A new Nissan Leaf vs Prius Prime comparison chart reveals some almost-identical capabilities as well as some stark differences between the two electrified vehicles. The chart illustrates both perks and limitations of each green vehicle, comparing cargo space, seating, performance, driving range, and a substantial difference in price. The comparison was co-created by Olathe Toyota Parts Center and Factory Nissan Parts, and both creators have different perspectives on the comparison winner.
“Toyota’s plugin hybrid offers the best of everything: performance, range, efficiency, and price” says Tom Blackman, director of Parts.OlatheToyota.com, one of the companies that produced the comparison chart. “Unlike the last plugin Prius, the new Prime has a relatively big 8.8 kWh battery. This gives the new Prime 25 miles of EV range, which is plenty for most people’s commute. Yet, because the battery is still relatively small, it can be charged without any special charging stations. Just plug it into the wall and it’s ready to go in the morning. Finally, if you need to go on a road trip, you can just take the Prime. It’s got 640 miles of driving range.”
Scott Roberts, parts director of FactoryNissanParts.net (which co-produced the comparison), argues that the comparison shows the superiority of the Nissan Leaf.
“The Nissan Leaf’s 30kWh battery gives drivers 107 miles without gasoline,” says Roberts. “Comparing a Prius Prime to a Nissan Leaf is sort of like comparing a youth football team to an NFL team. The Leaf is a battery electric vehicle that’s in a class by itself. The Prius Prime’s 25 miles of battery range is a gimmick compared to the Nissan Leaf.”
Regardless of their opposing views, both Blackman and Roberts are pleased with this next wave of emissions-reducing cars.
“Toyota designed the Prime to be eye-catching as well as aerodynamic,” Blackman says. “They’ve been doing hybrids for a long time and made this plug-in efficient and sporty. The Leaf just looks the same as last year’s model.”
Roberts maintains Nissan’s focus has been under the hood, increasing battery strength and driving range. In fact, he notes that Nissan has additional electric vehicles in the works and knows the younger generation is moving away from traditional cars.
“Whatever disagreements we may have over the Prime and Leaf, we agree that both Toyota and Nissan are moving in the right direction,” Roberts said. “Alternative-energy cars are here to stay. Hopefully, Toyota will follow in Nissan’s footsteps and produce a real battery electric vehicle someday.”