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HomeComparisonsNissan LEAF vs CUPRA Born
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Nissan LEAF vs CUPRA Born

Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?

Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.

Specifications in progress

Nissan LEAF: we're still completing price, width, warranty, braked towing and electric range, plus 1 other.

A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.

SpecNissanCUPRA
Price (RRP)TBC$59,990
Fuel typeElectricElectric
Range (WLTP)511km
Battery40 kWh82 kWh
Power110kW170kW
0-100 km/h7.9s7s
Max DC Charge50kW170kW
10-80% Charge Time22 min
Boot Space405L385L
Warranty5yr / Unlimited
ANCAP SafetyNo data5 Stars

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Price Breakdown

Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

Charging Times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

How long to charge

40kWh usable

Public DC

50kW charger · 0–80%

38 min

Ultra-rapid DC

up to 50kW · 0–80%

48 min

Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (6.6kW AC, 50kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.

How long to charge

77kWh usable

Public DC

50kW charger · 0–80%

1h 14m

Ultra-rapid DC

up to 170kW · 0–80%

27 min

Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 170kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.

Feature Showdown

The Nissan LEAF features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the CUPRA Born gets a 12-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Nissan LEAF stands out with heated front seats and Bose audio — features our data doesn't list for the CUPRA Born. The CUPRA Born counters with wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Nissan LEAF gets leather accented upholstery while the CUPRA Born offers cloth.

Drivetrain

The Nissan LEAF uses a Electric producing 110kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.

The CUPRA Born responds with a Electric Motor making 170kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The CUPRA Born has the clear power advantage at 170kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the CUPRA Born is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 40kWh (Nissan LEAF) vs 82kWh (CUPRA Born). DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Nissan LEAF) vs 170kW (CUPRA Born).

Space & Comfort

The Nissan LEAF measures 4,490mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 166mm longer than the CUPRA Born at 4,324mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the CUPRA Born generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 405L in the Nissan LEAF and 385L in the CUPRA Born, giving the Nissan LEAF a 20L advantage.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

10.2m to 11.0m

TightestCUPRA BornTightest turn at 10.2m, easiest U-turns and carparks
CUPRA Born
10.2mTighter
Best
Nissan LEAF LEAF 40kWh
11.0m
Worst
Nissan LEAF 40kWh
11.0m · Good

Based on 11.0m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
CUPRA Born
10.2m · Good

Based on 10.2m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestCUPRA BornTightest turn at 10.2m, needs the least road to swing around
Nissan LEAF11.0 m
Good△ 3-point
CUPRA BornTightest10.2 m
Good△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep

Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.

True Cost to Own

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Nissan LEAF if: You need more boot space, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the CUPRA Born if: You prioritise performance, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The CUPRA Born takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Nissan LEAF and CUPRA Born?

The CUPRA Born is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs.

Which has the longest driving range?

The CUPRA Born has the most range at 511km (WLTP).

Which charges fastest?

The CUPRA Born accepts the highest DC charging at up to 170kW.

What are the ANCAP safety ratings?

CUPRA Born holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Nissan LEAF, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.

Which has the most boot space?

The Nissan LEAF has the largest boot at 405L.

Which is the most powerful?

The CUPRA Born makes the most power at 170kW. The CUPRA Born is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.

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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.

Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026

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