Nissan Leaf v Hyundai Kona Comparison | Which is Better?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2019
- Which EV is better? I get to spend time picking my way over the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Kona Electric to see how they compare to each other. Inside and out I'll give you the measurements and look at the practicality of each.
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Leaf's reliability record speaks for itself. Subjectively I think it is better looking than the Kona. Here in the States, the Kia/Hyundai electrics are not available in every State where as Nissan sells Leaf's everywhere which means wherever you go they can service or warranty repair them. Just now Nissan dealers are discounting up to $9K not including the possible tax credit so I am on the verge of taking the plunge into a Leaf Plus. This video helped me greatly! Thank you. Subscribed
The Leaf is much more premium than the Kona. Road noise is much less in the Leaf. ProPilot assist is one of the best driving aids in the market. I have driven over 200.000 kilometres in 5 years in the Leaf. Had all versions of it and getting the 62kWh in September. Reliability of this car is amazing.
H Sig they do feel well made. My 2015 Leaf is still silent and feels good 👍
I’d be more worried by recharging in Australia during summer and worrying about the battery temperature of the Leaf.
@@davidpearn5925 heat is a concern. I've had my battery temperature up to 59C. That was last summer after 3 QC sessions in a row. 4% battery degradation after 44.000 kilometers.
Yes, the leaf is the quietest. Very good car with slightly worse aerodynamics.
T. Günter hmmm, I would have thought the frontal area was less than a Kona..........maybe it’s just not as aero efficient .
Fantastic review!
Well said! happy that found a reviewr that is thinking just like the way i would.
Jesus, you present/explain things so well. I think you have a talent here.
Great review, the comment about the central console being a nuisance is one of my bugbears in cars and am seriously considering this model Leaf at the moment. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the video as always very informative and presented in a balanced way. Having a Kona I am enjoying my choice. But have not got on any long term road trips yet. My question being from Canada does the leaf have the same heating/cooling system that the Kona has?
Mark McLenaghan the Leaf has a heat pump for the cabin but only passive air cooling for the battery.
Thank you for the simple comparison of this two cars , this was the best explanation of what’s the best car for any person who has never owned a
Electric car ! 👍👍👍
Fantastic video ☺️
I agree with Andy aka EVM regarding the 40/60 Leaf, its just not good enough against todays competition, i own a 30 Leaf but my next EV will either be 39kWh Ioniq or Model 3 SR+.
I’m in your shoes. I need to find an EV that represents a compromise between range, modern security features and space for a four people family. I love e-Niro, but the nine months waiting is insane.
Do you know the comming new Peugeot e-2008?
I fall in love with it. It is so beautiful and plenty of technology. The only weak point is the 50kwh battery that brings 310km WLTP range. Take a look of this option that will start sales on October.
A big hug from Spain!
Ryan, I have both cars, a 40 kw leaf and the 64kw Kona, our “kids” have grown up so the need for rear space is not as crucial as a family’s would be. The overiding fact for us is range and the Kona naturally wins hands down. Granted when we came away on holiday last week we had to put one case in the boot of the Kona and one on the back seat, but I know that when we fly back in to Manchester to travel back to Walsall the range left on the Kona won’t be a worry, whereas I’d have to go looking for a charge point if we were in the leaf. I’m a little concerned that the new 62kw leaf is priced over 40k so doesn’t that mean it will incur costs for road fund licence or whatever it’s called these days, vehicle tax? Where as the Kona is nil on vehicle tax.
Really useful comparison - thanks
Thanks for this comparison video. I like the interior, the looks and the technical details of the Kona more. But when watching your luggage test ... well, I have a family with 2 kids and wife too and the size for luggage in the Kona is ridiculous unfortunately. I am driving a Skoda Octavia right now and I am still waiting for the day that type of car is made as an EV. But because of the luggage situation the Leaf would be the only possible choice for me here.
Great comparison! Remember, the Leaf only looks dated if you've owned one before. I test drove a Leaf Plus and it seemed great to me.
lets face it.. It looks dated.. even my old focus looks better.. but yes I'm propably end up with a Leaf...
@@dimis164 I don't think it does. Choose a nice color with a black roof and it looks just fine. I like it, and Nissan did a LOT right with this one.
