Leaf vs Uncharted
This is a classic rivalry: the Leaf against the Uncharted, Nissan against Subaru, both in subcompact suv territory. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
At a glance
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Uncharted wins
Key Differences
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The Uncharted has available all-wheel drive
The Uncharted has it; the Leaf doesn’t. No percentages needed. The Uncharted offers all-wheel drive; the Leaf doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Leaf | Uncharted |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 61.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Curb weight (from) | 4,187 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
In the engine & performance section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Leaf and the Uncharted list in the table below.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if fuel economy & range was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. The takeaway: fuel economy & range is not where these two differ.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Uncharted leads
If you’re keeping score, the off-road & towing point goes narrowly to the Uncharted. The Uncharted wins here with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. On off-road & towing alone, the Uncharted gets the nod.
AWD / 4WD available
Leaf: no Uncharted: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Leaf’s and the Uncharted’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Leaf | Uncharted |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | 130 kW electric motor, 75 kWh battery | Single motor (front) |
| Total system output | 174 hp | N/A (not specified) |
| Torque | 254 lb-ft Most torque in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Leaf | Uncharted |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 303 mi | 308 mi Longest electric range |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Leaf | Uncharted |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 31.80 in Least rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Leaf | Uncharted |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 5.30 in Lowest ground clearance | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Leaf | Uncharted |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14.3 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Leaf | Uncharted |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 61.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Curb weight (from) | 4,187 lb | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Uncharted if…
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you’re comfortable with how Subaru does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Leaf or the Uncharted?
It depends on your priorities: the Leaf is stronger on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the Uncharted leads on off-road & towing.
Does the Leaf last longer on a charge than the Uncharted?
The official battery figures don’t separate them; the Leaf and the Uncharted land in almost the same place.
Executive Summary
Whenever Nissan and Subaru go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Leaf and the Uncharted are no exception. On the other side, the Uncharted brings available all-wheel drive, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
I’d match them like this: the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the Leaf, off-road & towing to the Uncharted.
My pick: decide whether you’d miss the things a spec sheet can’t capture or off-road & towing more, then buy the Leaf or the Uncharted accordingly.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.