Compare the2025 Lexus RZVS 2025 Nissan Leaf

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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The RZ has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Leaf doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The RZ 450e has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Leaf doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Lexus RZ comes with a standard Panoramic View Monitor with a rear camera washer to provide all-weather visibility, regardless of road dirt or grime, while the Nissan Leaf doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

Both the RZ and Leaf have rear cross-traffic warning, but the RZ Premium/Luxury has Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Leaf’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the RZ and the Leaf 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 and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Lexus RZ is safer than the Nissan Leaf:

	RZ	Leaf
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	153	216
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	263	270
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31%	49%
Neck Stress	202 lbs.	233 lbs.
Neck Compression	19 lbs.	86 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus RZ is safer than the Nissan Leaf:

	RZ	Leaf
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	38	131
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.8 inches
Abdominal Force	84 lbs.	137 lbs.
Hip Force	132 lbs.	377 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	106	257
Spine Acceleration	41 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	422 lbs.	887 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Lexus RZ is safer than the Leaf:

	RZ	Leaf
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	124	211
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.47 in	1.14 in
Shoulder Force	156 lbs.	245 lbs.
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	6 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	825 lbs.	1093 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	82	158
Neck Tension	22 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.24 in	1.54 in
Shoulder Force	112 lbs.	335 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.06 in	1.38 in
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	469 lbs.	937 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Warranty

The RZ comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Leaf’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RZ 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Nissan covers the Leaf. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Leaf ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The RZ’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Leaf’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RZ’s reliability 13 points higher than the Leaf.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 64 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 12th.

Engine

The RZ 300e’s standard electric motor produces 54 more horsepower (201 vs. 147) than the Leaf’s standard electric motor. The RZ 450e’s optional electric motors produces 94 more horsepower (308 vs. 214) and 71 lbs.-ft. more torque (321 vs. 250) than the Leaf PLUS’ standard electric motor.

As tested in Car and Driver the RZ 450e electric motors is faster than the Leaf PLUS:

	RZ	Leaf
Zero to 60 MPH	4.6 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter Mile	13.5 sec	15.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	99 MPH	91 MPH
Top Speed	103 MPH	101 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPGe
RZ
	FWD	300e w/18" Wheels Electric Motor	137 city/112 hwy
Leaf
	FWD	Electric Motor	123 city/99 hwy
		SV PLUS Electric Motor	121 city/98 hwy

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

			Miles
RZ
	FWD	300e w/18" Wheels Electric Motor	266 miles
		300e w/20" Wheels Electric Motor	224 miles
	AWD	450e w/18" Wheels Electric Motors	220 miles
		450e w/20" Wheels Electric Motors	196 miles
Leaf
	FWD	SV PLUS Electric Motor	212 miles
		Electric Motor	149 miles

Brakes and Stopping

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

	RZ	Leaf
Front Rotors	12.9 inches	11.1 inches
Rear Rotors	12.5 inches	11.5 inches

The RZ stops much shorter than the Leaf:

	RZ	Leaf
70 to 0 MPH	171 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	116 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the RZ has larger tires than the Leaf (F:235/60R18 & R:255/55R18 vs. 205/55R16). The RZ’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Leaf (F:235/60R18 & R:255/55R18 vs. 215/50R17).

The RZ’s optional 255/45R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Leaf SV PLUS’ 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RZ has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Leaf S. The RZ’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels on the Leaf SV PLUS.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Lexus RZ has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Nissan Leaf has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The RZ has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Leaf’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RZ’s wheelbase is 5.9 inches longer than on the Leaf (112.2 inches vs. 106.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RZ is 3 inches wider in the front and 2.8 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Leaf.

The RZ 450e Luxury handles at .86 G’s, while the Leaf pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

Chassis

The front grille of the RZ uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Leaf doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The RZ uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Leaf doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The RZ has 3 inches more front hip room, 2.6 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear headroom, 4 inches more rear legroom, 1.8 inches more rear hip room and 1.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Leaf.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RZ’s rear seats recline. The Leaf’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the RZ Premium/Luxury’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Leaf doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 24% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 10th.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the RZ Premium/Luxury, the memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster) and outside mirror angle. The Leaf doesn’t offer a memory system.

The RZ Premium/Luxury’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Leaf doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The RZ offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Leaf doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The RZ’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Leaf’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The RZ’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Leaf’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

On a hot day the RZ’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Leaf can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RZ’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Key standard on the Leaf doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

To lock it, the door handles on the Leaf must be held while closing the door. On the RZ you just lock the door and close it, which makes it easier to lock up, especially when your hands are full.

The RZ’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Leaf’s power window (except driver window) and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The RZ’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Leaf’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The RZ’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Leaf S’ standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RZ offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Leaf doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RZ’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Leaf SV PLUS.

When the RZ Premium/Luxury is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Leaf’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The RZ’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Leaf offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Lexus RZ and Nissan Leaf offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The RZ features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Leaf’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The RZ has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the Leaf SV PLUS. The RZ Luxury also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Leaf.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the RZ Premium/Luxury keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Leaf doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The RZ has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Leaf SV PLUS.

The RZ has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Leaf doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The RZ’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Leaf doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the RZ has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Leaf doesn’t offer rear vents.

The Lexus RZ has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Nissan charges extra for Homelink® on the Leaf.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Lexus RZ has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Leaf doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The RZ has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Leaf doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The RZ’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Advanced Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Leaf doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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