
The 2016 Nissan Leaf is by far the world's most popular electric car, though in its sixth year, competitors often best it in specific areas.
Still, it remains a smart, well-developed package, and by far the most widely distributed battery-electric car in the country.
Its strongest competition among battery-electric cars may be the smaller but much higher-tech BMW i3, with its optional range-extending engine—though at 82 or 73 miles of the range, the BMWs have fallen behind the Leaf.
The Ford Focus Electric is a much closer package, but its 76-mile range and 3.3-kw charger handicap it.
Then there's the amazing Tesla Model S, with higher ranges but a price that starts at more than twice that of a base Leaf S.
This year's new Chevy Volt has a much longer electric range of 53 miles, and a quieter, more powerful engine to eliminate recharging stops and range anxiety—we think it'll be strong competition, though it costs more than all but a top-level Leaf.
Finally, Ford C-Max Energi offers a nominal electric range of 18 miles in a tall, compact hatchback body and is nicer inside than the Leaf.
It also performs better, but its cargo capacity is compromised by its battery pack under the load bay.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2016 Nissan Leaf remains a somewhat appliance-like drive, but its new range rating of 107 miles raises it to the top of its class—and it's still smooth, quiet, and calming to drive. |
The 2016 BMW i3 is a futuristic and different kind of car, not just a new take on what a BMW represents. |
The new 2016 Chevy Volt improves on its predecessor in every way that counts, and its 53-mile range is unsurpassed among plug-in hybrids—meaning its biggest weak spot is GM’s ability to explain and market it. |
The 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi offer a sportier alternative to the Toyota Prius range that feels premium inside and more capable on the road. |
The 2016 Ford Focus Electric is fun to drive, though its range is lower than the Nissan Leaf and others; its "regular car" looks may appeal to some, but it's sold only in small numbers in a handful of markets. |
There's still no direct competition for the 2016 Tesla Model S, which offers elegant design, 240 miles or more of all-electric range, and jaw-dropping acceleration in the higher-end models. It's one of a kind. |
MSRP From | |||||
$29,010 | $42,400 | $33,170 | $24,170 | $29,170 | $68,000 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
43 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 40 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | ||||
Engine | |||||
Electric | Electric | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Electric | Electric |
EPA Class | |||||
Mid-Size Cars | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Large Cars | Compact Cars | Large Cars |
Style Name | |||||
4-Door HB S *Ltd Avail* | 4-Door HB | 5-Door HB LT | 5-Door HB SE | 5-Door HB | 2016.5 4-Door Sedan RWD 60 |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback 2016.5 |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | CVT w/OD | Automatic | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2016 Nissan Leaf vs. 2016 BMW i3 | 2016 Nissan Leaf vs. 2016 Chevrolet Volt | 2016 Nissan Leaf vs. 2016 Ford C-Max | 2016 Nissan Leaf vs. 2016 Ford Focus Electric | 2016 Nissan Leaf vs. 2016 Tesla Model S |