Electric vehicles have soared in popularity over the past few years. With more models hitting the market offering improved range between charges, an abundance of cutting-edge tech features, and faster charging capabilities, more consumers are realizing EVs can fully meet their needs. But with so many options now available, choosing the right EV can get confusing.
In this comprehensive guide, we compare two compelling electric crossover SUVs — the Kia EV6 and Nissan Leaf. How do these electric vehicles stack up across the attributes shoppers evaluate most: pricing, range per charge, charging speed, interior space, advanced driver assistance and infotainment tech, warranties, ownership costs, and overall value? Read on for a detailed feature-by-feature comparison and our expert recommendations on which model best aligns with your priorities.
Overview of the Kia EV6
Kia entered the all-electric vehicle market just last year with the launch of its acclaimed EV6 crossover. The company had much to prove with its first ground-up EV design, but the EV6 delivered impressive range, brisk acceleration, attractive styling, and abundant tech features at a relatively reasonable starting price.
The EV6 is available in five trim configurations:
- Wind RWD
- Wind AWD
- GT-Line RWD
- GT-Line AWD
- GT
This array of options allows buyers to select based on priorities whether that means maximizing range (Wind RWD goes farthest at 310 miles), adding all-wheel-drive traction (Wind and GT-Line AWD models), or amping up performance even if it lowers range (GT hits 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds).
Pricing, Dimensions and Styling
The entry Wind RWD starts at a Manufacturer‘s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $47,000 before any federal or state incentives are applied. The top-of-the-line GT caps out at $58,500. Dimensionally, the EV6 spans a length of 184.8 inches with a width of 74.4 inches including mirrors. It stands 63 inches tall with a wheelbase of 114.2 inches.
Exterior styling conveys both sportiness and elegance with a swept coupe-like roofline, muscular rear haunches, and modern interpretation of Kia‘s signature "tiger nose" grille. Inside, the EV6 receives universal praise for its premium appointments. Even base versions come loaded with synthetic leather seat upholstery, an impressive dual 12.3-inch curved digital display for instrumentation and infotainment, and neatly integrated ventilation. Higher trims add extras like heated rear seats, a power front passenger seat, and a heated steering wheel.
| Trim | Battery Size | Range (miles) | Horsepower | 0-60 mph (sec) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind RWD | 77.4 kWh | 310 | 225 | 7.2 |
| Wind AWD | 77.4 kWh | 282 | 320 | 6.1 |
Testing by leading consumer automotive research groups like Edmunds confirms that EV6 models match or even slightly exceed Kia‘s estimated range numbers in real-world driving. This dependable range coupled with 800V ultra-fast charging (10 – 80 percent in just 18 minutes) makes road trips easily within reach in the EV6.
Kia also backs the EV6 with excellent warranty protection including:
- 5 years / 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper
- 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain
- Lifetime battery warranty (for original owner)
Overview of the Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf can be credited with bringing electric vehicles into the mainstream when it first launched over a decade ago for the 2011 model year. Today‘s Leaf remains a top selling EV globally thanks to its affordable pricing and continual upgrades over four generations to expand range and feature content.
Nissan keeps things simple with just two 2023 Leaf trim configurations available:
- Leaf S
- Leaf SV Plus
As these names indicate, the SV Plus model offers more range, a larger battery, and extra features over the base S. But you‘ll pay more for the upgrade.
| Trim | Range (miles) | Battery Size | Base MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 150 | 40 kWh | $28,040 |
| SV Plus | 212 | 62 kWh | $36,040 |
Dimensions for the 2023 Leaf check in at 175.6 inches long, 70.5 inches wide and 61.6 inches high including roof rails. Inside, you‘ll find ample room for 5 passengers and decent 23.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Cloth upholstery and manual seat adjustments keep costs low. An 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability handles infotainment duties.
