The Volkswagen ID.3 and Nissan Leaf represent two different approaches to the electric family hatchback. The ID.3, launched in 2020, positions itself as Volkswagen's modern interpretation of the 'people's car' for the electric age, built on a dedicated electric platform with a futuristic design language. Meanwhile, the second-generation Nissan Leaf, which entered production in 2017 and went off sale in early 2024, offered a more conventional approach to electric motoring with sharp styling that doesn't immediately scream 'electric vehicle.'
Both cars target families seeking practical electric transport, but they differ significantly in their technical specifications and market positioning. The ID.3 benefits from being designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, whilst the Leaf built upon Nissan's pioneering experience in the EV market. With the Leaf now discontinued until a replacement arrives in 2026, used car buyers have an interesting choice between Volkswagen's newer technology and Nissan's proven electric car heritage.
Volkswagen ID.3 vs Nissan Leaf
Practicality
The Nissan Leaf takes a clear lead in boot space, offering 435 litres compared to the ID.3's 385 litres. This 50-litre advantage makes the Leaf notably more practical for family holidays or large shopping trips. The Leaf's boot capacity exceeds that of conventional hatchbacks like the Ford Focus, making it genuinely competitive with traditional family cars. However, the ID.3's rear-wheel-drive layout does provide some compensation through a more spacious cabin, with superior rear head- and legroom compared to front-wheel-drive alternatives (including the Leaf).
Both cars offer reasonable passenger accommodation, though each has distinct compromises. The ID.3's driving position is exemplary, with excellent seat and steering column adjustment allowing drivers to sit as high or low as they like. In contrast, the Leaf suffers from a more restrictive driving position, with steering wheel adjustment limited to up-and-down movement only and a seat that would benefit from a broader range of adjustment - particularly problematic for taller drivers. Family buyers should also note that the ID.3's 77kWh Tour variant only seats four rather than five, losing the middle rear seat to accommodate the larger battery pack.
For charging practicality, both cars include necessary cables, though neither excels at cable storage. The ID.3 can be specified with a variable-height boot floor that creates hidden storage space, but this isn't standard equipment. The Leaf provides cables for three-pin domestic sockets, Type 2 public chargers, and CHAdeMO rapid charging, with the latter always tethered at charging stations. Overall, the Leaf just about has the edge for pure practicality thanks to its superior boot space, though the ID.3 offers a more comfortable driving environment.
Driving Impressions
Both cars deliver the refined, near-silent driving experience expected from electric vehicles, but deliver this in different ways. The ID.3 produces 201bhp from its single rear-mounted motor, whilst the Leaf offers 148bhp (or 214bhp in e+ models). Despite the power advantage, the ID.3 feels deliberately calm and predictable rather than sporty, with 0-62mph times ranging from 7.3 to 7.9 seconds depending on battery size. The Leaf's 148bhp motor provides healthy acceleration at town speeds and remains comfortable on motorways, though it's not quite as punchy as the ID.3's higher-output unit.
The ID.3's rear-wheel-drive layout contributes to its composed handling characteristics. Light, accurate steering combines with a wide track and low centre of gravity from the floor-mounted battery to deliver precise cornering with minimal body roll. The ride quality is generally smooth, though the relatively stiff suspension can feel firm at low speeds and occasionally transmits noisy thumps over larger bumps. The Leaf focuses more on comfort and ease of use, particularly through its standard 'e-pedal' mode that allows one-pedal driving by increasing regenerative braking to the point where the car will come to a complete stop when you lift off the throttle.
Both cars excel in urban environments, though for different reasons. The ID.3's tight turning circle and good visibility make it confidence-inspiring in traffic and when parking, whilst the Leaf's e-pedal system can make city driving particularly relaxing once mastered. The Leaf offers various regenerative braking modes, though accessing these requires navigating through drive modes rather than the more convenient steering wheel paddles found on some rivals. For most buyers, both cars deliver the stress-free, refined driving experience they're seeking, with the ID.3 having a slight edge in handling dynamics and the Leaf offering more innovative urban driving features.
Technology and Equipment
The ID.3 comes generously equipped as standard, with all versions featuring LED headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, keyless start, reversing camera, and a TFT instrument cluster. Following the 2023 facelift, the range simplified to Pro and Pro S trims, with the main differences being battery size and the Pro S adding 19-inch alloy wheels and electrically adjustable leather-effect seats. Higher-spec models historically included features like dual-zone climate control, panoramic glass roof, and augmented reality satnav that overlays directions onto a live camera feed.
