Updated May 25 2022

The electrification of vehicles is becoming more and more popular and is starting to make its way into a growing number of models from different manufacturers. The Nissan Leaf has been on the road for more than 10 years and is still the best-selling electric car in the world; Hyundai has an all-new electric Hyundai Kona: can it compete with the Leaf and rise to the challenge?

Watch an electrifying duel between a proven Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and an upstart Hyundai: find out how they differ in terms of space, powertrain, amenities and much more.

No SUV Advantage

First of all, there’s a notable difference between these two vehicles, as the Leaf is a compact car while the Kona is a subcompact SUV; however, where one might expect an SUV to offer all-wheel drive, this one doesn’t: consequently, it doesn’t earn any points in this respect.

Among the other features of the SUV, it should logically be more spacious and family-friendly; however, on this aspect, the Nissan Leaf is surprisingly more interesting, offering a much more spacious cabin, especially for the rear passengers.

The same goes for cargo capacity: the SUV doesn’t outperform the compact, with the Leaf having a 23 cubic foot trunk while the Kona only offers 19 cubic feet.

Electric Powertrains

In addition, since 2020 the Nissan Leaf range has expanded: Nissan added a new 62 kWh battery, offering the option of a Leaf or Leaf Plus. This Nissan Leaf battery is even more powerful and autonomous, developing 214 horsepower. Even more, Auto Aubaine reporter Jean-Sébastien Poudrier points out that it offers more than just power:

“It’s a surprisingly refined car and it’s even very fun to drive.”

On the Kona’s side, there’s only one battery choice, a 64 kWh developing 201 horsepower.

The Leaf has a lot more experience and has made great steps over the years in terms of charging speed, among other things. Although the Kona’s fast charge time is respectable at 75 minutes, the Leaf only requires 40 minutes!

In short, here’s how the two models differ:

Nissan Leaf Canada: More Amenities at Nissan

From a comfort standpoint, the Nissan Leaf Canada’s interior is not only more spacious, but also offers more amenities, such as heated front and rear seats, while only front passengers benefit from heated seats in the Kona. In addition, the 8-way adjustable seats are featured in the Leaf’s plus version.

On the technology side, the offering is similar, with technologies such as:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Bluetooth

• Voice commands

• Etc.

However, the Leaf’s 8-inch screen is slightly larger than the Kona’s 7-inch screen, and includes navigation in all versions except the S.

Both models also incorporate advanced driver assistance technologies such as:

• Blind spot warning system

• Forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection

• Driver attention deficit alert

• And so on

To this, however, Nissan adds the advanced ProPILOT system that helps you drive with intelligent cruise control and steering assistance.

Experience Wins Over Novelty

The Hyundai Kona and the Nissan Leaf are priced in roughly the same range and run a close race. Is Nissan a good car? There is no doubt that it has a good head start in terms of:

• Comfort

• Space

• Choice of engines

• And various details that make the difference

The Nissan Leaf reviews as well as its sales show it well: it is a fierce competitor. As for the Hyundai SUV, it is still in its initial stages.

A Nissan Leaf for sale awaits you at Nissan Charlevoix, located along Route 138 on the Côte-Nord, near Pointe-Lebel and Chute-aux-Outardes.