2025 Nissan Leaf vs MG4 EV – Best Budget Electric Hatchback?

As the Australian EV market matures in 2025, two names continue to dominate the budget end of the electric hatchback segment: the Nissan Leaf and the MG4 EV. While both offer eco-friendly motoring with everyday practicality, they come from different automotive philosophies. The Nissan Leaf has been a global EV pioneer, while the MG4 is a bold newcomer with disruptive pricing and tech.

So, which one truly delivers the best bang for your buck in Australia this year? We compare the 2025 Nissan Leaf and MG4 EV across all critical aspects: price, performance, charging, range, features, comfort, and ownership costs. Whether you're a first-time EV buyer or upgrading on a budget, this guide will help you decide.

1. Overview of the Contenders

Nissan Leaf 2025

The Nissan Leaf is one of the world’s best-selling EVs, and in 2025, it continues in Australia with minor updates. Though it’s aging compared to newer rivals, the Leaf maintains a strong reputation for reliability, comfort, and ease of use.

Variants Available in Australia:

• Leaf (base)
• Leaf e+ (higher capacity battery)

Pricing (Driveaway Estimate):

• Leaf: From ~$39,000
• Leaf e+: From ~$47,000

MG4 EV 2025

MG has shaken up the EV segment with the MG4 – an all-electric hatchback that combines sharp styling, high-tech features, and unbeatable value. In 2025, it offers multiple trims and configurations suited to a wide audience.

Variants Available in Australia:

• MG4 Excite 51
• MG4 Excite 64
• MG4 Essence 64
• MG4 Long Range 77

Pricing (Driveaway Estimate):

• Starts from ~$39,990 to ~$55,990

2. Design and Exterior Styling

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf’s design is modest, featuring smooth lines and a familiar hatchback profile. While it was once futuristic, its design hasn’t dramatically changed since the second generation’s launch in 2017. It’s functional and discreet, appealing to conservative buyers.

Pros:

• Easy urban visibility
• Aerodynamic for efficiency
• Refined but now dated

MG4 EV

The MG4 EV is sharp, edgy, and modern. It boasts aggressive LED headlights, a coupe-like stance, and aerodynamic accents that make it look more premium than its price suggests.

Pros:

• Sporty, youthful aesthetics
• Flush door handles
• Bold colours and dynamic stance

Winner: MG4 EV – More contemporary and stylish.

3. Interior and Cabin Experience

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf’s cabin is practical but shows its age. It has traditional analogue buttons, a smaller infotainment screen, and basic materials. However, it’s comfortable, intuitive, and has generous headroom.

Features:

• 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Cloth seats
• Basic digital driver display
• Decent boot space (405L)

MG4 EV

The MG4 surprises with its minimalist, futuristic interior. A floating console, two high-res displays, and digital controls create a more modern experience. Material quality is decent, especially at this price point.

Features:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen + 7-inch digital cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Rotary gear selector
• Ambient lighting in higher trims
• Boot space: 350L (slightly less but usable)

Winner: MG4 EV – Better tech and modern cabin layout.

4. Battery, Range, and Performance

Nissan Leaf

The standard Leaf offers a 39kWh battery, while the e+ gets a 62kWh unit. Performance is smooth but not thrilling.

Range:

• Leaf: ~270km WLTP
• Leaf e+: ~385km WLTP

0-100km/h Time:

• Leaf: ~8 seconds
• Leaf e+: ~7.3 seconds

MG4 EV

The MG4 has multiple battery sizes, from 51kWh to 77kWh. Even the entry-level version beats the base Leaf in performance and range.

Range (WLTP):

• 51kWh: ~350km
• 64kWh: ~435km
• 77kWh: ~530km

0-100km/h Time:

• As quick as 6.5 seconds in the Long Range

Winner: MG4 EV – More choices, better range, faster.

5. Charging Capabilities

Nissan Leaf

• AC Charging: Up to 6.6kW
• DC Fast Charging (CHAdeMO): Up to 50kW
• Time (0–80%): ~60 minutes on DC

The use of CHAdeMO is becoming outdated in Australia, with CCS2 now the dominant standard.

MG4 EV

• AC Charging: Up to 11kW
• DC Fast Charging (CCS2): Up to 135kW
• Time (0–80%): ~30 minutes (64kWh model)

Winner: MG4 EV – Faster charging, future-ready port.

6. Tech, Infotainment & Connectivity

Winner: MG4 EV – More advanced and seamless tech experience.

7. Driving Comfort and Handling

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf is smooth and predictable. Ride quality is plush, and it’s great for city driving. However, it lacks engagement and feels heavier in corners.

MG4 EV

With its rear-wheel drive layout, the MG4 offers more balance and sharper handling. The steering feels tighter and it feels more composed at higher speeds. Even ride comfort is on par with pricier EVs.

Winner: MG4 EV – More fun and refined to drive.

8. Safety Features

Nissan Leaf

• 5-star ANCAP rating (from 2018)
• AEB, lane departure, rear cross traffic alert
• ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving (e+ only)

MG4 EV

• 5-star ANCAP rating (2023)
• AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection
• Lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control
• 360° camera on higher trims
• Rear cross-traffic alert standard across most variants

Winner: MG4 EV – More modern and comprehensive safety suite.

9. Ownership Costs & Warranty

Nissan Leaf

• Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
• Battery: 8 years/160,000km
• Service: Every 12 months/20,000km
• Estimated running costs: ~$1,200/year

MG4 EV

• Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km
• Battery: 7 years/160,000km
• Service: Every 24 months/20,000km
• Estimated running costs: ~$900/year

Winner: MG4 EV – Longer warranty and lower servicing costs.

10. Final Verdict – Which One Wins?

The MG4 EV wins in virtually every category, offering better tech, greater range options, more modern design, and lower cost of ownership. While the Nissan Leaf is still reliable and proven, it now feels outdated in a segment where innovation is key.

If you’re after the best budget-friendly EV hatchback in Australia in 2025, the MG4 EV is hard to beat – especially with prices starting under $40K.

Who Should Buy the Nissan Leaf?

• Loyal Nissan customers looking for a simple EV
• Those preferring familiar controls and mature design
• Buyers with CHAdeMO home charging already installed

Who Should Buy the MG4 EV?

• First-time EV buyers wanting value and style
• Tech lovers seeking modern interiors and connectivity
• Budget-focused drivers needing low-cost ownership

Conclusion

The EV market in Australia is heating up, and in the affordable electric hatchback space, the 2025 MG4 EV stands out as the clear value leader. With its combination of design, range, features, and pricing – it feels like a car from the next generation. The Nissan Leaf remains dependable, but unless brand loyalty or charging setup dictates otherwise, it’s time to pass the torch to the new champion.

If you're planning your next electric journey on a budget, the MG4 EV deserves to be at the top of your list.