BMW i3 vs Nissan Leaf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Nissan Leaf
Overview
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Nissan LeafS+ |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | S+ |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | electric |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Engine type | electric | electric |
| Model year | 2021 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Nissan LeafS+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,450 | $29,990 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Nissan LeafS+ |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPGe | 113 MPGe | 121 MPGe (best) |
| Electric range | 153 mi | 303 mi (best) |
| Battery capacity | 42 kWh | 75 kWh (best) |
| 240V charge time | 7 hr (best) | 12 hr |
Performance
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Nissan LeafS+ |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 168 hp | 214 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft (best) |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Nissan LeafS+ |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 36.9 cu ft | 55.5 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,972 lbs (best) | 4,187 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | 5.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 105.9 in (best) |
| Length | 158.3 in | 173.4 in (best) |
| Width | 69.9 in | 71.3 in (best) |
| Height | 62.9 in (best) | 61.3 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Nissan LeafS+ |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 2 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW i3 | Nissan Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $44,450 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S+ $29,990 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $48,300 MSRP | SV+ $34,230 MSRP |
| 3 | — | Platinum+ $38,990 MSRP |
BMW i3 vs Nissan Leaf FAQ
- Which is better: 2021 BMW i3 or 2026 Nissan Leaf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2021 BMW i3 vs 2026 Nissan Leaf on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2021 BMW i3 or 2026 Nissan Leaf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Nissan Leaf starts lower at $29,990.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2021 BMW i3 or 2026 Nissan Leaf?
- The 2026 Nissan Leaf leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (29,990).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2021 BMW i3 or 2026 Nissan Leaf?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2021 BMW i3 or 2026 Nissan Leaf?
- The 2026 Nissan Leaf leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (303).
- Which has better horsepower: 2021 BMW i3 or 2026 Nissan Leaf?
- The 2026 Nissan Leaf leads on horsepower in this comparison (214).
- Which has better seats: 2021 BMW i3 or 2026 Nissan Leaf?
- The 2026 Nissan Leaf leads on seats in this comparison (5).