2019 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2019 Nissan LEAF
When comparing the 2019 Tesla Model 3's and the 2019 Nissan LEAF's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2019 Nissan LEAF has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Tesla Model 3's and the 2019 Nissan LEAF's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
2019 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2019 Nissan LEAF Pricing
A used 2019 Tesla Model 3 ranges from $25,989 to $37,989 while a used 2019 Nissan LEAF is priced between $14,993 to $24,792.
2019 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2019 Nissan LEAF Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 loses 48.2 percent of its value and the 2019 Nissan LEAF loses 65.1 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Tesla Model 3 retains 16.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Nissan LEAF.
2019 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2019 Nissan LEAF Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Tesla Model 3 is 8.7 out of 10 while the Nissan LEAF's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Tesla Model 3 being ranked 1 out of 27 Best Electric Cars and the Nissan LEAF being ranked 2 out of 27. Out of 12 Best Small Electric Cars, the Tesla Model 3 is ranked 1 and the Nissan LEAF is ranked 2.
2019 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2019 Nissan LEAF Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Tesla Model 3 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Nissan LEAF the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Nissan LEAF a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Tesla Model 3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2019 Tesla Model 3’s base engine makes 283 horsepower, and the 2019 Nissan LEAF base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Model 3 is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 220 miles. The LEAF is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 150 miles. This gives the 2019 Tesla Model 3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Nissan LEAF. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Model 3 is 10 hours (240V), while the charge time for the LEAF is 8 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are electric compact cars, the 2019 Nissan LEAF has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room and cargo space. The 2019 Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Tesla Model 3 and the 2019 Nissan LEAF have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
25989 - 37989
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.482232
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
14993 - 24792
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.650532
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.733333 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan LEAF Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.066666 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
6.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Tesla Model 3 Rankings
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1 out of / 27Ranking
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5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 27Nissan LEAF Rankings
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1 out of / 12Ranking
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3 out of / 12Ranking
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4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 27Summary Review
The Tesla Model 3 is widely regarded as the best electric sedan in the world. The Model 3 is also the top-selling EV in the US market by a wide margin. This compact/midsize sedan offers a thrilling driving experience and advanced technology.
Summary Review
Nissan’s four-door hatchback Leaf was the original battery-electric vehicle of the modern age. This ground-breaking EV has topped sales charts globally for affordable EVs for years. The Leaf offers many shoppers an attractive package that's hard to ignore.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent range
- AWD available
- Attractive styling
- Amazing performance with Performance trim
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Pricier than its reputation (mid-$50Ks is the typical price point)
- No spare tire on any trim
- Interior design and materials don’t match premium pricing
Pros and Cons
- Impressive interior space given its small size
- Excellent availability nationwide
- Strong EV commitment from Nissan means widespread service support
- Limited range on older models
- Lackluster performance on first-generation cars
- Safety ratings from IIHS less than stellar
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
2019 Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Mid Range, Performance, Standard Range, Standard Range Plus
2019 Nissan LEAF Trim Levels
S, S PLUS, SL, SL PLUS, SV, SV PLUS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
283 hp
Torque:
317 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.078 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
147 hp
Torque:
236 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.043 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
127 / 124 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
220 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
50 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
124 / 99 / 112
Range (city/hwy):
150 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
40 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
8 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple Car Play:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
15 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.5 inches
Cargo Space:
23.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3624 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3433 lbs
Width:
70.5 inches
Height:
61.4 inches
Length:
176.4 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16