2012 Nissan Leaf vs. Its Competition
What’s this?
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
They both deliver smooth, all-electric power. They both plug into the wall to recharge their... Read More
- #3LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2901ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 1950COMMENTS POSTED
The 2012 Nissan Leaf now faces a pair of competing battery-electric vehicles, the Ford Focus Electric and the Mitsubishi i, with more on the way in future years.
The Focus Electric hatchback is likely to be sold in much smaller numbers than the Leaf, leading some to question Ford's commitment, and the Mitsubishi 'i' four-seat minicar is significantly smaller inside.
As for the Chevy Volt, its range-extending engine removes concerns over range anxiety but adds complexity, not to mention price--it's almost $5K more expensive than the Leaf.
The largest volume competitor to the Leaf may be the plug-in version of the iconic Toyota Prius hybrid that will go on sale early in 2012.
It offers an electric range of just 9 to 13 miles, after which it becomes a standard hybrid, but it may be the "safest" way to start plugging in for part of your driving, and it has the Prius name as a guarantee of security.
Among conventional hybrids, not only the standard Prius but also the Lexus CT 200h compact hybrid hatchback are roughly comparable to the Leaf range in size and price.
 2012 Nissan LeafGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Chevrolet VoltGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Lexus CT 200hGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Mitsubishi i |  2012 Toyota PriusGet FREE Price Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||||
| Meta Rating | ||||
The 2012 Nissan Leaf is, quite simply, the first battery electric vehicle built in volume by any major carmaker; if you can get comfortable with its range of 70 to 100 miles, it's the greenest car you can buy. | The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is the plug-in electric car you drive as far as you want--if you can find one to buy. | The 2012 Lexus CT 200h is a surprisingly stylish, fun, and unexpected car, blending Lexus levels of refinement with superb hybrid gas mileage. It's the sole compact luxury hybrid hatch, but it offers good value and a new way of driving green. | Want a practical electric car for commuting, or as a second car? The 2012 Mitsubishi i is the simply the most affordable and efficient pick. | The 2012 Toyota Prius remains the highest-mileage car offered in the U.S., and it's a practical and capacious mid-size hatchback with room for five |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $35,200 | $39,145 | $29,120 | N/A | $23,015 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 35 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 43 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 51 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy | ||
| Engine | ||||
| Electric | Electric/Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | N/A | Gas/Electric I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Midsize | Compact Cars | Compact | N/A | Midsize Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4dr HB SV | 5dr HB | FWD 4dr Hybrid | N/A | 5dr HB One (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | N/A | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 4 | 5 | N/A | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door Hatchback | Hatchback | 4 Door Hatchback | N/A | Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | N/A | Continuously Variable Ratio |
More From High Gear Media
![Algae [source: VentureBeat]](http://static.hgmsites.net/images/cache/algae-source-venturebeat_100388298_120x80.jpg "U.S. Perfectly Placed For Algae-Based Biofuel Production")
