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.
When 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 area of interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Nissan LEAF's and the Volkswagen e-Golf's specifications and ratings, the Nissan LEAF is a better car than the Volkswagen e-Golf.
Pricing: A used 2019 Nissan LEAF ranges from $8,500 to $17,997 while a used 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf is priced between $12,497 to $19,998.
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 35 hours (120V).
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.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
29990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
32205
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
29990 - 36620
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
31895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
32205
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
29990 - 36620
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
13354
Price Range:
8500 - 17997
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
14768
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
13354 - 16533
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
49
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
52817
# Good or Great Deals:
11
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
16533
Price Range:
12497 - 19998
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
14768
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
13354 - 16533
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
12
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
48204
# Good or Great Deals:
5
Nissan LEAF Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Volkswagen e-Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan LEAF
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.0
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen e-Golf
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.3639822087002935
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
1.1 - 5.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.114666197577744
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
1.1 - 5.3
Nissan LEAF Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 34Volkswagen e-Golf Rankings
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.
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp
Torque:
236 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.043 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
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:
35 hours (120V)
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
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 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:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Deep Blue Pearl
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Atlantic Blue Metallic
Gray
Indium Gray Metallic / Urano Gray
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
