BMW i3 vs. Nissan LEAF
When comparing the BMW i3 to the Nissan LEAF, the BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Nissan LEAF has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3 versus the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan LEAF is a better car than the BMW i3.
BMW i3 versus Nissan LEAF Pricing
A used 2021 BMW i3 ranges from $33,027 to $41,898 while a used 2021 Nissan LEAF is priced between $22,997 to $37,389.
BMW i3 versus Nissan LEAF Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW i3 is 6.5 out of 10 while the Nissan LEAF's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the BMW i3 being ranked 5 out of 15 Best Small Electric Cars and the Nissan LEAF being ranked 2 out of 15. Out of 25 Best Electric Cars, the BMW i3 is ranked 25 and the Nissan LEAF is ranked 3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Nissan LEAF base engine makes 147 horsepower. The i3 is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 153 miles. The LEAF is rated to deliver an average of 123 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 150 miles. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the i3 is 7 hours (240V), while the charge time for the LEAF is 8 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are electric compact cars, the Nissan LEAF has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and trunk space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Nissan LEAF has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$33,027 - $41,898
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
70.9%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$28,066 - $41,958
Used Asking Price:
$22,997 - $37,389
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
65.1%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
5.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
6.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 11Most Reliable Luxury Electric Cars
Ranking
3 out of / 11Most Reliable Small Electric Cars
Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 25Luxury Electric Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
11 out of / 11Small Electric Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
15 out of / 15Electric Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
25 out of / 25iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 15Most Reliable Small Electric Cars
Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Small Electric Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
14 out of / 15Electric Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
19 out of / 25Summary Review
The BMW i3 is a compact electric car and was the first European EV to market in the US. BMW broke the mold when it created this fresh approach to motoring.
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
- Ultra-green construction with low carbon footprint
- Unique styling
- Vegan interior options
- Polarizing styling
- Limited space for its price point
- Poor reliability score
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Rear-wheel drive only
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
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Trim Levels
Base, s
Trim Levels
S, S PLUS, SL PLUS, SV, SV PLUS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
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:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
147 hp
Torque:
236 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.042 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
MPGe:
124 / 102 / 113
Range (city/hwy):
153 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
42 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
123 / 99 / 111
Range (city/hwy):
150 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
40 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
8 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 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:
2972 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3501 lbs
Width:
70.5 inches
Height:
61.4 inches
Length:
176.4 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