A good and balanced assessment of both cars. I've ordered a Kona Electric Premium SE with the 64kW battery. The limited rear space of the Kona compared with the Nissan Leaf was less of an issue for me as the car will be primarily used by just my wife and myself, as my family has flown the coup. I felt the top spec Kona Electric provided much better value for money compared with the top spec Nissan Leaf e+. The Kona has more equipment included as standard, such as a head-up display and power seats for a lower price. But the real clincher for me is Kona's battery is thermally managed (cooled and heated, and has a heat pump to make use of waste heat from the battery), whereas is the Nissan is not, and that will translate to additional range and improved rapid charging for similar sized batteries.
Keith Mann sounds like a great choice for you. That HUD works a treat in the Kona and I found efficiency excellent. I’m hoping to get an extended test in it soon so will report back my findings 😁👍
great video, leaf all the way for me. ive got the 40kwh one and get between 155-160 on a full charge more than enough for the average person. I love the look of the new leaf and wouldn't swap it for anything
We just bought a 2019 leaf, it's got a bigger screen. Was down to 33kw on second charge but it was an old crappy DBT unit in Redditch and battery temp wasn't high so that's likely to be the charger not the leaf. Will know more when we do Bournemouth to Stoke on Trent in a few weeks. could do it in one stop at Cherwell but will probably do 2 splash and dash instead then a full charge at holiday Inn where we are staying.
I had a deposit down for the 62kw Leaf for about 6 months as it initially seemed like the default best option outside of a Model 3. After further research into Rapid-gate, the state of Nissan itself, use of Chademo, and lack of battery cooling we canceled the deposit and switched to the 64kw Kona. A bit more expensive for the top trim ($53k Canadian) but I am confident it will last us longer than the Leaf. I'm a little worried about the storage space, but for 90% of trips it should be fine.
Sounds like the e-Niro might suit you better. It's a bit bigger than the Kona and with more boot space.
That's his point.
Good comparison, nice video. For me I've chosen the Kona top spec. I love the way the car drives, the interior and the way it looks. For me space is no issue as I don't carry a family or lots of suitcases in my daily driving. I opted for a car that suits 98% of my driving, last 2% I'll borrow or hire. Keep up the good work 👍
Roy Olav Olsen sensible choice. Let’s be honest. EV or ICE car we always have to make some compromises 👍
Looked at both, ended up putting a deposit on a Kona. Ultimate early August. Delivery date is May 2020 so I have ample time to save up for a while and put a big deposit when I pick it up so my biweeklies are reasonable. I live waaaay up in Ottawa Ontario Canada hence probably why the long delivery date. . . . but no big thing,. It's a busy time of year, Hyundai is building for all of North America, so they have alot of work to put out of their plant, and schedule must remain ontime everyday !!!
I looked at the Leaf, and honestly I liked both cars. But I have to say that I prefer the Kona. On these merits;
1. Range, kona 415 kms, leaf gets 325 kms ?? approx
2. Kona has capable of 415 kms of usable range,
3. Kona is capable of faster speeds
4. Kona can charge 50% faster
5. Not worried about luiggage space in the Kona, getting the way since you can always put bags on the front seat.
I drive Uber fulltime where I live and come home late at night, and early rise and out the Front door. with the high volatility of gas, our pay does NOT take anything rise in fuel costs into consideration.
Another benefit of the leaf is that due to its charging technology and software it can be used as part as a vehicle to grid mechanism. You can power your home or sell electricity from the battery to the grid should you have the equipment and desire to do so.
As far as I'm aware the Nissan leaf is the only electric vehicle currently with this capacity as the websites for Octopus electricity & OVO electricity mention the leaf specifically as the vehicle 2 grid example.
This is why I am considering buying a leaf after my solar panels and Tesla powerwall are installed. Vehicle to grid is the next step up for a technology nerd like me.
Well, the Chademo on the Leaf pretty much makes the Leaf poorly supported for future DC quick charging. That is unless someone makes a CCS to Chademo adapter which hasn't occurred yet, apparently for technical reasons.
Apparently, the false floor in the trunk of the Kona can be lowered to allow up to four suitcases standing up side by side.
I found the interior of the Kona a little tight. The leaf would be perfect except for the flaring bits on the center console. The Kona felt like I was sitting in a jet fighter.
I drive a Leaf and love it. I have been driving them since they came out. I haven't even test driven a Kona, or any of the other EVs out now, but I really should as I am planning on buying.
If you change the luggage order in the kona as u did on the leaf (hsrd bottom) it will probably close the boot
I agree, the leaf plus is my choice. The Kona seems to me to be cramped and closed in. Both excellent vehicles but the leaf does it for me. E-pedal is the deciding factor for me as well.
