Mitsubishi
i-MiEV
Nissan
Leaf
Mitsubishi i-MiEV vs Nissan Leaf: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Nissan Leaf comes out ahead of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
i-MiEV
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on purchase context and expectations. Among owners who purchased the vehicle used for a very low price (e.g., $6,100 USD for a 2012 model with 22,000 miles), it is viewed positively as a reliable, economical "running around town" car, perfect for short commutes, school runs, and local errands. These owners appreciate its minimal maintenance costs and suitability as a first car or secondary urban vehicle.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish between model years or trims. No specific "best" version is identified in the discussions.
Known issues
- ⚠Severely limited range, especially in cold weather: real-world range can drop to approximately 40 miles (64 km) in temperatures between 0-32°F (-18-0°C). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Significant battery degradation: cited alongside the first-generation Nissan Leaf as an EV with notable battery degradation issues, attributed in part to its air-cooled battery pack. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Underpowered performance: described as sluggish, with poor acceleration; notably lost a drag race against a Smart ED. Frequency: recurrent.
Leaf
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and use case. For the first-generation models (notably 2011-2013), feedback is overwhelmingly negative due to severe battery degradation, loss of remote access services, and poor cold-weather performance, leading to significant owner frustration and financial loss. Second-generation models (2018 onward) receive a more mixed to positive assessment, particularly as low-cost, reliable urban runabouts.
Best version to buy
For second-generation models (2018+), the high-spec Tekna (or SL trim in some markets) is recommended for its heated seats and steering wheel, leather, LED headlights, and better equipment, which enhance comfort, especially in winter. For first-generation models, no specific version is recommended; owners advise avoiding 2011-2013 models entirely.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe battery degradation and cold-weather performance loss (Gen1: 2011-2013): Rapid loss of battery capacity, "lizard" battery issues, catastrophic range loss in cold weather, leading to unusable vehicles. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Passive battery thermal management: Causes rapid state-of-charge (SOC) drop during highway driving in cold weather, battery isolation faults, swollen cells, and long-term health concerns. Cited as a fundamental design flaw.
- ⚠Outdated CHAdeMO fast-charging standard: Limited and declining public charger availability, making road trips difficult and reducing long-term utility. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Nissan Leaf, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV are a dealbreaker, the Nissan Leaf is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV or the Nissan Leaf?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV than the Nissan Leaf. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV or the Nissan Leaf?
The Nissan Leaf seats more passengers than the Mitsubishi i-MiEV on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is classed as a Hatchback, the Nissan Leaf as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV or the Nissan Leaf?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV or the Nissan Leaf?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV than the Nissan Leaf. See the known issues comparison above.