Electric vehicles are now firmly in the mainstream, and there have never been more models to choose from. In addition to never needing a drop of gasoline, EVs have also never been more affordable. The 2026 Nissan Leaf and 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 are two standout examples of EVs that bring great range, a wealth of features, and an alluring price. While they’re technically in different class sizes, with the Leaf being the smaller of the two, either will comfortably fit a variety of needs and lifestyles. Here’s how they compare.
2026 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is all-new for 2026, marking its third generation. Indeed, the Leaf is the OG EV, even beating the first Tesla Model S to market when it debuted for the 2011 model year. Fast-forward to today, and this all-new Leaf is the best version yet. Prices start at $31,485, including destination fee.
Nissan Leaf Highlights
Amazing value: The 2026 Nissan Leaf is the least expensive new EV you can buy. A base S+ trim is well within reach of many car shoppers, and even a top-end Platinum+ won’t break the bank at just over $40,000.
Ample range: The new Leaf can travel up to 303 miles on a single charge. And you don’t have to pay extra for that capability — that figure is achieved by the least-expensive model.
Head-turning design: We won’t lie: Previous Leaf models have looked a bit frumpy. This new one is striking. The 2026 Leaf features a bolder, more SUV-like appearance, with sweeping sheet metal and intriguing elements. We’re particular fans of the two-tone Seabreeze Blue Pearl/black roof combination.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Leaf models for sale near you.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 compact SUV stands out as a do-it-all EV that comes in multiple trims and variants. The Ioniq 5 charms us with its retro-futuristic design and long list of features, and it is a multi-year Best Buy Award winner for Best Electric Vehicle. Pricing starts at $36,600, including destination fee.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Highlights
Alluring price: For 2026, the Ioniq 5 has its own value story to tell. Hyundai slashed the price of this popular EV, with some models seeing a $9,800 price cut from the prior year. This makes an already desirable EV all the more enticing.
Variety: Whereas the Leaf is only offered in three trims and with front-wheel drive, the Ioniq 5 is available in several trims, and with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There’s even a rugged XRT model and the high-performance, track-ready Ioniq 5 N.
Unbeatable warranty: Like every Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 is backed by a class-leading warranty. Its 5-year/60,000 basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage easily beat the Leaf’s respective 3-year/36,000 and 5-year/60,000 figures.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ioniq 5 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Ioniq 5 can both top 300 miles between charges, blur the line between SUV and hatchback, and include all the latest technology and active safety features. They also boast attractive starting prices.
Pricing
New 2026 Nissan LEAF Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,485 |
$30,276 |
|||
$35,725 |
$34,680 |
|||
$40,485 |
$39,604 |
New 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
TBD |
|||
TBD |
TBD |
|||
TBD |
TBD |
|||
TBD |
TBD |
|||
TBD |
TBD |
|||
TBD |
TBD |
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 2026 Nissan LEAF vehicles and New 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 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.
| 2026 Nissan LEAF | 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Drive Wheels | FWD | RWD |
| Range | 303 miles | 318 miles |
| Charging Time | 12 hours | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 inches | 118.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.4 inches | 183.3 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 71.3 inches | 74.4 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | N/A | N/A |
| Height | N/A | 63.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | N/A | 39.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 37.2 inches | 37.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 42.4 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 31.8 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.0 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 54.6 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | N/A | 26.3 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 65.3 feet | 58.5 feet |
| Bed Length | N/A | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
This really is a choice between two excellent EVs. The Nissan Leaf is a bit smaller, making it ideal for urban areas, and its starting price is a breath of fresh air – especially if you’ve been waiting for an affordable EV that tops 300 miles of range. The Ioniq 5 has more passenger and cargo room; is available with more power, better range, and all-wheel drive; and has a longer warranty. That comes at a higher cost, though. We recommend making your budget and driving both to get a sense of which better matches your needs.
