Compare the2024 Nissan LeafVS 2024 Lexus RZ

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 RZ doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

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, 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.

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 40 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 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 stops shorter than 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 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 2 feet tighter than the RZ’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The Leaf SV PLUS’ turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the RZ’s (36.1 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The Nissan Leaf may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 750 pounds less than the Lexus RZ.

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

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Leaf easier. The Leaf’s trunk lift-over height is 28.6 inches, while the RZ’s liftover is 29.8 inches.

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.

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

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

The Nissan Leaf outsold the Lexus RZ by 33% during 2023.