I prefer the Leaf e+ which may be older in terms of design than the Kona but it is also more mature. The battery liquid cooling system in the Kona is better than the battery air cooling system of the Leaf. Anyway I preferred to buy the Leaf despite that its price is a little bit higher than the Kona (at least in France). Many thanks for this very relevant comparison and the excellent video.
Got my second Leaf. The 62 kilowatt gen 2 is awesome. The materials are better. The Kia has allot of hard plastic and less storage. Also the leaf gets 235 miles in eco mode.
Gave my 2013 leaf to my mom who loves it. Never had a problem. Very reliable. With still 92% capacity of battery life.
Cool video👍🏻
Ryan, not sure if you're aware, but you can take out the boot tray and lower the boot floor of the Kona. Nice video. 👍
Not sure if you're aware but, Ryan demonstrated that feature in the video!
@@benjaminford9932 until it came time to load it up with stuff.
@@benjaminford9932 No he didn't. He showed the underfloor storage. This can be removed and the floor dropped to allow the suitcases to fit.
In the United States my choice has one additional factor. The Nissan Leaf is offered and serviced in all 50 states. I currently have a 2015 Soul Ev and it is only sold/serviced in a dozen states. I am one of three Soul EV owners locally and we hav all had problems that KIA will fix but we have to wait weeks while KIA aria gets for the transport of our vehicles across several states. I am lucky that I have other options but its still quite the pain.
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Thanks for your helpful review. Really interesting. Like you, I have a 24kw Leaf, and will be in the market for a change sometime soon. Of these 2 cars I'd probably go for the Kona, as my Leaf is our second car, so I'm not too concerned about luggage space. HOWEVER, to be honest, both of these cars, in 60kwh guise, are way too expensive (as a second car), so I'll be looking for less 'toys', decent range, and a price closer to £20k than £40k. Wish me luck .........!
I have been driving a 2019 Leaf Tekna 40kwh since February of 2022. Regularly getting140 miles to a charge which is all I need. I did consider the Leaf e+ and 62kwh but didn't think it warranted the extra money.
I have a 30kw Leaf and looking to upgrade! I was just going to get the 40kw SVE but looking at the Kona I ca get the 64kw version an€ the extra range for the same price! I wondered whether you had considered this when making your choice?
I see this was a year ago, wondering what you bought?
I just got a 2018 40kw x (sv) propilot, with only 12000kms on it, for $30k nz.
A new kona 40kw is over $70k versus a new leaf 40kw for $64k, (59kw is $74k) so seems a easy choice here, even if buying new.
Ps- i have a 2020 astra rsv (bought new, still only done 6000k)for any long trips, will be keeping it for the time being, as it is comparatively cheap to run, at 6.5 - 7lts/100km's(compared to the 2010 jimny the leaf replaced, which drank 8-9lt/100).
the big advantage of the leaf for now is that one can find a second-hand model (2018) leaf 2 for about half the new price so i am balancing should i keep my 2016 tucson 2.0 diesel or plunge in the electric world head first,don't know jet.
Kona wins design-wise for sure. Except cargo space capacity I will go with Kona any day.
I've herd it's better to drive without regeneration, or am I wrong? As in its more eco to drive with no regen, like you coast more
Apart from the center console sticking out a bit (which is a shame but you get used to it, no deal breaker), the 62kWh Leaf still is an amazing car. They fixed a lot over the last two years. It now has led fog lights that double as cornering lights, it's got a telescoping steering wheel, they put a USB A and C outlet in the front, plus two USB A outlets in the back, they moved the switch for the rear heated seats down into the back of the center console, they put a new sat nav with a bigger screen in there, it's got live traffic, tom tom navigation, it's a very good unit actually and there always is Android Auto with ABRP if you want it. At least over here in Germany there are a lot of 100Kw Chademo chargers on the motorways, so charging times are good as well...even 5+ years after it's launch, you can't fault this car. Considering that it is made out of 60% recycled materials and can be recycled to almost 100%, it's actually a bit of a work of art.
For me the Leaf has the massive advantage of availability and a second hand market. The Kona and E-Niro are undoubtedly good, but you have to wait a year and there won't be a used market for at least 2 years. So if you want an EV now you only have one choice....40kwh Leaf
Over the 62 kwh?
@@mombasadele479 for price yes 👌
@@benlea19 There's a Kia e-Niro at a retailer not far from my home. Has only 2500km on it. 40.000 USD. Tempting.
