Kia Niro EV vs. Nissan LEAF
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Niro EV and Nissan LEAF contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Niro EV and the Nissan LEAF.
When comparing the Kia Niro EV's and the Nissan LEAF's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro EV has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Nissan LEAF has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Kia Niro EV's and the Nissan LEAF's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro EV is a better car than the Nissan LEAF.
Pricing: A used 2024 Kia Niro EV ranges from $29,991 to $47,768 while a used 2024 Nissan LEAF is priced between $17,999 to $38,610. For a new model, the Kia Niro EV's price is between $35,126 and $47,123, with the Nissan LEAF priced between $23,419 and $38,719.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Niro EV loses 50 percent of its value and the Nissan LEAF loses 55.6 percent of its value. This means the Kia Niro EV retains 5.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan LEAF.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Niro EV’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Nissan LEAF base engine makes 147 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Niro EV, a electric SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Nissan LEAF, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Kia Niro EV and the Nissan LEAF have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$35,126 - $47,123
Starting MSRP:
$39,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$36,138
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$32,675 - $39,600
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$23,419 - $38,719
Starting MSRP:
$28,140
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$38,921
Price Range:
$29,991 - $47,768
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$36,379
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
$33,837 - $38,921
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
750
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
270
# Good or Great Deals:
7
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,683
Price Range:
$17,999 - $38,610
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
461
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
82
# Good or Great Deals:
0
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$20,927
Depreciation %:
52.8%
Resale Value $:
$18,673
Residual Value %:
47.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
52.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
51.5% - 52.8%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$16,366
Depreciation %:
58.2%
Resale Value $:
$11,774
Residual Value %:
41.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
Kia Niro EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan LEAF Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
6.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro EV
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan LEAF
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
2.3 - 6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Kia Niro EV Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
11 out of / 44Ranking
29 out of / 44Ranking
34 out of / 44Ranking
41 out of / 44Nissan LEAF Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 27Summary Review
The Kia Niro EV is one of the most practical and engaging five-door electric vehicles sold in America. This is one to carefully consider if you don’t need the functionality of a larger AWD utility vehicle.
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
- Satisfying driving experience
- Kia’s simple and effective infotainment system
- Ample cargo volume - competitive with larger crossovers despite its compact size
- Not a true crossover
- No AWD available
- No spare tire
- Low volume
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
SUV
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Kia Niro EV Trim Levels
Wave, Wind
Nissan LEAF Trim Levels
S, SV PLUS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
188 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp
Torque:
236 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.042 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
126 / 101 / 113
Range (city/hwy):
253 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
65 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
59 hours (120V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
150 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
40 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
8 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.4 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
122.5 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
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
30 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3721 lbs
Width:
71.8 inches
Height:
61.8 inches
Length:
174 inches
Wheelbase:
107 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3509 lbs
Width:
70.5 inches
Height:
61.5 inches
Length:
176.4 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Mineral Blue
Gray
Graphite Gray / Steel Gray
Green
Cityscape Green
Red
Runway Red
White
Snow White Pearl
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Deep Blue Pearl
Gray
Gun Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Glacier White
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Interior Colors
Black
Black
