The Nissan Leaf Tops Auto Express's Ranking of 161 Electric Cars
The Nissan Leaf Tops Auto Express's Ranking of 161 Electric Cars
There are now 161 electric cars on sale in the UK, which makes choosing one harder than ever. Auto Express has ranked every one of them, and the all-new, British-built Nissan Leaf has come out on top.
The ranking at a glance
Auto Express reviewed every electric car currently available in the UK. Three Nissans featured:
- 1st: Nissan Leaf. The third-generation Leaf is ranked best overall, following its win as Auto Express Car of the Year for 2026.
- 15th: Nissan Micra. The new all-electric Micra gives Nissan two cars in the top 20.
- 69th: Nissan Ariya. The crossover is back in contention after recent price cuts.
Why the Leaf came first
Auto Express was enthusiastic. It called the Leaf the best new car on sale, "EV or not", and said it offers excellent value while getting every area right. The reviewers highlighted:
- Design: the move from hatchback to fastback shape
- Interior: a user-friendly cabin with Google built-in
- Range: up to 386 miles of range
- Charging: rapid charging at up to 105kW
The Micra: a small car with big credentials
The Micra placed 15th, just behind its Renault 5 cousin, with which it shares a platform. Auto Express noted that it shares the Renault's best qualities, including a perky drive, strong value, good technology and a choice of battery sizes. It called the Micra a superb supermini.
The Ariya: a comeback story
The Ariya, a former Auto Express Car of the Year winner, took 69th place. Reviewers still like its high-quality interior, and lower prices have improved its value for money.
Built in Britain
The Leaf is designed, engineered and built in the UK. It's made at Nissan's Sunderland plant, the country's largest car factory, alongside the Qashqai and Juke. Sunderland is central to Nissan's EV36Zero project, which aims to turn the site into a hub for electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production.
Leaf battery options and pricing
The Leaf is available in two battery sizes:
- 75kWh: introduced earlier this year
- 52kWh: announced in August, with up to 280 miles of WLTP range and a starting price of £28,849 including the grant
Both versions qualify for the government's full £3,750 Electric Car Grant. Prices and grant eligibility can change, so check current figures before buying.
What this means if you're choosing an EV
A ranking like this is a useful starting point, but the best electric car is the one that suits how you drive. Think about:
- how far you drive in a typical week
- whether you can charge at home or at work
- how often you take longer journeys
- how much space you need
- your budget, including any grants available
Thinking about going electric?
If you're weighing up your options, our team at Edgars can talk you through the electric and hybrid cars available now, including the Hyundai range, and help you work out which one fits your lifestyle. Get in touch or visit your nearest Edgars branch.