@@mombasadele479 just got a 40kwh leaf which is coming Thursday but for the price and with my wife having a petrol car for long distances, seems silly to pay more for a larger battery that I won't actually use
Best review
Dhinesh S thank you 😁👍
I'd go for the Hyundai Kona in this case. Choice was made for me, practicality of long distances fast chargers in South Africa. You have a type 2 or CCS. No Chademo chargers. But certain routes would still compel me to drive with an ICE vehicle, as the infrastructure doesn't cover the whole of South Africa, certain National Roads don't have any fast chargers. So for you to do longer distances, you either need to be capable of buying houses and install type 2 chargers for you to do long distance as a relaxing drive.
The 2019 40kw Leaf has a larger 8 inch screen and improved graphics
I am a bit tempted to pick up a leftover 2018 40kwh LEAF in the US I found for $26k new, so after the incentive and taxes it would be near $20k, or £16k. I don't really need it as I have a gas car that is reliable and 5 years old but I am very tempted to add it to the garage alongside our current 24 kwh LEAF.
A feature that's important to me is how much you can see in your rear-view mirror, and when you turn to look out the back.. Several of the new EVs have small rear windows and this is never mentioned. Am I alone in this? And they always clutter up the space between the two front seats which isn't necessary now that we don't have a gear shift, there's nowhere to put your handbag! Remember those old cars with the gear stick on the steering wheel and one big seat in the front? I LOVED that in my old Pontiac!
Used prices in the UK indicate that the e-Kona and e-Niro are more popular / sought-after than the Leaf, probably due to the difference in range and better battery managment. But the Leaf seems like pretty good value now, particularly if you don't need 150+ mile range on a single charge.
Leaf v2 has only just launched in Australia the 40kWh version so far. The Kona is available if you can get one but only the 64kWh battery version. I've got the Ioniq, and love it, but did sit in the Kona no good for me as a 6'4" driver and agree with Bjorn on that ridiculous storage space between the driver and passenger that's difficult to use unlike the Ioniq or the Kia eNiro. Too bad couldn't compare Kona to the eNiro.
Have to go and remodel my wee pottery studio so that I can get both cars into the garage, which will include running a new 240v circuit for charging the Leaf. Enjoyed your review.
Freddie Moretti good luck with the remodel. Thanks for the comment 😁👍
Hey EV Opinion guy! (Sorry I forgot your name! Lol) I was planning on getting a 2019 Used Chevy Bolt but ended up getting a good deal on a New 2019 Chevy Bolt Premier and I love it!!! I wanted to let you know even thought it’s off topic!
The Chevy Bolt is not available in his market. Otherwise, it's a good alternative to consider.
ScubaStevee62 Okay I was updating him on my personal choice of an EV not if it was available in UK. Thanks 🙏
I'm driving a Canadian leaf plus version and love it. The gps screen is bigger than the UK version and support wifi update. I tried the kona and dislike the pallets the e-pedal is superior especially when turning corners. ProPilot is smarter reducing speed in curves on winding road. Confort on long journey is excellent even in the back. I have a family like you and the leaf is the best choice even over the e-niro.
Leaf every time for me, I’ve had three of them and loved every generation. My latest one the 40kw is a bit compromised in some areas, no sunglasses compartment and the wings on the centre console rubs my knee. Plus points are the Apple CarPlay and self driving, which also works in traffic jams 👍
I think some people get too wrapped up in this is better than that sometimes. I understand people who have a certain make, will usually defend it. However, at the end of the day, we are all different and have different needs. Some have kids, some don't. Some need more luggage, some don't, etc, etc. I think they are all good, it's just what ticks the boxes for you. Sometimes it's a pain, because not all boxes are ticked, but you either have to wait longer or go for the most important. Even rapid gate sounds terrible to some, but if most of your journey's are short, with the odd couple of longer ones, then does it really make any difference. After all the concerns, etc, theres 1 final thing to consider, which really is the 1st and that's the price. I mean, if someone says, get a Tesla or a Kia e niro, sure, they could be miles better, but if you can only afford a 20 grand 2nd hand leaf and can't even get your hands on one of the others due to stock, does it really matter. Happy driving 😁👍
Ken from ev revolution will have a e plus review coming . My co worker bought the 40 kwh
Mark Fitzpatrick are they happy with the 40kwh?