The Leaf matches the ID.3's equipment levels with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen satnav system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear view camera, digital driver displays, and autonomous emergency braking as standard. Higher-spec Tekna and e+ models add semi-autonomous ProPilot functionality that can help steer, maintain safe following distances, and even handle stop-start traffic situations. Both cars offer comprehensive smartphone integration, though their approaches to infotainment differ significantly.
The ID.3's glossy touchscreen system looks more modern but proves less intuitive in practice, requiring multiple menu scrolls for many functions. The touch-sensitive climate controls are particularly frustrating, being both unlit and easily activated accidentally. However, the ID.3 redeems itself with the clever 'ID Light' - a thin LED strip beneath the windscreen that provides visual navigation prompts, charging status updates, and call notifications. The Leaf's infotainment feels more conventional but arguably more user-friendly. In terms of charging capability, the ID.3 offers 58kWh and 77kWh battery options with ranges up to 266 and 347 miles respectively, whilst the Leaf provides 40kWh (168 miles) and 62kWh (239 miles) variants. The ID.3's CCS charging compatibility gives it a significant advantage over the Leaf's increasingly obsolete CHAdeMO system, making it more future-proof for rapid charging infrastructure.
Running Costs
Both cars offer substantial savings compared to petrol alternatives, though their efficiency figures tell different stories. The ID.3 achieved a disappointing 3.1 miles per kWh in real-world testing, particularly struggling at motorway speeds with just 2.8 miles per kWh. This falls short of expectations, with rivals typically achieving 3.8-4.0 miles per kWh in similar conditions. The Leaf performs better, generally delivering 3.6-4.0 miles per kWh even in varied conditions, though this still trails the most efficient electric cars like the Kia and Hyundai models that can achieve 5.0 miles per kWh.
Charging costs remain competitive for both vehicles when using home electricity. The ID.3's 58kWh battery costs approximately £8 to charge from empty on standard domestic tariffs, whilst the 77kWh version costs around £11. The Leaf's charging costs are slightly lower at £5.60 for the 40kWh model and just under £9 for the 62kWh e+ version. Both cars can benefit from off-peak electricity tariffs, potentially halving these costs, and both offer smartphone apps for scheduling charging during cheaper overnight periods.
Servicing schedules favour the ID.3, which only requires attention after two years initially, then every two years or 20,000 miles thereafter - notably longer intervals than most rivals. The Leaf needs annual servicing or every 18,000 miles, though Nissan offers competitive service packages at £290 for two services or £390 for three. Both cars benefit from £0 VED road tax and free entry to London's congestion and ULEZ zones. The ID.3's superior efficiency expectations haven't materialised in practice, but its longer service intervals and modern charging infrastructure compatibility give it a slight advantage in overall running costs.
Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.3 and Nissan Leaf each offer distinct advantages for different types of buyer. The ID.3 represents the more modern approach with its longer range options (up to 347 miles versus a maximum of 239 miles), and crucially, CCS charging compatibility that ensures better access to rapid charging infrastructure. Its superior driving position, more spacious cabin, and longer service intervals make it feel more like a car designed for the electric future. However, it disappoints with below-par efficiency, a frustrating infotainment system, and the lack of proper cable storage for a purpose-built electric vehicle.
The Leaf, despite being discontinued, offers more immediate practicality with its larger 435-litre boot, proven reliability, and innovative features like the e-pedal driving mode. It typically achieves better real-world efficiency than the ID.3 and benefits from competitive finance deals and shorter waiting times in the used market. However, the restrictive driving position, CHAdeMO charging limitation, and shorter range make it feel increasingly dated compared to newer rivals.
For buyers looking to future-proof their purchase and and for those after longer-distance capability, the ID.3 represents the better choice despite its flaws. Its CCS charging compatibility alone makes it more practical for long-distance travel, whilst the superior cabin space and driving position enhance daily usability. The Leaf remains a solid choice for buyers focused on immediate practicality and proven electric car technology, particularly if longer journeys aren't a priority. However, with the Leaf now discontinued and a replacement not due until 2026, the ID.3 has become the more logical choice for most buyers seeking a new electric family hatchback.