Nissan LEAF vs. Volkswagen Golf
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan LEAF and Volkswagen 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 Golf.
When we compare the Nissan LEAF's and the Volkswagen 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 interior volume. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Nissan LEAF and Volkswagen Golf have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan LEAF's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Nissan LEAF.
Pricing: A used 2021 Nissan LEAF ranges from $10,997 to $23,878 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $14,517 to $22,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan LEAF loses 64.5 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 41.7 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 22.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan LEAF.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan LEAF is 7.3 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Nissan LEAF being ranked 2 out of 30 Best Electric Cars and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 14 out of 37 Best Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan LEAF is 7.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan LEAF.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Nissan LEAF and the Volkswagen Golf makes 147 horsepower. The LEAF is rated to deliver an average of 123 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 150 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles.This gives the Nissan LEAF the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Golf the advantage in maximum range. The LEAF uses electricity, and the Golf uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan LEAF, a electric compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Golf, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Nissan LEAF and the Volkswagen Golf have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
31670
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
33805
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
31670 - 36500
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
23195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
21197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
15295 - 28695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
15907
Price Range:
10997 - 23878
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
16392
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
15907 - 17179
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
27
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42980
# Good or Great Deals:
11
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18641
Price Range:
14517 - 22997
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
19841
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
11819 - 28783
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
15
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67675
# Good or Great Deals:
6
Nissan LEAF Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Volkswagen Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan LEAF
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.3
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 Golf
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
13.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
4.8 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.133
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.0954081421316997
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
1.3 - 5.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9188929339555512
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.1 - 12.4
Nissan LEAF Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
25 out of / 30Volkswagen Golf Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
10 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
13 out of / 37Ranking
14 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Ranking
26 out of / 37Ranking
32 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan LEAF Trim Levels
S, S PLUS, SL PLUS, SV, SV PLUS
Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels
TSI
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:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp
Torque:
236 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.042 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
123 / 99 / 111
Range (city/hwy):
150 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
40 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
8 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 39 / 33
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 515 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
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:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
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 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:
17.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
110.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3501 lbs
Width:
70.5 inches
Height:
61.4 inches
Length:
176.4 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2945 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
58.2 inches
Length:
167.6 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 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
Silk Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
White Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Beige
Beige
