The redesign year indicates that the car is either introduced for the first time or an existing model has been
significantly re-engineered. The more extensive or complicated the redesign, the higher the risk of reliability problems.
2026 Model Redesign Year
The redesign year indicates that the car is either introduced for the first time or an existing model has been
significantly re-engineered. The more extensive or complicated the redesign, the higher the risk of reliability problems.
The Leaf electric vehicle got a thorough makeover for 2026--for better and for worse.
Nissan replaced its outdated CHAdeMO plug with a Tesla-style NACS port, making it compatible with many more public chargers and capable of DC fast charging.
The driving range was increased to 259-303 miles, depending on the trim, which means it's less of a commuter-only car and now more for long-distance travel.
The single-motor, front-wheel-drive powertrain is quiet and smooth, and its well-balanced chassis offers predictable, easy-to-control handling.
The ride is more absorbent than the old Leaf.
Cabin fit and finish rival more expensive cars, and we found the front seats comfortable and supportive.
The rear seat, though, is tight and short on underleg support.
It's unfortunate that Nissan replaced the old Leaf's easy-to-use array of interior buttons with controls that rely heavily on touchscreen menus and capacitive-touch panels that are difficult to use while driving.
Road test score is a composite based on more than 50 tests and evaluations at our 327-acre test facility in
Colchester, Conn., on cars that Consumer Reports has purchased. Among the many tests are assessments of emergency-handling, braking capabilities,
fuel economy, ride, seat comfort, headlights, and controls.
Road Test Score
Road test score is a composite based on more than 50 tests and evaluations at our 327-acre test facility in
Colchester, Conn., on cars that Consumer Reports has purchased. Among the many tests are assessments of emergency-handling, braking capabilities,
fuel economy, ride, seat comfort, headlights, and controls.
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Reliability
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.
Predicted Reliability
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the owner satisfaction of new and redesigned models.
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the owner satisfaction of new and redesigned models.
Base MSRP Range
$29,990 - $38,990
Destination Charge: $1545
Destination Charge
This charge covers the cost of transporting a vehicle from a carmaker’s U.S. factory or port of entry to its dealerships. Destination charges are typically not negotiable. Occasionally some select model trims will have a slightly higher fee than others.
Destination Charge
This charge covers the cost of transporting a vehicle from a carmaker’s U.S. factory or port of entry to its dealerships. Destination charges are typically not negotiable. Occasionally some select model trims will have a slightly higher fee than others.
This charge covers the cost of transporting a vehicle from a carmaker’s U.S. factory or port of entry to its dealerships. Destination charges are typically not negotiable. Occasionally some select model trims will have a slightly higher fee than others.
Destination Charge
This charge covers the cost of transporting a vehicle from a carmaker’s U.S. factory or port of entry to its dealerships. