The Nissan Leaf has become an elder statesman in the burgeoning field of electric vehicles (EVs). When it first arrived for the 2011 model year, the Leaf had the EV market pretty much all to itself. Even Tesla was still busy fiddling around with its 2-passenger Roadster sports car.
Recent updates brought the Leaf refreshed exterior styling and simplified the lineup to two models: the base S and upmarket SV Plus. The electric driving range of the entry-level Leaf S is a modest 149 miles, but its sub-$30,000 starting price makes it a bargain among new EVs.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV, meanwhile, just entered the field of EV competitors last year. It’s a 5-seat electric SUV that starts in the mid-$30K range. Unlike the front-wheel-drive Leaf hatchback, the Equinox EV is available with your choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base Equinox EV, in front-drive form, offers 319 miles of range — much better than the 212 miles of the Leaf SV Plus.
So, is it game over for the venerable Nissan Leaf, or does this value-conscious electric hatchback have more fight left in it?
Let’s explore some of the highlights of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV and the 2025 Nissan Leaf:
2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV
The Equinox EV is the all-electric take on Chevy’s popular Equinox compact SUV. In the year it’s been on sale, the Equinox has also become a popular choice for buyers seeking an electric SUV. This stylish and tech-forward EV boasts features like a 17.7-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and advanced safety features like intersection automatic emergency braking. Front-wheel-drive models tout 220 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive variants bring a formidable 300 hp.
Chevrolet Equinox EV Highlights
Driving range: The 2025 Equinox EV, in dual-motor all-wheel-drive form, has a maximum driving range of 307 miles. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) model has an impressive range of 319 miles. The Nissan Leaf can’t touch that.
Technology touches: Chevrolet equips every Equinox EV with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 17.7-inch touchscreen. This system has Google built-in compatibility and features wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless device charging, and Google Maps-based navigation.
Value: Starting at just under $35,000, the Equinox EV undercuts the base price of many rival EVs. If the base trim is a touch too spartan, you need only move up to the LT 2 for added features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and heated outside mirrors.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox EV models for sale near you.
2025 Nissan Leaf
The 2025 Nissan Leaf soldiers on for another model year and has the distinction of being the least expensive new EV in the United States. With only 149 miles of range, a base Leaf S is best considered a handy second car for around-town errands or short commutes. But this budget-friendly Nissan has appeal for car shoppers who want to abandon gas stations entirely, especially the SV Plus model with 212 miles of range.
Nissan Leaf Highlights
The cheapest EV on sale today: Few EVs come close to matching the Leaf’s price point. The Leaf becomes even more attractive as new vehicle prices tick upward toward $50,000.
Easy to drive: Maybe it’s because we’ve gotten used to it over a decade, but the Nissan Leaf is remarkably relaxed and easy to drive. Its front seats are supportive, and the suspension remains composed over rough patches of pavement. And in this era of extra-large SUVs, the Leaf’s tidy dimensions make it ideal for city traffic and cozy parking spots. At the same time, the Leaf is quite roomy for its size, and its hatchback gives it SUV-like practicality.
Standard features: Despite its age and low price, the Nissan Leaf isn’t hopelessly behind the times in feature content. Standard on the Leaf S is an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, satellite radio, and automatic climate control. On the SV Plus, you get extras like heated front seats, navigation, a surround-view parking camera, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Nissan Leaf models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Chevy Equinox EV and Nissan Leaf have seating for five and upward-swinging liftgates to access their cargo holds. They are also right-sized for EV shoppers who don’t want a large, lumbering vehicle. And while the Leaf holds a price advantage, each represents a solid value compared to many far more expensive EVs.
Pricing
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 Chevrolet Equinox 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.
Specifications
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV | 2025 Nissan Leaf | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Single electric motor | Single electric motor |
| Horsepower | 220 hp | 111 hp |
| Torque | 243 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed | 1-speed automatic |
| Range | 319 miles (FWD) | 149 miles |
| Also Available | Dual electric motors, AWD | 60-kWh battery |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles (battery) | 5 years/60,000 miles 8 years/100,000 miles (battery) |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 190.6 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Width | 76.9 inches | 70.5 inches |
| Height | 64.8 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.2 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.5 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 42.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.6 inches | 54.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.5 inches | 52.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume seats up/down | 26.4/57.2 cubic feet | 23.6/30.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Nissan Leaf continues to be a great choice for low ownership costs and easy-to-drive dynamics. Sure, the range is limited in the base Leaf S, but it’s a reasonable and refined choice for anyone who wants an affordable small car for local driving needs. It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which can’t be had in the Equinox EV.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is the better pick for range, performance, and cutting-edge tech features. One of those features is GM’s highly-regarded Super Cruise hands-free driving assist.
If price is the ultimate deciding factor, the remarkably refined and easy-to-live-with Leaf wins. In most other aspects, the upstart Equinox EV is the more well-rounded EV.