I owned Kona Ultimate for seven months now, It's so addicting to drive this car, so smooth, handle the road pretty good , no regret by choosing this over Tesla 3.LOL
Leaf is more affordable here in Minnesota state . 62 kw 2019 leaf you can get for $ 34 k . kona ev over $ 44 k yet . I think leaf looks nicer to me .
Obviously if the niro was there they'd be no competition the best of everything i know it's out of the range as it's a 64kwh but eventually we'll get a smaller battery version.
Kuldip Panesar indeed. If you’d like to see my thoughts on the eNiro I’ve also done a review on it and a comparison of the eNiro and Kona 😁👍
@@EVOpinion luv'd it i just picked up my niro today drove it from leeds to Glasgow couple of detors done 268miles with 30miles left flipping awesome mixed driving 80% motorway speeds
I’ve owed both of these cars and my experience is the Kona battery is far more economic, plus the CCS charging socket on the Kona is far more useful and plentiful compared to the Leafs fast charger. I do think both cars drive really well and cheap to run but if range is a priority it has to be the Kona.
I have the 2018 Nissan Leaf 40kw and I get 180 miles on a full charge. I do not like the suv look at all. That alone would preclude from getting the Kona. I am looking forward to the VW electrics in a couple of years.
How many miles during the cold months?
Hi good video again. I prefer the looks of the leaf over the Kona it has to much grey plastic outside for me. The leaf is a more a family car. But and it’s a big but no active cooling for the battery . The sat nav is next to useless my friend has the new leaf and the nav is way out of date. The Kona is the more modern next generation car. But I wouldn’t buy ether my choice is still Kia Niro I know your spending more money but the range is greater.
Stephen clay if I was buying with my head the eNiro wins. It’s a bit dull but very capable and would suit our family perfectly 😁👍
We have a niro. It's absolutely brilliant 👍
Andy B you’re very lucky to get one. It’s a cracking car 😁👍
I like the look of the Kona, especially the interior, but in terms of actually buying it, the Nissan Leaf wins for me. Day to day, it would just be a more useable car. Excellent coverage.
Hard to beat the leaf in value at the moment and if you have a second car for long journeys it's a none brainer to save on petrol
I am interested in your comment with regards B mode. You say that it regenerates more and slows the car down quicker. I have a Toyota Auris Hybrid with a B mode, is that B mode different as they say it uses more petrol and regenerates less as the energy is lost - that would have been regenerated - to slow the car down? I am also interested in getting an EV and wondered which you think is best?
Steve Lamb is sounds very different. B mode in the Leaf harvest more energy back from the car as it slows down. There is no drive going to the wheels. You lift off the accelerator and it starts to engage converting that rolling forward mention to power 😁👍
@@EVOpinion Thanks for that. I am very interested in the Hyundai Ioniq and enjoyed your video on that. Keep up the great work you do :)
Steve Lamb thank you 👍. The Ioniq is a great car. They hold their value really well and have amazing efficiency.
JustEV's are selling that Leaf for £26494! You could get an amazing deal with your trade in.
Bit of finance and away you go.
Go on!
Ian Hamilton stop it! I’m easily led 😬
that leaf for sale is a 40kw version .....with poor battery management and poor range .... and its used 8000 mile 1 year old
@@teslatrev5764 I have one, and have driven 250 miles in the summer (UK) without battery temperature problems. My wife uses it on her 90 mile commute which is more than most people would need. It's also quite capacious.
If I lived in a hot climate I would definitely go for a vehicle with a liquid cooled battery though.
@@ianhamilton3113 i love evs i lease a kia soul its great .... i want all evs to be the best they can that's why nissan's cross there fingers attitude on the most important part of an electric car is sad ... like most electric car owners i dream of a tesla model 3 alas to expensive for me i will have to stick with my lovely but ugly soul...
@@teslatrev5764 These cars aren't designed for long runs. Having said that I have just driven our 40 kWh Leaf over 250 miles today. The 4th charge was a bit slow at 24kW against the first at 34.5kW, but if I had done it in my 24 Kwh Leaf I would still be somewhere in Oxfordshire.
All manufacturers are struggling with how to make money with ev's. The tooling cost of a new model are huge and they need to sell large volumes or at high margins to recoup that outlay. Adding battery cooling to a car will cost and that cost has to be passed on to the customer. So they sell fewer cars - it's a vicious circle. They would rather you bought their diesel models actually.
