Although the Toyota Prius is one of the most popular automobiles ever, the Nissan Leaf was the world’s best-selling electric car until the Tesla Model 3 overtook it in 2020.
The power source is the difference between the Nissan Leaf and the Toyota Prius. The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric vehicle, whereas the Toyota Prius is a hybrid.
Prius Prime is Toyota’s plug-in hybrid, which debuted just a few years after Leaf, its main competitor. Both vehicles have numerous advantages, but we’re here to determine which is the best. Prius Vs Leaf.
Toyota Prius Overview
There isn’t a single person on the planet who hasn’t heard of the Toyota Prius. Prius has been around since 1997 and is considered the emblem of the hybrid movement.
The petrol-powered internal combustion engine and large-capacity batteries proved to be an excellent complement. Prius may outperform any vintage petrol-powered automobile in terms of fuel economy while still delivering reasonable power and reliability. Prius Vs Leaf.
The Toyota Prius is divided into four generations:
- The first generation is separated into two parts: NHW10 (1997-2000), which was only available in Japan, and NHW11 (2000-2003), which was available worldwide.
- From 2003 to 2009, the second generation was produced.
- From 2009 through 2015, the third generation was produced.
- The fourth-generation began production in 2015 and continues to this day.
Nissan Leaf Overview
Nissan Leaf production began in 2010 and has continued till this day. By 2020, half a million will have been sold worldwide, with 114,827 sold in the United States alone. It has a 5-door hatchback body shape and is categorized as a subcompact or small family car.
The electric motor is located in the front and is responsible for driving the front wheels.
Warranty Direct published a report in 2015 detailing the failure rate of Nissan Leaf battery packs in Europe. A total of 50,000 automobiles, ranging in age from 3 to 6, were used in the study.
The tests were carried out over a five-year period, and the results revealed that the Nissan Leaf had a battery failure rate of less than 0.01 percent — a total of three incidents. Cars that rely on fossil fuels have a much higher failure rate of 0.255 percent.
The ongoing modifications made to extend the range and produce modest quality improvements are what make Leaf’s production unique. The first generation was manufactured from 2010 to 2017, after which the second generation took over and is still being manufactured today.
Nissan Leaf vs Toyota Prius vs Toyota Prius Prime
The fundamental distinctions between the Nissan Leaf and the two Toyota Prius models – traditional and plug-in hybrid – will be discussed in the next section. Prius Vs Leaf.
The most important consideration is the power source, but I’ll also include information on safety, fuel efficiency, interior comfort, and features to help you make the best decision possible.
Because the Nissan Leaf did not exist prior to 2010, I will limit my coverage of Prius vehicles to the third and fourth generations, as the older models had no direct competitors.
Powertrain
The Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Prius Prime are three automobiles that are fundamentally different. The leaf is an all-electric vehicle that runs on batteries and must be recharged by plugging it into a power source.
The Toyota Prius uses gasoline like a typical automobile, but with the help of the electric motor and batteries, it consumes less. The Prius Prime retains the gasoline engine but expands on the hybrid concept with large-capacity batteries that require plug-in recharging.
Fuel Consumption
The average fuel consumption throughout the combined drive is shown in the table below. Because the Nissan Leaf is an all-electric vehicle, the table shows the maximum range with fully charged batteries rather than miles per gallon. Prius Vs Leaf.
The data was taken entirely from the website of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as it is the most reliable and objective source.
| Model Year | Nissan Leaf | Toyota Prius | Toyota Prius Prime |
| 2010-2012 | 73 miles | 48 MPG | 95 MPG |
| 2013 | 75 miles | 48 MPG | 95 MPG |
| 2014-2015 | 84 miles | 48 MPG | 95 MPG |
| 2016 | 107 miles | 52 MPG | 95 MPG |
| 2017 – 2019 | 151 miles | 56 MPG | 133 MPG |
| 2020-2021 | 226 miles | 56 MPG | 133 MPG |
The Nissan Leaf’s range was initially restricted, but it was steadily increased over time because of greater regenerative braking, weight reduction, superior aerodynamics, and, of course, larger batteries.
The major changes have been in battery size, with the Leaf starting with a 24 kWh battery, increasing to 30 kWh in 2016, 40 kWh in the second generation, and 62 kWh in the Leaf Plus.
It would take 2.5 days to charge the 62 kWh battery using a 120V outlet, so a 240V outlet or a fast-charging station is advised.
The Toyota Prius improved more linearly from 48 to 56 miles per gallon, which is much better than any conventional vehicle. The Toyota Prius Prime can run in the same manner as a standard Prius but gets a little lower MPG.
The Prius Prime shines when the batteries are fully charged, with the first model reaching 95 MPG. Toyota engineers were able to boost that figure, even more, bringing it up to 133 miles per gallon!