In-Depth Comparison
Now let‘s scrutinize how the Kia EV6 and Nissan Leaf stack up across the categories that matter most:
Range & Charging
The Leaf S offers 150 miles of range. For just around $10 more per day, the Leaf SV Plus extends range to 212 miles. Solid numbers for staying local, but less than ideal for road trips. The EV6 far surpasses both models with a maximum 310 miles range on a charge courtesy of its larger 77.4 kWh battery pack. And when it‘s time to recharge, the Kia‘s 800V multi-charging system can replenish 10 – 80% of capacity in a mere 18 minutes on DC fast charger. The Leaf needs 60 minutes to get an 80% charge.
| Model | Max Range (mi) | Battery Size | Charge Time: 10-80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf S | 150 | 40 kWh | 40 mins |
| Leaf SV Plus | 212 | 62 kWh | 60 mins |
| EV6 Wind RWD | 310 | 77.4 kWh | 18 mins |
Winner: Kia EV6
Performance
Performance focus goes to the Kia EV6 GT trim which boasts an impressive 576 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque from its dual motor powertrain. This allows the EV6 GT to rocket from 0 – 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Nissan doesn’t publish 0-60 times, but expect a leisurely 8+ seconds at best. Handling meshes perfectly with power delivery in the adept EV6 platform. Light, responsive steering provides precision control. The lower center of gravity from the underfloor-mounted battery pack allows the EV6 to corner completely flatly. Ride quality skews more towards firmness than cushy in the EV6 but won‘t punish occupants. Acoustic glass keeps wind and road noise to a minimum.
Winner: Kia EV6
Tech, Safety & Driver Assistance
Nissan equips both Leaf trims with a reasonable roster of infotainment capabilities like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, built-in navigation, Wi-Fi hot spot, voice recognition and Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming. However the EV6 takes things to the next level with those dual 12.3-inch displays, 14-speaker Meridian audio, wireless device charging, multi-Bluetooth support, and integrated cameras that feed the 360-degree surround view — all standard.
For driving assistance and collision avoidance tech, the Leaf SV Plus offers ProPilot Assist which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering assist. The EV6 counters with Kia‘s acclaimed Highway Driving Assist II system takes helps over during highway driving, automatically maintaining distance from the vehicle ahead, centering the EV6 in its lane while also handling lane changes when you activate the turn signal. Blind spot monitoring with live video feed, parking collision avoidance, remote smart parking assist and more give the EV6 a robust self-driving support toolkit.
Winner: Kia EV6
| Safety Tech | Kia EV6 | Nissan Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | SV Plus only |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alerts | Standard | SV Plus only |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | SV Plus only |
| Parking Collision Avoidance | Standard | Not available |
Warranties
Kia distinguishes itself by leading the EV class in warranty coverage. The automaker provides 5 years/60,000 miles of comprehensive bumper-to-bumper protection in addition to 10 years/100,000 miles of coverage for the powertrain. And the EV6 battery is warranted to the original owner for a full lifetime. Nissan response with a still-strong 5 years/100,000 miles for for powertrain components. Brakes, electrical components and restraint systems get 96 months of protection. Roadside assistance spans 36 months. For the ultimate peace of mind, the Kia EV6 has an unbeatable warranty advantage.
Winner: Kia EV6
Ownership & Value Comparison
Affordability has always been a strong suit for the Nissan Leaf. With lower purchase pricing and reduced maintenance needs thanks to regenerative braking limiting use of brake pads, the Leaf carries tempting appeal for budget-focused EV shoppers. Total 5-year cost of ownership checks in around $43,700 for the base Leaf S according to Edmunds data as of March 2023. However, opting for greater range in the Leaf SV Plus brings that ownership costs over 5 years up to around $49,400 — much closer to the EV6. And the Kia enjoys perks like the $7,500 federal tax credit which helps offset its higher purchase price. Analysis by Kelly Blue Book shows the EV6 actually beats the Leaf SV Plus for 5 year ownership cost including depreciation despite the Kia‘s higher sticker price.
Winner: Kia EV6
Verdict: Which Is the Better Electric Vehicle?
The Kia EV6 proves itself as the superior electric vehicle over the Nissan Leaf by wins in the most critical categories for EV buyers. Although Nissan deserves praise for EV adoption pioneering, the Leaf‘s shorter range, slower charging times, and availability of advanced driving assistance and tech features only on top trims leave it less competitive overall versus the impressively well-rounded Kia EV6. From performance to battery warranty coverage to total tech immersion, the EV6 makes the strongest case as compelling EV suitable for everything from daily commuting to road trips. The one exception would be for shoppers on very tight budgets who can‘t stretch to afford the Kia‘s higher purchase price. For those buyers priced out of the EV6, the Leaf S delivers capable electric motoring under $30,000. But more flexible budgets should point to the Kia EV6 as today‘s outright EV category leader.
