and is equipped with a water-cooled temperature control system that keeps the battery temperature constant, allowing it to charge up to 375 km in a 30-minute fast charge.
In preparation for the launch of the Ariya, Nissan is aiming to develop new charging infrastructure and is currently coordinating with partners to install CHAdeMO rapid chargers with a maximum output of 150kW, which will enable faster charging, in highly public locations across the country by the end of fiscal 2021.
New Ariya 2024 price and grade
| grade | Battery size |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B6 | 66kWh | 2WD | 6,590,100 yen |
| B9 | 91kWh | 7,382,100 yen | |
| B6 e-4ORCE | 66kWh | 4WD | 7,195,100 yen |
| B9 e-4ORCE | 91kWh | 7,987,100 yen | |
| B9 e-4ORCE Premier | 91kWh | 8,603,100 yen |
About the new Ariya specs
| Specifications | New Ariya | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,595mm | |||
| Overall width | 1,850mm | |||
| Overall height | 1,655mm | |||
| Wheelbase |
2,775mm | |||
| Drive system | 2WD | 4WD | ||
| grade | B6 | B9 | B6 e-4ORCE |
B9 e-4ORCE |
| Total battery power |
66kWh | 91kWh | 61kWh | 91kWh |
| Maximum power | 160kW | 178kW | 250kW | 290kW |
| Maximum torque | 300Nm | 300Nm | 560Nm | 600Nm |
| 0-100km/h acceleration |
7.5 seconds | 7.6 seconds | 5.4 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 160km/h | 160km/h | 200km/h | 200km/h |
| WLTC mode cruising range |
470km | 640km | 460km | 610km |
| weight | 1,920 kg | 2,060 kg | 2,050 kg | 2,180 kg |
| Luggage compartment dimensions | 466L | 408L | ||
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | |||
| Minimum turning radius |
5.4m | |||
| Tire dimensions | 235/55R19 255/45R20 |
|||
2nd place: About the CX-60 PHEV
Mazda plans to release the new large-sized crossover SUV “CX-60” in Japan around August 2022. The Japanese model will be unveiled in early April 2022.
Mazda New CX-60 Exterior
The CX-60’s exterior design is based on Mazda’s “Kodo-Soul of Motion” design philosophy , featuring a deeply sculpted front fascia with an aggressive rear end. Eye-catching features include vertically stacked headlights and L-shaped daytime running lights. The body color lineup includes eight options: Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Platinum Quartz, Arctic White, Rhodium White Premium Metallic, Machine Gray, and Soul Red Crystal. It features 18-inch and 20-inch wheels.
About the interior of the new Mazda CX-60
The interior features a full TFT-LCD digital instrument cluster with an LCD meter panel , and the latest ” NEW MAZDA CONNECT ” 12.3-inch infotainment system . It is compatible with “Android Auto” and “Apple CarPlay.” “NEW MAZDA CONNECT” does not have a touch panel as it is considered dangerous to operate it while driving, and all operations are performed using the commander control. An in-car communication device is standard . Connected services can be linked with the smartphone app ” MyMazda .” It is equipped with a large head-up display that is three times larger than that of the CX-30.
Mazda CX-60 Next-Generation i-ACTIVSENSE Advanced Safety Technology Comes Standard on All Vehicles
The i-ACTIVSENSE technology is standard equipment, along with driver monitoring, which detects drowsiness and warns the driver, and the Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) steering assist function.
The Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) now includes night-time pedestrian detection. It also incorporates the latest features such as TJA (Traffic Jam Assist), FCTA (Front Cross Traffic Alert), DM (Driver Monitoring), and TSR (Traffic Sign Recognition System).
Mazda’s new CX-60 features the latest safety system, “MAZDA CO-PILOT 1.0”
During normal driving, the system monitors the driver and acts as a backup, detecting any changes in the driver’s physical condition such as drowsiness or loss of consciousness and issuing an alarm to warn and alert the driver. If the system determines that the driver is unable to drive, it will take over the driving duties, bring the vehicle to a safe stop, and, if necessary, make an emergency call.
Mazda’s new CX-60 PHEV plug-in hybrid model
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid model to be launched in Europe. Its powertrain combines a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 100kW electric motor designed to optimize performance and a 17.8kWh high-capacity battery, resulting in a combined maximum output of 327hp/241kW and a combined maximum torque of 500Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds delivers exceptional performance, with an all-electric range of 63km at speeds below 100km/h.