Prius Prime appears to be the apparent victor on the surface, but it’s not that straightforward. To begin with, the 133 MPG range is only possible with a fully charged battery.
The second limitation is that the battery is only 8.8 kWh, which means it will take 5 hours to charge at home and will only go 25 miles.
The range can be enhanced with the help of the petrol engine, which is where the 133 MPG comes from.
Prime will use almost no fuel throughout the daily commute or city travel if charged on a regular basis. It’s no different than a standard Prius when you’re on a lengthy trip.
Fuel Consumption – Which is the Best?
Choosing the greatest car for fuel economy and range is dependent on the model year you’re looking at.
Because of the short range and high cost of battery changes, Leaf has lagged behind Prius and Prius Prime from 2010 to 2016. Keep in mind that certain versions are 6 to 11 years old, and batteries will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Despite its widespread appeal, Nissan has yet to introduce a restoration program in the United States. Replacing the smallest, 24 kWh batteries will set you back at least $5,000. If you don’t mind the normal constraint of an EV – restricted range – the second-generation (2017+) is a wonderful choice.
Prior to 2016, the Toyota Prius was the winner, but after that, it tied with the Prius Prime. What has astonished me is the cost of the Prius hybrid battery.
Prius Prime batteries are twice as expensive as standard Prius batteries, which start at $2,000 each. Despite the Toyota batteries’ identical cost of replacement to the Nissan Leaf, I would still choose the Toyota batteries due to the Leaf’s limited range.
Objectively, the Prius Prime should be the best option, but there’s one stumbling block: the price. The most affordable Prius costs around $24,500, while the most affordable Prime costs around $28,200. With higher trim levels, the price disparity narrows.
Given that the standard Nissan Leaf costs $31,620, or $7,000 more than a new Prius, don’t expect to see a profit, especially given how well Prius holds its value. While charging an electric vehicle is less expensive, it is not free.
However, if your state offers tax breaks and incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle, Leaf will re-enter the race.
Power Output
The electric motor of the Nissan Leaf’s first iteration produces 110 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque, which is adequate for a compact car.
With the second generation, the power output is boosted to 148 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, which is a huge increase.
The third-generation Prius performs admirably thanks to the electric motor’s assistance, producing 134 horsepower and 142 Nm from the 1.8L petrol engine.
I couldn’t locate an accurate figure for the fourth generation’s combined power, so instead I’ll give you the individual figures. The gasoline engine produces 121 horsepower and torque of 142 Nm, while the electric motor produces 71 horsepower.
The petrol engine in the Prius Prime is the same as in the normal Prius, and the electric powertrain does not contribute to an increase in power.
The truth is that none of these vehicles are very thrilling to drive. They’re designed to provide a cost-effective and dependable ride, and at around 3,400 pounds, they’re the heaviest vehicle in their class.
The first generation of Nissan Leaf is the least capable, yet there is no clear winner in this category because all vehicles perform similarly in their respective roles.
Safety
Because of its similarities to the conventional Prius, Euro NCAP does not have official statistics for the Toyota Prius Prime.
After reviewing the IIHS ratings, I can affirm that the variations between the two are minor and that the variances are primarily due to headlamps.
The first table compares the Leaf’s first generation with the Prius’ third generation. Both got top safety pick accolades from IIHS after passing the tests with a five-star rating and outstanding individual ratings.
| Safety | 2012 Nissan Leaf | 2009 Toyota Prius |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Adult Occupant | 89% | 88% |
| Child Occupant | 83% | 82% |
| Pedestrian | 65% | 68% |
| Safety Assist | 84% | 86% |
The second-generation Nissan Leaf and the fourth-generation Toyota Prius have a larger gap between them. Toyota’s safety aid technologies won by a wide margin, and it continued to obtain IIHS top safety pick accolades with the Prius Prime.
The IIHS gave the 2017 Nissan a low rating in small overlap front: driver-side, which was addressed with the 2018 model. It did, however, keep its top safety pick classification.
| Safety | 2018 Nissan Leaf | 2016 Toyota Prius |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Adult Occupant | 93% | 92% |
| Child Occupant | 86% | 82% |
| Pedestrian | 71% | 77% |
| Safety Assist | 71% | 85% |
No matter the model you choose, you won’t make a mistake in terms of safety. Check the IIHS, Euro NCAP, and NHTSA for any unforeseen safety concerns or recalls once you’ve found a vehicle you like.
Interior
It’s crucial to think about the interior room while buying a compact car. Because the normal Prius Prime and the plug-in Prius Prime are nearly identical, I’ll refer to them as Prius.
| Model | 1st Gen Nissan Leaf | 3rd Gen Toyota Prius |
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 inches | 51.2 inches |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.3 inches | 36.0 inches |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.5 inches | 53.1 inches |
The main differences between Leaf and Prius can be seen in the back row. If you’re going to drive adults, you’ll appreciate the extra 2.7 inches of legroom in Prius.