For me, I drove the 2019 Leaf, I liked it. I don't like the lack of battery management. That is holding me back on the Leaf. However, if it's just for work, Leaf is fine, charge at home.. But I'd like to take trips too, so the Plus is interesting. Now I'm looking at the Ioniq and Egolf. Yes, those have pros and cons too. Perhaps a used Model3 but not many forsale used.
We have done a 240 mile drive from Gatwick Airport to York (2 stops) and lack of battery management wasn't an issue. It's my wife's car and she has a 90 mile motorway commute which it can easily do with heating on. It was 6 months old when we bought it from Just EV's and that saved us a considerable amount.
How about how they drive?
FWIW, the biggest difference in the U.S. is that you can buy a Leaf. Kona is only available in the handful of states that have CARB regulations. Same for the other EVs except Bolt and Tesla, both of which are having their Federal tax credits phased out. No good news for us Yanks.
I know this is an old comment, but my local Kia dealer has a Niro EV EX so the prettier version of the Kona and it has been on their lot since Oct 2020, so nine months. It stickers for $41,500 and they were willing to go down to $35,400 when I inquired, which is still too much for a car that will essentially be two years old soon when 2022 models come out.
New family man here. I chose the LEAF 🌿 SV Plus. Easy choice for a family hatchback and the boot can hold our 🐕.
Obviously when I ordered my Leaf there wasn’t really any other options. However price aside I would still choose it over others that are now on the market.
Ꭵ PHlL it’s always difficult to review a car as everyone has very different needs and expectations. For me the Leaf works and would suit us but that’s not to say it’s a better car. It sounds like you have applied some common sense and picked the right car for you 😁👍
EV Opinion absolutely it had to do what we needed it to. I mean if we’re being picky the perfect car is. Tesla Model S but there’s little chance of me being able to afford that lol. We’ve made some sacrifices getting the Leaf but it hasn’t restricted us in 7mths and in 3yrs time when I’m due to decide on it’s fate the market should be in a better place for choice. That being said if the battery is in good condition it’s highly likely I’ll pay the balloon figure and keep it.
The tray is removable in the Kona, which gives more room for luggage.
Great review Ryan. I think Nissan have totally lost it with the LEAF, which is a real shame given its history. There doesn't appear to be any incentive to buy this car new given what else is out there or due to be out there. For me it's looking like the new Zoe, e-Corsa or e-208.
I was going to make the argument for the cheaper Leaf, however it appears that a cheaper version of the Kona is available in England in the US they only sell the top-end version with the extra miles. Meaning there is a difference of $30,000 versus $ 39000
What is good with nissan is that they do not change the design too much. If you buy a 2nd hand nissan, new components will still be compatible.
Yes! Thank you for sharing the truth! Nissan win! Leaf is a truly amazing car!
I also have a 24kwh leaf and if I replaced it would pick the new leaf also because my family would need the space. Aside from that any ev is a technical marvel and we live in amazing times. Great review.
I hate new leaf speedometer. Old leaf digital display is much better than a new one.
Totally agree.. I can't go back to analog speedo... so used to digital speedo in Nissan LEAF 2017.
I have to agree. I like my digital one too 👍
I kind of hate the typical "They didn't change the LEAF enough" statements. Well, no, they didn't throw baby out the with the bath water. They kept the good stuff and got rid of the oddities. I'm ok with that. In fact, I really like it. To call the Gen2 LEAF a mere facelift is to ignore what it truly is... a mini EV Murano. You should compare those two cars. That's where the features of the newer LEAF came from, and what it truly looks like. Other than that, this is a very good and through review that covers pretty much all the bases instead of focusing in on "range" as if that's the only important feature on an EV. Well done.
You'd need to drive pretty badly to only get 240 from the Kona.
mikeselectricstuff I have found, as in all EVs, it varies. Yes, I’ve got much more but I have also got less on the motorway. What I don’t want to do is give false hopes to anyone looking to buy. It’s always better to give the facts as I find them and I refuse to reduce my speed or hyper-mill to get better range. I drive EVs the same way I would a fossil car in the hope it gives a fair comparison😁👍
From a technical standpoint the Kona is an easy winner. Faster, farther, more efficient, more fun, less degradation (also ccs charging). From specs it's just a better designed car. Beyond that the only thing the leaf has going for it is having a slightly more practical interior, you can also debate peripheral features till the cows come home but all of that is a matter of opinion and preference. Unfortunately I think Nissan did not predict the future market, and was outmaneuvered in terms of their specs, the Leaf honestly is decent as a car but as an EV it gets overshadowed by others. When the Ioniq 2020 lands with it's bigger battery I think the Nissan Leaf is going to take a beating on the market. Between the Bolt, Ioniq, Kona, Tesla Model 3 the Leaf just doesn't seem particularly outstanding.
