TV advertisements and car dealership lots are suddenly full of electric SUVs. As America’s automakers electrify their lineups, they’re starting with the vehicles Americans buy most. That means lots and lots of compact and midsize SUVs.
Among them are a pair of versatile entries, the Kia Niro EV and the Nissan Leaf. Either one could make a grand entry to electric driving, but they each have different virtues. Let’s see how these two compare.
2025 Kia Niro EV
The 2025 Kia Niro is one of the most versatile cars on the market. Kia sells it as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a pure electric vehicle (EV). It blends the advantages of a hatchback and an SUV, providing easy driving character and a big cargo hold in a package small enough to parallel park easily in a tight gap. It was once a forgettable-looking car, but a recent redesign gave it the option of a unique two-tone color scheme has made it noticeable. Prices start at $40,975.
Kia Niro EV Highlights
You’ll like how your car looks: The Niro was once a car you might describe as “eh…a car.” Now, it’s cool. The difference? The Niro boasts raised air vents at the C-pillars called “aero blades.” They’re technically functional as air vents, helping reduce wind noise. But they also look sharp, particularly when painted in a contrasting color from the rest of the bodywork. You can get the Niro painted in a solid color if you prefer.
Upscale cabin: Designers are leaning into clean, modernist looks for their EVs, but Kia’s team has outdone itself. The Niro’s cabin looks excellent, with a dual-screen display housed in a single bezel to look like one big, curved screen. Available metal pedals lend it a stylish edge.
The longest warranty in the business: Kia gives its vehicles a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That provides financial predictability for longer than most manufacturers, including Nissan.
Read our Kia Niro EV Expert Review or see 2025 Kia Niro EV models for sale near you.
2025 Nissan Leaf
Like the Niro EV, the Nissan Leaf got a recent makeover with slightly revised exterior styling and a slimmed-down lineup of trims. The Leaf is offered in base S format and range-topping SV Plus. The latter provides a more robust driving range, though it costs thousands more than the standard version. Pricing for the 2024 Leaf starts at $29,280.
Nissan Leaf Highlights
Affordable price: There’s no doubt about it; the Nissan Leaf is an excellent deal for anyone who wants an electric car and doesn’t want to pay a lot of money. The entry-level 2025 Leaf S has a starting price of $29,280, while the Leaf SV Plus rings in at $37,330. If you need the added range provided in the SV Plus, the price difference might be worth it.
Reasonable driving range: Even in range-topping trim, the Nissan Leaf doesn’t have the legs of the new Niro EV. Still, considering its price, the Leaf provides a decent range for daily driving. The base Leaf S trim manages 149 miles, while the upmarket SV Plus offers 212 miles per charge.
Low running costs: You could say this about almost any EV, though the Leaf’s low sticker price makes it a veritable bargain among electric cars. It might not be the newest kid on the block, but it should be noted the Leaf has a strong record for reliability.
Read our Nissan Leaf Expert Review or see 2025 Nissan Leaf models for sale near you.
Similarities
Practical size, easy to park, room for five, long lineup of standard safety features, standard Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, upward swinging rear hatch doors.
Conclusion
The Kia Niro EV has a sporty design and a richly outfitted interior. While it doesn’t rewrite the rulebook regarding power or driving range, the new Niro EV is a well-rounded and attractive proposition. The Nissan Leaf is a solid and practical choice for anyone who prefers a low price and doesn’t need oodles of speed or range. A modest refresh last year still feels fresh among the growing competition.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Niro EV vehicles and New 2025 Nissan LEAF vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specs
| 2025 Kia Niro EV | 2025 Nissan Leaf | |
| Powertrain | ||
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Battery Pack | 64 kWh; 294 cells | 40 kWh |
| EV Range | 253 miles | 149 miles |
| Also available | Hybrid, PHEV | 60 kWh battery, 212-mile range |
| Specs | ||
| Basic warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 174.0 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 70.5 inches |
| Height | 61.8 inches | 61.5 – 61.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 34.8 – 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.5 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.1 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.5 inches | 42.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.9 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.3 inches | 54.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.4 inches | 52.5 inches |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 22.8/63.7 cubic feet | 23.6/30.0 cubic feet |
