Two small electric SUVs that are making a big name for themselves are the 2026 Nissan Leaf and the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric. Both boast colorful exterior options and smart features.
Let’s compare these two electrifying finds and see which is better for you. Note that this article compares the 2026 Leaf to the 2025 Kona Electric because those are the models you’ll find on dealer lots for most of 2026. Hyundai has announced that it will not build a 2026 Kona Electric, but dealers have enough 2025 models on the lot that the car won’t be hard to find for much of this year.
2026 Nissan Leaf
The redesigned 2026 Nissan Leaf is now a stylish SUV, deviating from its beginnings as a compact hatchback. The Leaf comes in three trim levels, starting at $31,485 for the base S Plus model. SV Plus and Platinum Plus trim levels are also available, ranging from $35,725 to $40,485.
Nissan Leaf Highlights
Longer range: The S Plus trim boasts the longest estimated range and higher horsepower. The 2026 S Plus Leaf now gets up to 303 miles on a full charge. That’s over 90 miles more than the 2025 version. The SV Plus is rated at 288 miles, and the Platinum Plus gets 259 miles. By contrast, the Kona doesn’t reach the 300-mile mark.
Charging flexibility: The Leaf’s 10%-80% charge time is an estimated 35 minutes with DC fast charging. This Leaf also has two charge ports, a J1772 port on one side and a North American Charging System (NACS) port on the other, so you can use nearly any public charger you find.
Bose Personal Plus audio: This 10-speaker premium, compact sound system includes speakers in the front headrests. The customizable experience allows the driver to accept calls while passengers can continue listening to music. The sound quality is excellent.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Nissan Leaf models for sale near you.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
Outstanding styling, an affordable starting price, and an inviting interior make the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric appealing. Unlike the Leaf, the Kona is available in four trims, with the SE, starting at $34,470 and the Limited trim starting at $42,645. The Kona Electric will not be built for 2026, but a 2027 version will be available.
Hyundai Kona Highlights
Comfort and cargo capacity: Rear legroom in the Kona Electric measures 36.4 inches, slightly more than the Leaf’s 31.8. The Kona also comes with a small frunk (front cargo area) in addition to the rear cargo. Although the front cargo area is only suited for tiny items and charging cables, the back provides 26 cubic feet of space with the rear seats upright and 64 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This is more than the Leaf’s 20 cubic feet and 55.5 cubic feet, respectively.
Infotainment: The Kona features two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays. One is for instruments and vehicle info, while one is a touchscreen for infotainment, creating one seamless unit. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Kona also functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Legendary warranty: Hyundai’s warranty includes a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. Scheduled maintenance for an electric vehicle includes tire rotation, cabin air filter changes, and different system inspections. The Battery Warranty is for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and the Limited Warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Hyundai Kona Electric models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both cars are packed with tech. Both have a long list of safety features, including driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The price points are also similar.
Pricing
New 2026 Nissan LEAF Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,485 |
$31,300 |
|||
$35,725 |
$35,500 |
|||
$40,485 |
$40,200 |
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 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric 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
| 2026 Nissan LEAF | 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Drive Wheels | FWD | FWD |
| Range | 303 miles | 200 miles |
| Charging Time | 12 hours | 5.1 hours |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 inches | 5.9 inches |
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 133 hp @ 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft | 188 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 | 104.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.4 inches | 171.5 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 71.3 inches | 71.9 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | N/A | N/A |
| Height | N/A | 62.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | N/A | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 37.2 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 42.4 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 31.8 inches | 36.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.0 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 54.6 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | N/A | 25.5 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 65.3 feet | N/A |
| Bed Length | N/A | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
If range and charge time are paramount, the Nissan Leaf S Plus and SV Plus trims have more range than the Kona. The SEL Kona Electric has a maximum range of 261 miles, the best range among the trims. Even the Kona’s charge time is 10 minutes longer.
For those who consider space the number one priority, the Kona offers more. If money is not an issue, even more reason to test drive the Kona to see if it suits your family’s needs better than the cheaper Leaf S Plus.