Mazda New CX-60 Price and Grade
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25S S Package | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.5L direct injection engine SKYACTIV-G 2.5 |
8AT | 4WD | 3,217,500 yen |
| 2WD | 2,992,000 yen | |||
| 25S L Package | 3,415,500 yen | |||
| 4WD | 3,641,000 yen | |||
| 25S Exclusive Mode | 2WD | 3,844,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,070,500 yen | |||
| XD | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 3.3L Diesel Turbo SKYACTIV-D |
8AT | 2WD | 3,239,500 yen |
| 4WD | 3,465,000 yen | |||
| XD S Package | 2WD | 3,580,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 3,806,000 yen | |||
| XD L Package | 2WD | 4,004,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 3,229,500 yen | |||
| XD Exclusive Mode | 2WD | 4,433,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 4,658,500 yen | |||
| XD-HYBRID Exclusive Sports | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 3.3L Diesel Turbo e-SKYACTIV D |
8AT | 4WD | 5,054,500 yen |
| XD-HYBRID Exclusive Modern | 4WD | 5,054,500 yen | ||
| XD-HYBRID Premium Sports | 4WD | 5,472,500 yen | ||
| XD-HYBRID Premium Modern | 4WD | 5,472,500 yen | ||
| PHEV S Package | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.5L direct injection engine SKYACTIV-G 2.5 PHEV |
8AT | 4WD | 5,390,000 yen |
| PHEV Exclusive Sports | 4WD | 5,846,500 yen | ||
| PHEV Exclusive Modern | 4WD | 5,846,500 yen | ||
| PHEV Premium Sports | 4WD | 6,264,500 yen | ||
| PHEV Premium Modern | 4WD | 6,264,500 yen |
3rd place RAV4 PHV
About the new Toyota RAV4 PHV
Toyota has added a new plug-in hybrid ( PHV) version of the RAV4, which was released in Japan on June 8, 2020. The model features the newly developed plug-in hybrid system “THS II Plug-in,” combining a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct-injection D-4S engine with a motor (THS II), a high-capacity lithium-ion battery (lithium-ion battery capacity 8.8kWh), and a powerful motor. System output is 302 HP (225 kW / 306 PS), 83 HP (62 kW / 84 PS) more than the RAV4 hybrid model. It also features the E-Four 4WD system (electric 4WD system), a 4WD model not available on the Prius PHV .
The all-electric range is 39 miles (63 km) and WLTC fuel economy is 95 km/L, making it the longest-lasting PHEV crossover on the market. Additionally, this model achieves an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 90 MPGe. WLTC hybrid fuel economy is 22.2 km/L .
Acceleration is 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds , faster than the RAV4 Hybrid and the second-fastest in Toyota’s lineup . With a range of over 1,300km , the RAV4 PHV aims for a “seemingly endless” driving distance. The power stored in the high-capacity battery can be used for more than just driving. In addition to using the power inside the vehicle via the outlet installed inside the vehicle, the included vehicle power connector can be inserted into the standard charging inlet to become a 100V external power outlet. Supports a total of 1500W. By connecting a V2H device (sold separately) to the rapid charging inlet (with external power supply function [V2H]), the RAV4 PHV can supply power to buildings and other locations.
About the exterior of the new Toyota RAV4 PHV
The exterior features vertical LED daytime running lights, which are not available on the regular RAV4, creating a clean and luxurious impression. The body color is a new color exclusive to the RAV4 PHV, Emotional Red II.
Toyota’s new RAV4 PHV partial improvement 2021 model
Toyota has made some improvements to the new RAV4 PHV, which will be released on December 1, 2021. This time, the exterior has been redesigned with new headlights (signature LED lights + daytime running lamps) . The design of the aluminum wheels has also been changed.
About the interior of the new Toyota RAV4 PHV
The interior features include rear seat heaters and a color head-up display on the higher grade models. A panoramic view monitor (some grades) and a 9-inch display audio system with 6 speakers are standard equipment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported as standard.
Toyota New RAV4 PHV Partially Improved 2024 Model Price Grade
| Model | Drive system | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| Z | 4WD (E-Four) |
5,633,000 yen |
Toyota New RAV4 PHV Partially Improved 2024 Model Specifications
| Specifications | RAV4 PHV |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,600mm to 4,610mm |
| Overall width | 1,855mm to 1,865mm |
| Overall height | 1,690mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
| Maximum power | 130kW (177ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 219Nm/3,600rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
134kW (182ps) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
270Nm |
| Rear motor maximum output |
40kW (54ps) |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
121Nm (12.3kgfm) |
| System Output | E-Four: 225kW (306ps) |
transmission |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery 18.1kWh |
| Drive system | 4WD (E-Four) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.5m |
| Vehicle weight | 1,900kg |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 22.2km/L |
| EV range | 95km/L |
