The Kia EV3 is no longer Canada’s most affordable electric vehicle with the new 2027 Nissan Leaf S starting at under CA$35,000.
Nissan Leaf retakes Canada’s most affordable EV crown
After launching the 2027 EV3 last month, Kia took the crown as Canada’s lowest-priced EV, starting at CA$36,995 (CA$39,744 all-in price).
Its run won’t last long. Nissan is retaking the title with the new 2027 Leaf S, a new entry-level trim that starts at just CA$34,998 (CA$37,966 selling price), or nearly CA$2,000 less than the Kia EV3.
The new model is also eligible for Canada’s Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) incentive, bringing the starting price under CA$30,000.
“The new grade brings the lowest-priced entry point into EV ownership for Canadians,” Nissan Canada’s president, Steve Rhind, said.
How does it stack up to the EV3? The new entry-level Nissan Leaf S uses a 53 kWh battery and a single 174 horsepower electric motor, providing a range of up to 341 km. Higher-priced trims (S+ and above) have a 75 kWh battery and a 214-horsepower motor, with up to 488 km of range.
| 2027 Nissan LEAF Grade | Battery | MSRP | Selling Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEAF S | 53 kWh | CA$34,998 | CA$37,966 |
| LEAF S+ | 75 kWh | CA$45,198 | CA$48,139 |
| LEAF SV+ | 75 kWh | CA$48,198 | CA$51,139 |
| LEAF PLATINUM+ | 75 kWh | CA$52,998 | CA$55,966 |
The 2027 Kia EV3 is available in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT, and two battery options.
The lowest-priced EV3 Light uses a 58.3 kWh battery with up to 356 km (221 miles) of range. The Wind, Land GT-Line, and GT are available with a larger 81.4 kWh battery that provides up to 517 km (321 miles) of range.
Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models have a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants add a rear motor, delivering a combined 261 horsepower. The EV3 GT offers slightly more with up to 288 horsepower.
Both the Kia EV3 and Nissan LEAF feature an NACS charge port. The LEAF can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes, while the EV3 takes 29 minutes with its 58.3 kWh battery.
| 2027 Kia EV3 Trim | MSRP | All-In Price* |
| Light FWD | CA$36,995 | CA$39,744 |
| Wind FWD | CA$40,995 | CA$43,744 |
| Wind AWD | CA$43,495 | CA$46,244 |
| Land FWD | CA$43,495 | CA$46,244 |
| Land AWD | CA$45,995 | CA$48,744 |
| GT-Line FWD | CA$45,995 | CA$48,744 |
| GT-Line AWD | CA$48,495 | CA$51,244 |
| GT-Line Limited FWD | CA$49,995 | CA$52,745 |
| GT-Line Limited AWD | $CA52,495 | CA$55,245 |
| GT AWD | CA$55,995 | CA$58,746 |
Inside, both feature dual 12.3″ instrument cluster and infotainment screens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The EV3 adds a 5″ climate control display.
What about in the US? The 2027 Kia EV3 Light starts at $29,890, while the Nissan Leaf is only available with the 75 kWh battery.
The cheapest Nissan Leaf S+ grade starts at $29,990 and offers up to 303 miles of range. Like in Canada, the Kia EV3 Light uses the 58.3 kWh battery with up to 221 miles of range, while the 81.4 kWh battery offers up to 321 miles.
Which entry-level electric car would you drive? The Kia EV3 or Nissan Leaf? Let us know your pick in the comments.
With a flood of new EVs from China set to arrive in Canada soon, don’t expect the Leaf to keep the crown for long.
Ready to see one for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links to find 2027 Kia EV3 and Nissan Leaf models in your area.
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