Verdict
At RM168,888, the Nissan Leaf costs RM200,062 less than the RM368,950 Toyota GR Corolla, while its RM100 annual road tax is RM107 lower. Its 40.0-kWh battery, 148-hp motor and 270-km EV range suit buyers able to work within that range, and the 435-litre boot is genuinely useful. The GR Corolla is a very different C-segment hatch: 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time deliver far stronger pace, but its 213-litre boot and high entry cost demand a performance-first brief.
Pick the Nissan Leaf if you want the RM200,062 saving, a 435-litre boot and a 270-km electric range.
Pick the Toyota GR Corolla if 296 hp, all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual and 5.3-second acceleration matter more than price or boot space.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Leaf RM168,888; Toyota GR Corolla RM368,950.
- Annual road tax: Nissan Leaf RM100; Toyota GR Corolla RM207.
- Output: Nissan Leaf 148 hp and 320 Nm; Toyota GR Corolla 296 hp and 400 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Nissan Leaf 7.9 seconds; Toyota GR Corolla 5.3 seconds.
- Boot space: Nissan Leaf 435 litres; Toyota GR Corolla 213 litres.
- Driveline and transmission: Nissan Leaf front-wheel drive single-ratio automatic; Toyota GR Corolla all-wheel drive six-speed manual.
Leaf
- RM200,062 lower purchase price.
- 435-litre boot versus 213 litres.
- 40.0-kWh battery with 270 km of EV range and an 8-year/160,000-km battery warranty.
- 7.9-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.3 seconds.
- No blind spot information system, while the GR Corolla has one.
- Passive cruise control rather than adaptive cruise control.
GR Corolla
- 296 hp and 400 Nm, with all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual.
- 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 230 km/h top speed.
- Adaptive cruise control, blind spot information system and a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- RM200,062 more expensive to buy.
- 213-litre boot is 222 litres smaller.
- RM207 annual road tax versus RM100.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM168,888✓ | RM368,950 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100✓ | RM207 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,618 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 296 hp at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm at 3,250 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 87 mm × 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 148 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 320 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 40.0 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 270 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 50.0 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | Constant Ratio Gearbox for EV | 6MT |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Nissan | Toyota |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 230 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,407 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,851 mm |
| Height | 1,540 mm | 1,479 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Weight | 1,544 kg | 1,475 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres✓ | 213 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 235/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/50R17 | 235/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop Enasave EC300 | Yokohama Advan Apex |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | e-Pedal, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control | Torsen Limited Slip Differential Front and Rear |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 Airbags and Autonomous Emergency Braking | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Wireless Charger, 1 USB Front, 1 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 5" Display Radio/CD Player with USB, Bluetooth, AUX-in and 4 Speakers | 9" Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Around View Monitor (AVM) | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | 6.6 kW Wallbox, 7" Information Display, Climate Control Timer | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Complimentary Usage of Nissan SUV, MPV or Pick-up for 23 Days per Year | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Leaf & GR Corolla for sale
Leaf vs GR Corolla FAQ
Is the Nissan Leaf or Toyota GR Corolla better?
The Nissan Leaf is the better practical and lower-cost choice, with a 435-litre boot and RM100 road tax. The Toyota GR Corolla is better for outright performance, delivering 296 hp, all-wheel drive and 5.3-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR Corolla costs RM200,062 more than the Nissan Leaf.
Which is faster, the Nissan Leaf or Toyota GR Corolla?
The Toyota GR Corolla is substantially faster: it reaches 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and tops out at 230 km/h, against the Nissan Leaf's 7.9 seconds and 155 km/h.
