SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2023 Nissan LEAF vs. 2023 BYD Dolphin

With more and more government incentives, electric vehicle (EV) prices are going lower and lower.

Perhaps the most extreme example is the 2023 Nissan LEAF, which plummeted from a rather eye-watering ₱2,798,000 to a more palatable ₱1,998,000. This puts the LEAF in the firing line of yet another battery-electric hatchback.

The 2023 BYD Dolphin, much like the Nissan, has five doors, five seats, and zero emissions. It also has a plush interior and dramatic styling, all for ₱1,688,000.

Which of these fully electric babies is best? Let’s find out in this electrified Spec Showdown!

LEAF larger but less stylish

They may share identical body styles, but the BYD and the Nissan are different sizes.

The LEAF is substantially longer than the Dolphin, something you should consider when parking space is limited. Despite the exterior size difference, both EVs share precisely the same wheelbase.

In terms of looks, the LEAF may come with snazzy wheels and two-tone paint, but the Dolphin knocks it out with its orange accents and more futuristic styling.

BYD has cooler cabin

Step inside the LEAF and the Dolphin, and you really see that the two EVs are galaxies apart.

The Nissan’s interior looks like every other Nissan, with only the wild-looking gear selector hinting at something rather special. But the BYD transports you into the next millennium.

You get funky, circular aircon vents, a massive touchscreen, and a dazzling array of colors and shapes. In addition, the Dolphin gets plush leather over the LEAF’s cloth upholstery.

But what is very apparent is the difference in cargo capacity – the Nissan’s larger body definitely pulls ahead with the rear seats up, but the BYD turns into a small van when the back seats are folded down.

Nissan is punchier but down on range

Owing to its larger size, the LEAF definitely has more power and torque than the Dolphin.

Nonetheless, when we tested the Dolphin, it had enough punch to light up the front tires even with the traction control on. Despite the output disadvantage, the BYD has a much greater range than the LEAF on a full charge. Chalk that up to better efficiency and newer battery technology for the BYD contender. 

At least Nissan has a larger EV-dedicated dealer footprint with 10 showrooms nationwide to cater to the Leaf's servicing needs. BYD? Well, it has three for now. However, you do get a wall box charger with your Dolphin purchase.

Nissan offers more safety

And finally, the safety aspect.

Both EVs feature a strong complement of passive safety features, but the LEAF offers various active safety features for added protection and convenience.

Which is more electrifying?

Choosing between the LEAF and the Dolphin is really down to what character you want your EV to have.

The Nissan looks and feels more like a regular Nissan hatchback that happens to have a battery-electric drivetrain. The LEAF is also one of the world’s longest-running EV nameplates, so plenty of engineering know-how is invested into each generation. But the flip side of that fact is how its technology is showing its age.

Meanwhile, the BYD Dolphin showcases China’s huge global advantage in EV technology and efficiency, which it combines with oodles of style and character. That’s why I’d pick the Chinese EV for this comparo.

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