Except for the three Nissan Leaf years to avoid, we can pretty much recommend every model year if you’re searching for a Nissan Leaf that’s a decent option as a secondhand car. Having said that, we’d especially suggest the models from 2017 through 2020.
Of course, it might be difficult to find a secondhand 2019 or 2020 model in that case. Since most owners are still keeping their cars, the most modern models aren’t appearing on the used market very often.
It’s also important to keep in mind that compared to other models, you might have to pay a bit more for a used Nissan Leaf automobile. This is due to the fact that models with a lengthy history of dependability and efficiency tend to hold their value better than cars with more widespread problems.
In This Article...
The top Nissan Leaf trim level.
The Nissan Leaf has established itself as one of the top new electric vehicles available. It has shown to be a fantastic used EV as well. What Nissan Leaf trim should you choose?
At $32,400, the Nissan Leaf S Plus is affordable. After tax breaks from the federal and municipal governments, this cost might be reduced to $25,400. Amazing value for a brand-new electric vehicle. Compared to the original model’s 147 horsepower, the Leaf S Plus has 214 horsepower.
On a single charge, the Nissan Leaf S Plus model’s range is 226 miles. Only 149 miles may be covered by the base model on a single charge. The finest Nissan Leaf trim is the S Plus because it offers more range and power than any other trim. It still cannot compete with more well-known new EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, while being far more affordable to buy.
Subaru Leaf
A 40 kilowatt-hour battery powers the base Leaf EV, giving it an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles.
Depending on the trim level, the Leaf’s estimated range with the 62-kilowatt-hour battery in the Plus version is 215 to 226 miles.
Additionally, it receives a stronger motor, which accelerates the Leaf Plus from 0 to 60 mph in less than a second compared to the 40-kWh Leaf.
On a 240-volt socket, the basic Leaf charges in 8 hours while the 62-kWh Plus requires 10.5 hours.
The Leaf’s ride is a little delicate, so until it hits a bump hard, it seems soft.
The lack of reach-telescoping on the steering wheel makes the driving posture awkward.
The ProPilot Assist option can maintain the vehicle’s lane separation and modify speed in response to traffic.
Its 149-mile driving range is less than the 250-mile range of the Chevy Bolt, but the Leaf is less expensive.
When the driver eases off the accelerator, the E-Pedal feature dramatically slows down the Leaf and sends energy back to the battery.
Because the steering wheel cannot be telescoped for reach, some drivers may find the driving posture uncomfortable.
The ProPilot Assist, which is an optional feature, can help the car stay in its lane and change its speed to keep up with oncoming traffic.
Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning become standard in 2018.
The five-seat Nissan LEAF hatchback, which holds the distinction of being the first widely accessible and reasonably priced all-electric vehicle, typically has a range of about 75 miles.
A full charge in our 2011 tests required either six hours with a 240-volt power source or sixteen hours with a 120-volt power source.
Running costs are incredibly low, coming in at just 3.5 cents per mile and an average of 11 cents per kWh nationwide.
However, in the IIHS small-overlap crash test, LEAF cars from 2013 and later received a Poor rating.
Cost and Which One to Purchase
The SV Plus is the best option here since it has a fair price, the greatest driving range, the strongest electric motor, and a respectable list of standard features. It boasts automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and automated headlights.
What variations of the Nissan Leaf are there?
S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) and SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback are two styles that are offered (electric DD). The Nissan LEAF has front-wheel drive as of 2023.
Nissan Leafs are dependable?
Nissan Leafs: Are They Reliable? Overall reliability ratings for Nissan Leafs are fairly mediocre. It all depends on the model you choose to invest in because some years are more dependable than others. Although battery deterioration will be a problem, you may expect newer Leafs to be more dependable than older models, as seen below.
The longest-range Nissan Leaf, which one?
A 40 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 2023 Nissan LEAF S, which has an EPA range of up to 149 miles. Nissan LEAF SV PLUS variants are powered by a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery, which has a range of up to 212 miles.
Is it expensive to repair the Nissan LEAF?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Nissan LEAF is ranked third among all alternative fuel vehicles. It has typical ownership costs with an average annual repair cost of $748.
Is the Nissan Leaf being phased out?
Nissan believes the need to turn its attention to other EV models, including the Ariya and EVs in the form of SUVs.
