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SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2023 Nissan LEAF vs. 2023 BYD Dolphin

VJ Bacungan · May 7, 2023 05:30 PM

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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

nissan leaf exterior

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

byd dolphin exterior

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.

Vehicle

Length

Width

Height

Wheelbase

Minimum Ground Clearance

Wheels

Nissan LEAF

4,490 mm

1,788 mm

1,540 mm

2,700 mm

155 mm

16-inch alloy

BYD Dolphin

4,070 mm

1,770 mm

1,570 mm

2,700 mm

120 mm

16-inch alloy

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

nissan leaf interior

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.

byd dolphin interior

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.

Vehicle

Seat Material

Infotainment System

Cargo Space (2nd row up)

Cargo Space (2nd row down)

Nissan LEAF

Fabric

8-inch touchscreen

668 liters

850 liters

BYD Dolphin

Leather

12.8-inch touchscreen

345 liters

1,310 liters

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

SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2023 Nissan LEAF vs. 2023 BYD Dolphin 05

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

Vehicle

Battery Capacity

Power

Torque

Claimed Maximum Range (NEDC)

Nissan LEAF

40 kWh

150 PS

320 Nm

311 km

BYD Dolphin

44.9 kWh

95 PS

180 Nm

405 km

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.

Vehicle

Airbags

Traction control

ISOFIX child-restraint anchors

Active safety systems

Nissan LEAF

6

Standard

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Emergency Braking

BYD Dolphin

6

Standard

Standard

N/A

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.

Did you enjoy this story? Give it five stars now below!

VJ Bacungan

Senior Writer

An award-winning multimedia journalist, editor, and host for online and TV who has written in-depth stories on road safety and the Philippine elections. Outside of the media, VJ is an accomplished motorsports champion, English teacher, and dancer.

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