Compare the2026 Nissan LeafVS 2025 Lexus RZ

Both the Leaf and the RZ 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available front parking sensors.

Nissan pays for scheduled maintenance on the Leaf for 1 year and 14,000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RZ (2/24,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 4 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Leaf’s warranty.

The Leaf S’ standard electric motor produces 58 lbs.-ft. more torque (254 vs. 196) than the RZ 300e’s standard electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the Leaf gets better mileage than the RZ:

The Leaf can travel longer on a full charge than the RZ on a full charge:

For better stopping power the Leaf’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RZ:

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 RZ’s standard 60 series front tires. The Leaf Platinum+’s tires have a lower 45 series profile than the RZ’s optional 50 series front 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 RZ doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For better maneuverability, the Leaf’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the RZ’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The Nissan Leaf may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 300 pounds less than the Lexus RZ.

The Leaf is 1 foot, 3.8 inches shorter than the RZ, making the Leaf easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Nissan Leaf amounts to more than styling. The Leaf has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .26 Cd. That is lower than the RZ (.29) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Leaf get better fuel mileage.

The Leaf has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the RZ.

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. Lexus doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the RZ.

The Nissan Leaf outsold the Lexus RZ by 361 units during 2024.