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The Nissan LEAF is a cheap, dependable EV with budget-minded electric car shoppers in mind. However, even with a competitive price tag, the Nissan model’s popularity can’t compete with that of Tesla. In fact, an iSeeCars study suggests that every Tesla model was more popular than the Nissan EV in 2022. Here are the most popular used electric cars of 2022, including the hot-selling Tesla Model Y. 

The entire Tesla lineup constitutes the most popular EVs on the market, per an iSeeCars study. Here are the rankings of the most popular electric vehicles of 2022:

  • Tesla Model 3
  • Tesla Model Y
  • Tesla Model S
  • Tesla Model X
  • Nissan LEAF
A white Tesla Model 3 shows off its simple aesthetic that made it one of the most popular EVs in the world.
Tesla Model 3 | Tesla

Despite its affordability compared to the EVs in Tesla’s lineup, the LEAF takes the last place on the list. Instead, the Model 3 tops the list, followed by the Model Y, S, and X. That makes sense; the Model 3 is the cheapest vehicle in the electric automaker’s lineup, with a starting price of around $42,990, per Tesla’s website. However, used examples with average mileage demand a smaller premium. 

The most popular used electric car in the US for 2022 is also the cheapest and smallest Tesla in the automaker’s library, the Model 3. It accounted for 0.4% of all used EV sales for the year. While that doesn’t seem impressive, it’s up from 0.1% in 2021.

That is an improvement, but even with the lower figures in 2021, the Model 3 was the most popular used electric car on the market for the last two years. Moreover, the Tesla Model 3 accounts for 0.3% higher used car sales figures than the Model Y.  

A new red Tesla Model Y shows off its SUV ride height.
Tesla Model Y | Tesla

Is Model Y or 3 cheaper?

The Tesla Model Y is cheaper than the Model 3 in the new and used market. For instance, Tesla says a new Model Y Long Range starts at around $54,990, or $12,000 more than the entry-level Model 3 RWD. 

However, used Tesla Model Y EVs are much cheaper than a new example. For instance, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says a used 2020 Model Y has a fair purchase price of around $43,648. That’s still about $6,778 more than a used 2020 Model 3 Standard Range Plus. 

How much more expensive is a used Tesla Model S or X than a Nissan LEAF EV?

A used Tesla Model S or X is much more expensive than a comparably aged Nissan LEAF EV. For instance, a used 2019 Tesla Model S Long Range starts at around $60,558. That’s about twice as much as a new 2023 Nissan LEAF EV’s starting price. 

A white 2023 Nissan LEAF shows off its simple aesthetic as it cruises back roads.
Nissan LEAF | Nissan

Is the Nissan LEAF still worth buying?

Despite the immense gulf in price between a used Tesla and a used Nissan LEAF, the Teslas are more popular. However, the LEAF is still a solid EV for potential owners who want an electric car with as much as 226 miles of single-charge range and an affordable starting price.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).