Nissan LEAF vs. Tesla Model 3
In comparing the Nissan LEAF to the Tesla Model 3, the Nissan LEAF has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan LEAF versus the Tesla Model 3, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Nissan LEAF versus Tesla Model 3 Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Nissan LEAF ranges from $22,585 to $34,984 while a used Tesla Model 3 from the same model year range is priced between $41,999 to $61,797.
Nissan LEAF versus Tesla Model 3 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan LEAF is 8.1 out of 10 while the Tesla Model 3's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Nissan LEAF being ranked 2 out of 15 Best Small Electric Cars and the Tesla Model 3 being ranked 1 out of 15. Out of 25 Best Electric Cars, the Nissan LEAF is ranked 25 and the Tesla Model 3 is ranked 2.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Nissan LEAF’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 201 horsepower.
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 and trunk space. The 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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$28,836 - $41,927
Used Asking Price:
$22,585 - $34,984
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
65.1%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$41,999 - $61,797
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.2%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
6.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 25Summary 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.
Summary 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.
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
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
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Trim Levels
SV PLUS, S
Trim Levels
Long Range, Base, Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
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:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
147 hp
Torque:
236 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.042 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
258 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
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)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
127 / 126 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
267 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
60 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
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:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
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:
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:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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
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:
22.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3880 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum
Tire Size:
235/45R18