By :
revised on:
The Nissan Leaf EV was unveiled in 2010 and was the first mass-produced, reasonably priced battery-powered automobile. The company may abandon the model and replace it with one that is “better tailored to the needs of the modern EV buyer,” according to various claims that have now been validated. No decision has yet been made regarding whether the car would retain the name “Leaf” or not.
Even though the Leaf was an innovative vehicle, it was quickly surpassed by a number of different offers from other automakers. Nissan feels the need to move its focus to other EV models like the Ariya. The small Nissan with its 73 miles of range turned into an odd-looking package when Tesla unveiled its Model S with a ground-breaking range.
Does the Nissan LEAF handle snow well?
Weight and low center of gravity of the vehicle make it excellent in the snow when equipped with ice and snow tires. However, I advise you to ask for a test drive that enables you to operate a LEAF on your slope, particularly in the snow.
What distinguishes a Nissan LEAF SL from a LEAF SV?
While the S trim only receives normal cruise control, the SV includes Intelligent Cruise Control. Rear-view cameras are standard on all models. Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are available on the S and SV.
When did the Nissan LEAF receive a larger battery?
The maximum range of any electric vehicle (EV) is greatly influenced by how long its battery can be used.
A battery health bar is included with the Nissan Leaf; the 12 bars show how many of the battery’s original battery cells are still functional. As the battery ages, the range of the car will decrease.
- With a 24 kWh battery, the first-generation Nissan Leaf had a maximum range of 84 miles.
- The battery capacity was increased to 30 kWh and the range was improved to 107 miles in the 2016 model.
Early model years’ 24 kWh batteries only had a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, which has since passed its expiration date.
The original battery has 12 bars with no battery degradation, but newer batteries used in 2016 models and later came with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty in case the capacity represented on the dash falls to 8 bars or less.
A small battery in an all-electric car will result in a lesser range and shorter lifespan.
In comparison to an EV with a larger battery, it will require more charge cycles to travel long distances.
Range and vehicle performance are significantly impacted as the battery’s capacity diminishes with increasing the number of charge cycles.
Nissan has drawn a lot of flak for failing to use liquid cooling on the Leaf’s battery to increase battery life.
Nissan updated its batteries in 2013 after discovering that the Leaf’s initial battery chemistry was susceptible to early deterioration.
Although an updated 30 kWh battery was introduced in 2016, the deterioration problem was not materially resolved.
- There aren’t many Nissan Leafs from the first generation with more than 150,000 miles on them because the batteries are no longer suitable for daily use due to battery degradation.
- The battery capacity and range of many first-generation Leafs with 50,000–100,000 miles have significantly decreased owing to deterioration over time.
The Nissan Leaf’s range is about 150 miles and its battery is bigger, at 40 kWh.
A Plus model with a 62 kWh battery and a 226-mile range was introduced in 2019.
Although the larger battery in the second-generation Leaf gives it longer longevity, unlike many other EVs on the market right now, it is still not liquid-cooled.
We continue to be modest in our estimations of the second-generation Nissan Leaf’s range and believe it will most likely last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles.
What distinguishes the Nissan LEAF N connecta from the Tekna?
The 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, electric folding mirrors, part leather seats, and parking sensors are all included in the N-Connecta model. Additionally installed is a Heat Pack, which adds heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Full LED headlights, leather and suede upholstery, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system are all included with the Tekna.
What distinguishes the Nissan LEAF SV from the SV Plus?
Amenities of the SV Plus Like the previous trim, the 2021 Nissan Leaf SV Plus enhances the powertrain while maintaining the same features as the original SV trim. It also has a 62-kWh battery with 214 horsepower, but its single charge range is only 215 miles.
How long does a Nissan Leaf battery last?
Depending on where you are and what you do, you’ll receive a specific timeline for your car. Extreme heat, frequent recharging (such as twice or three times a day), and city driving all hasten the battery’s depletion. The Nissan LEAF was designed to endure as much of these typical battery killers as possible, so you would have to be very rough on your car before you saw a significant change.
Depending on the model you choose, the Nissan LEAF can go up to 107 miles each day on the highway before needing a recharge. Even while driving aggressively in cities, you can travel up to 90 miles before needing a recharge. The battery will eventually lose power, but the amount of mileage you obtain will steadily decrease. The erosion will probably only have a minimal impact on you because the ordinary American will travel significantly less than the daily maximums. When you take care of your car, the Nissan LEAF battery should last between 8 and 10 years.