Nissan LEAF vs. Volkswagen e-Golf
In comparing the Nissan LEAF to the Volkswagen e-Golf, the Nissan LEAF has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Volkswagen e-Golf has the advantage in the area of interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Nissan LEAF versus the Volkswagen e-Golf, the Nissan LEAF is a better car than the Volkswagen e-Golf.
Nissan LEAF vs. Volkswagen e-Golf Pricing
A used 2019 Nissan LEAF ranges from $17,721 to $29,671 while a used 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf is priced between $19,044 to $26,897.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Nissan LEAF’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Volkswagen e-Golf base engine makes 134 horsepower. The LEAF is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 150 miles. The e-Golf is rated to deliver an average of 126 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 125 miles. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the LEAF is 8 hours (240V), while the charge time for the e-Golf is 3.7 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are electric compact cars, the Volkswagen e-Golf 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 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Nissan LEAF has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$17,721 - $29,671
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
65.1%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$19,044 - $26,897
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
58.2%
Nissan LEAF Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
6.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen e-Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Nissan LEAF Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
14 out of / 15Ranking
19 out of / 25Volkswagen e-Golf Rankings
Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
12 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 VW e-Golf was a four-door compact hatchback. The electric version was a derivative of VW's legendary Golf which has been a staple car for commuters worldwide for decades.
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
- It’s got all the practical design elements of a traditional Golf
- Fun to drive
- Limited used car availability
- Officially canceled (December 2020)
- Early models had less than 100 miles range
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Nissan LEAF Trim Levels
S, S PLUS, SL, SL PLUS, SV, SV PLUS
Volkswagen e-Golf Trim Levels
SE, SEL Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 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):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
147 hp
Torque:
236 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.043 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
134 hp
Torque:
214 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.039 hp per pound
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)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
126 / 111 / 119
Range (city/hwy):
125 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
35.8 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
3.7 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
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:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
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:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.3 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3459 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
168.1 inches
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
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:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
