Tesla Model Y vs. Nissan LEAF
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model Y and Nissan LEAF 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 Tesla Model Y and the Nissan LEAF.
When comparing the Tesla Model Y's and the Nissan LEAF's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model Y has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. The Nissan LEAF has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model Y's and the Nissan LEAF's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model Y is a better car than the Nissan LEAF.
Pricing: A used 2024 Tesla Model Y ranges from $39,977 to $51,617 while a used 2024 Nissan LEAF is priced between $17,999 to $38,610.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model Y loses 53.4 percent of its value and the Nissan LEAF loses 55.6 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model Y retains 2.2 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 Tesla Model Y’s base engine makes 295 horsepower, and the Nissan LEAF base engine makes 147 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Tesla Model Y and the Nissan LEAF have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$42,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$58,979
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$42,990 - $78,800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$23,419 - $38,719
Starting MSRP:
$28,140
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$44,827
Price Range:
$39,977 - $51,617
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$55,976
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$44,827 - $62,714
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,683
Price Range:
$17,999 - $38,610
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
187
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
503
# Good or Great Deals:
6
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$23,791
Depreciation %:
55.3%
Resale Value $:
$19,199
Residual Value %:
44.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
67.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
53.3% - 68.2%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$16,366
Depreciation %:
58.2%
Resale Value $:
$11,774
Residual Value %:
41.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan LEAF Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
6.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model Y
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan LEAF
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
128.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 128.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Tesla Model Y Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 44Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
7 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
11 out of / 44Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 44Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 44Ranking
21 out of / 44Nissan LEAF Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
16 out of / 26Summary Review
The Tesla Model Y is a two-row, five-passenger crossover. An optional third row with two jump seats is also available in some trims. Like every Tesla, it offers great performance bang for the buck, with acceleration that surpasses most gas-powered crossovers in its price range.
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.
Pros and Cons
- Roomier than its sibling the Model 3
- Optional third row
- Segment-leading range
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
- Some early reliability issues
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Base, Long Range, Performance
Nissan LEAF Trim Levels
S, SV PLUS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp
Torque:
309 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
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
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
260 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity :
67.6 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
9.4 hours (240V)
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)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
34.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
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
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
30 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4154 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
64 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Deep Blue Pearl
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Glacier White
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Not available