On the other hand, Leaf isn’t meant for long-distance travel, so the reduced legroom might not matter all that much.
| Model | 2st Gen Nissan Leaf | 4rd Gen Toyota Prius |
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 inches | 51.9 inches |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.5 inches | 33.4 inches |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.5 inches | 53.0 inches |
The reasons for this modification are unknown to me, however, the current Prius has less legroom than previous models.
The dimensions of the Leaf stayed the same, with the exception of a 0.2′′ increase in rear legroom, which puts it just ahead of the Prius. Both vehicles will be comfortable as daily commutes and for short trips, but neither will impress with their interior capacity.
Comfort & Convenience
Because they’re in direct competition, the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius have identical equipment packages.
Keyless entry, radio, and cruise controls on the steering wheel, single-zone front air conditioning, a rearview camera, and electronic power steering are all standard on the 2021 versions. Toyota’s cruise control is adaptive, while the Leaf’s is standard.
AUX and USB input, USB connectivity, and AM/FM stereo are all supported by audio entertainment systems. There are six internal speakers in the Prius, but only four in the Leaf. Trims, bundles, and specific choices are available for all three vehicles.
Price
Because the Leaf, Prius, and Prius Prime all have different power systems, it will be one of the deciding considerations in whether or not to buy one. Those power systems, on the other hand, have a direct impact on the final price.
The Toyota Prius is $24,525 in the base L Eco trim. The XLE trim is a higher-end alternative, with a price of $28,575 without a four-wheel drive. The Limited trim is the most expensive, costing $32,650.
Prius Prime starts at $28,200 in base LE trim, which is $3,675 more than the Prius. The XLE trim, on the other hand, costs exactly $30,000, or $1,425 more. Because Prius Prime Limited costs $34,000, the difference between Limited trims is decreased to $1,350.
The Nissan Leaf, an all-electric plug-in vehicle, is another option. The base S trim costs $31,670, which is about the same as the Prius’ top trim. Prices increase by a few thousand dollars with each trim level, with the SL PLUS trim costing $43,970, a staggering $11,320 more than the Prius Limited.
Consider the cost of recharging and any subsidies your state may offer, as the Nissan Leaf is substantially more expensive than either Prius.
The Toyota Prius is a clear winner in base or lower-end trim, saving you a significant amount of money. When you get to the higher-end trims, the price difference with Prius Prime practically equalizes, allowing you to choose based only on the power source.
The Nissan Leaf is much more expensive than its conventional competitors. But, as I previously stated, it is an all-electric car, so there’s no reason not to choose it if that’s what you’re looking for.
Verdict
While each model has advantages, I believe there is a clear winner. Toyota Prius is the most cost-effective vehicle to buy and maintain, from the oldest versions to the most recent. As with the Prius Prime and Leaf, there is no additional high-capacity battery or battery set to replace, which can save you a lot of money if you’re buying a used car.
When new, the Prius Prime is a good alternative, but only if you get it with a higher-end trim. Even if you had a free power supply for a lifetime, the $7,000+ differential between the Leaf and the Model S is too much to recover. That’s not even taking into account the restricted range and high expense of replacing batteries.
My personal opinion, based on all of my studies, is that electric vehicles are not as clean or inexpensive to operate as they claim to be. A hybrid would be my first choice if I were buying a car based on running costs and environmental concerns, and the Toyota Prius/Prius Prime would be near the top of my list. Prius Vs Leaf.
FAQs About Toyota Prius Vs. Nissan Leaf
Which is better Nissan Leaf or Prius?
When comparing the Toyota Prius to the Nissan LEAF, it’s clear that the Prius has a superior build quality. The Prius, for example, has fully independent front and rear suspension, whilst the LEAF has only a semi-independent rear suspension. This improves the smoothness of the Prius’ ride.
Is Nissan Leaf a reliable car?
This model of Leaf had a high score of 95.6 percent in our most recent What Car? Reliability poll, indicating that it should be fairly dependable.
Why is the Nissan Leaf cheap?
Because they don’t have the best range, used Nissan Leafs are extremely inexpensive. The architecture of the Leaf is simple, and replacing the battery can be pricey. Nissan Leaf models that have been used have a high depreciation rate.
Which gen Prius is best?
The current fourth-generation Toyota Prius, which was debuted in 2015, is the finest generation for a Toyota Prius. This generation is widely regarded as having the fewest issues. The third generation was known to have a slew of faults, resulting in a higher than average cost of ownership.
Is it worth to buy a used Prius?
In general, a Prius, new or secondhand, is a dependable vehicle. You can rely on a Prius, and you can drive it wherever and it will return you home. As a result, a used Toyota Prius is well worth the investment.
