Nissan Leaf SV+ vs Toyota Prius LE (hybrid): 5-year cost to own in New Jersey
As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years in New Jersey, the Toyota Prius LE (hybrid) stays the cheaper car to own — about $34,594 vs $47,768 for the Nissan Leaf SV+, a $13,174 difference over 5 years. New Jersey's electricity (23.5¢/kWh, 25% above the U.S. average) and $3.87/gal gas are fed straight into both totals. The expired federal $7,500 EV credit is not applied to either total.
Cheaper to own over 5 years · New JerseyToyota Prius LE (hybrid) · $34,594 total · $13,174 less than the Nissan Leaf SV+
Nissan Leaf SV+ vs Toyota Prius LE (hybrid) — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Nissan Leaf SV+ | Hybrid · Toyota Prius LE |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $17,728 (37%) | $9,639 (28%) |
| Charging / fuel | $6,257 (13%) | $4,073 (12%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$751) | — |
| Maintenance | $3,660 (8%) | $4,320 (12%) |
| Insurance | $13,750 (29%) | $11,500 (33%) |
| Financing interest | $4,728 (10%) | $4,768 (14%) |
| Registration & fees | $1,645 (3%) | $295 (1%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $47,768 | $34,594 |
The charging-loss row is the ~10–15% of electricity lost to AC charging that you pay for but never reaches the battery — we include it; most calculators don't.
When does the Nissan Leaf SV+ win?
Even at 30,000+ mi/yr or a 15-year hold, the Toyota Prius LE (hybrid) stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Nissan Leaf SV+ is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost (performance, emissions, HOV access, home-charging convenience).
Nissan Leaf SV+ vs Toyota Prius LE (hybrid), side by side
Nissan Leaf SV+
- 5-yr total cost
- $47,768
- Cost / month
- $796
- Cost / mile
- $0.80
- MSRP
- $28,140
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 30 kWh/100mi
Toyota Prius LE (hybrid)
- 5-yr total cost
- $34,594
- Cost / month
- $577
- Cost / mile
- $0.58
- MSRP
- $28,350
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Efficiency
- 57 mpg
- New Jersey electricity
- 23.5¢/kWh EIA
- Gas price (New Jersey)
- $3.87/gal AAA
Full cost breakdowns
← Nissan Leaf SV+ vs Toyota Prius LE (hybrid) (U.S. average)