Nissan LEAF vs. Volkswagen e-Golf

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan LEAF and Volkswagen e-Golf 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 Nissan LEAF and the Volkswagen e-Golf.

In comparing the Nissan LEAF's and the Volkswagen e-Golf's specifications and ratings, 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 areas of resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Nissan LEAF's and the Volkswagen e-Golf's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: A used 2019 Nissan LEAF ranges from $11,929 to $19,999 while a used 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf is priced between $14,000 to $22,997.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan LEAF loses 55.6 percent of its value and the Volkswagen e-Golf loses 47.2 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen e-Golf retains 8.4 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 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.This gives the Volkswagen e-Golf the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan LEAF the advantage in maximum range. 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: 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, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: The Nissan LEAF has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.