In Australia we have big distances. F'rinstance this week I have to go to a friend's funeral in Canberra, 290 km away. Freeway driving at 110 km/h, and the Leaf with a big battery, I would nominally just make it to the church but would need to arrange a full charge before heading home (same day round trip). My Suzuki Ingis gets 5 l/100km on E10 and cost $17,000 as opposed to $50,000 for the leaf. In my book until we can get hydrogen vehicles in Australia for the same price as petrol versions, we are up against it trying to fix the environment. Maybe E85 is a solution, would have been had the US and Nipponese car companies manufacturing here not decided to bleed the government dry then rack-off once the carpet-bagged subsidies ceased.
The Leaf isn't a fire risk like the Kona😂
15 cases on more then 100k cars...
Bullshit. Kona rocks!
Agree. Leaf clear winner and you can actually buy one now if you want one! Mad, I know! 🤣
You state that the front grill "will be a nightmare to keep clean" on the Kona. Simply not true. Please do your research. Dozens of owners on the Kona UK Facebook group have had no particular problem. They also get far more mileage than you quote (with photos to prove). Many are close to or at 300 miles in summer weather.
Your absolutely right, I have a 64kw Kona and cleaning the front grill has never been a problem much easier to clean than on an ICE. As for distance, I’m getting an average of 5 mls per kw. motorways a bit less.
The prices on the leaf (electric Micra) is still over priced. I know it's not a direct comparison but there is a massive different between the cost of the basic Micra (about £13500) and the leaf (about £27500). It's the same for the kona petrol and electric
Need more availability and less cost so it gets near the price of an ICE vehicle
EV Guy there is a big price difference, you’re right. For some people that is easily offset by the huge savings in running costs. It’s an individual calculation to see if it’s right for you. I certainly wouldn’t compare the Micra with the Leaf. They are in no way similar.
The Leaf is no electric version of the micra. Its a completly different car and much bigger, while the electric Kona is just the electrified petrol Kona...
Which one has liquid cooled batteries?
both
The new Nissan Leaf looks nothing like the old version from the side, the back end is completely new and doesn't have the weird look it had previously
Neither of them has a front boot area. This puzzles me, especially for the Leaf since it was designed as an electric vehicle.
Poor EV design. Legacy manufacturers still design EVs like ice cars.
The problem is that you cannot actually buy an e-Niro, or a e-Kona right now. In fact, MOST of the "affordable" EV's are either not available at all from new, or they all have ridiculously long lead-times. IMHO, it is a national scandal that needs to be shouted from the roof-tops.
Nobody Significant without getting political let’s just say I agree! The Kona is becoming more available. I’ve just looked at JustEVs website and they have three 👍
Good review.
I share some of your opinions, I found the boot area on the e-Niro disappointing too, I would probably leave out one of the storage layers if i were to own one.
The issues with the Kona & e-Niro for me are the availability plus it's early days yet and after talking to a Kia dealer, it seems the specs are already changing on the next generation e-Niro, bigger screen, ventilated seats, so I would rather wait for the dust to settle and any teething issues, the only one i have heard of so far is excessive motor whine.
I'm about to embark on my first EV and after lots of research went for a test drive in a new Leaf and was very impressed with it, as it does everything i need i ended up placing a deposit.
I cannot compare from the early Leaf in regards to the interior and how little has changed, but I'm coming from a 2007 BMW which albeit is extremely high quality is practically prehistoric with the display and functions, so the Leaf I find extremely refreshing and new.
My plan is to have it for a few years and then maybe have a serious look at 64kw e-Soul, maybe 2nd hand
Rob Fuller I think you will be very happy with the Leaf. A lot is made of rapidgate but I really don’t think it will bother most people 😁👍
EV-Rob a little whine is good if you want pedestrians and animals to know you are coming
@@N12Gautam Well it was more of a rattle.. th-cam.com/video/Dkp1NJEzAbQ/w-d-xo.html
Comfort and Ride ? .... often overlooked
Leaf doesn't have Thermal battery management, not good imo
The Kona / Niro have over 50% more cargo space with the seats down vs the Leaf. As someone who takes a hundred pound bluetick coonhound most places I go that is a HUGE win for the Korean twins. It's a shame they put the charge ports on the front of the car without any real bumpers or protection. Not sure what the Koreans were thinking with that bad idea. At least the Nissan can take a bump while curb parked without damaging the charge port cover.
