Compare the2024 Nissan LeafVS 2024 Toyota bZ4X

The Leaf has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The bZ4X doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Leaf and the bZ4X have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available daytime running lights, around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan above average in initial quality. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated below average.

The Leaf’s standard electric motor produces 40 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 vs. 196) than the bZ4X’s standard electric motor.

As tested in Motor Trend the Leaf PLUS is faster than the Toyota bZ4X electric motor:

The Leaf has a standard locking charge port with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The bZ4X doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

The Leaf stops shorter than the bZ4X:

The Leaf S’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the bZ4X XLE’s standard 60 series tires.

The Leaf has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The bZ4X doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For better maneuverability, the Leaf S’ turning circle is 5.2 feet tighter than the bZ4X’s (34.8 feet vs. 40 feet). The Leaf SV PLUS’ turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the bZ4X’s (36.1 feet vs. 40 feet).

The Nissan Leaf may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 750 pounds less than the Toyota bZ4X.

The Leaf is 8.2 inches shorter than the bZ4X, making the Leaf easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Leaf has 2.6 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more rear headroom and 5.2 inches more rear hip room than the bZ4X.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Leaf to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for tire rotation, based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Toyota doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the bZ4X.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Leaf has a standard rear wiper. The bZ4X doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Consumer Reports® chose the Nissan Leaf as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.