Mitsubishi i-MiEV vs. Nissan LEAF
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV 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 Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Nissan LEAF.
When comparing the Mitsubishi i-MiEV's and the Nissan LEAF's specifications and ratings, The Nissan LEAF has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV's and the Nissan LEAF's specifications and ratings, the Nissan LEAF is a better car than the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s base engine makes 66 horsepower, and the Nissan LEAF base engine makes 107 horsepower. The i-MiEV is rated to deliver an average of 121 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 62 miles. The LEAF is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 84 miles. This gives the Nissan LEAF the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the i-MiEV is 7 hours (240V), while the charge time for the LEAF is 8 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan LEAF has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: The Nissan LEAF has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,010
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$30,949
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$29,010 - $36,620
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
33,567
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$10,144
Price Range:
$6,900 - $14,540
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$13,641
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$10,144 - $15,511
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
30
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
52,738
# Good or Great Deals:
13
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
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 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan LEAF
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
1.5 - 7.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
2.1 - 5.8
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Rankings
Not yet available
Nissan LEAF Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
16 out of / 26Summary Review
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV was a micro-car originally developed for other markets and then brought to the United States in extremely low numbers. Less than 2,000 were sold in America over its entire span of availability from 2011 to 2014.
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
- Low range and small size mean a low purchase price
- Not a US-market-sized vehicle
- 62-mile range
- Questionable service network
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
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Trim Levels
ES
Nissan LEAF Trim Levels
S, S-24, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
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):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
66 hp
Torque:
145 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.026 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
107 hp
Torque:
187 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.033 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
MPGe:
121 / 102 / 112
Range (city/hwy):
62 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not yet available
Maximum Charging Rate:
7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
124 / 101 / 112
Range (city/hwy):
84 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
24 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
8 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
35.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
33.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
34.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
30 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
13.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.9 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:
33.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.5 inches
Cargo Space:
23.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2579 lbs
Width:
62.4 inches
Height:
63.6 inches
Length:
144.7 inches
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3256 lbs
Width:
69.7 inches
Height:
61 inches
Length:
175 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 4.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
145/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Labrador Black Pearl
Silver
Cool Silver Metallic
White
Diamond White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White / Pearl White
Blue
Deep Blue Pearl
Brown
Forged Bronze
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Coulis Red
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