Kona for me if you can lower that boot like what Mat Pat said.
Nissan Leaf wins. I own one and tried the Kona, and here is why:
1. The Kona from Hyundai looks really good on paper and is very impressive, but...
2. It's too light at the front, my nissan leaf is already very light but the Kona feels like it could be blown away in a storm.
3. The steering is ridiculously light and feels like driving a toy car with a turbo. The material on the steering wheel feels like it's going to rot away within a couple of months.
4. There is way too much electronics going on in the cabinet, and it's so cheap the quality of the buttons. This is later on going to be an expense fixing all the faulty electric gear, trust me. Same with Tesla.
5. On the backseats, grown men can't have their knees against the back of front seats (lack of room and what is this..?). There are covered with hard plastic that slam into your knees. (wtf?) I would not want my child in an accident on the back and getting that hard plastic slammed into their knees. (what were they thinking?)
6. The range is like with Nissan totally impossible to achieve, so deduct about 35% of what they are advertizing, and then the numbers are true. This goes especially for both of the brands and many others. The tesla is a bit more accurate.
7. I looks really cool inside and is more comfortable and has a neck rest that is a lot better than all Nissan cars. But what does that matter, when it just feels like something that is only going to last 5 years?
8. The Nissan car has really bad paint quality like a Dacia car, worst in the business like the smallest mechanical cars like citigo from skoda or peugeot 109. And funny enough the Kona also almost has a paint job that is as bad.
9.The reason why Nissan Leaf is so good, is because it is built to last and has very limited tech. It is the only EV that uses the "less is more approach and actually succeeds" Tesla doesn't count since it's just a thing like a laptop that you change every 3-5 years because of the quality and moving parts. Tesla is basically Apple in a car version. Costs a lot, is a lot of fun, but in the long run you are going to own more cars and go broke on the down payment. If Kona was an audio brand it would be mcintosh audio (great on the outside, but built like crap in china when you open it up)
10. The electronic pedal in the Leaf also makes the car sooooo much more relaxing and practical to drive in general. Not having that in an EV is almost like not having ABS brakes in a modern car.
11. The newer 40kw Leaf is better, don't get the 62kw version, the weight in that is so clumsely placed so it feels like you are driving it with uneven weight distribution.
12. The only thing I think that will beat the Nissan Leaf is the Ford Mustang Mach-e. But it will maybe be around 2x the price, not making it a possible choice for most potential EV owners.
That is not a very fair boot test, had you removed the styrene tray the the base of the boot can be dropped down and then I think you’ll find the cases will fit in the Kona. Doing that is an option you seem to have missed and adds a lot more space.
Colin. 1 is that the top part of the tray or all the way down to the well of the boot?
EV Opinion
The floor has two positions the one you used in your video and a lower position when you remove the top top storage tray and set it aside. Then you’ll get 80mm extra depth it’s part of the design of the car to do this if extra space is required . I’ve just been out to our car and measure it so I know it’s the case. The other point I would make is yes leg room is a little less in the back, “in the main it’s kids who sit there”. I feel that the extra distance that the Kona can travel on a full charge plus far better battery management far outweighed. Colin
Colin. 1 thanks Colin. Perhaps a little more testing is required 😁👍
EV Opinion
Your welcome, just hope you haven’t put people off what is a in my opinion an excellent car.
Just had a 260 km trip with rapid charge on the way back and two on the way to my destination. I got around 40kw charging speeds on my way there on both charging occasions (up until around 65-70% soc).
Why not wait till the Toyota Corolla Cross comes out in a hybrid will get 50 MPG (17.7 UK litres to 100km). No range anxiety. Better usable design. Toyota dependability, reliability better design and a company that stands behind its products.
Well, if you are in need of a new car and there is 2 years waiting list for the Kona, the choice is rather easy.
That’s hodgetwins intro music tho
Has been looking at the Kia E-Niro, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Leaf and Tesla M3. For me the Leaf E+ was the clear winner, the E-Niro a boring number 2, the Kona a to small number 3 and the TM3 was the clear "do not pay money for this piece of shit" at number 4! Family of four, 60 km to work, 250 km roundtrip to the cabin.
The Leaf does seem to have a pr problem.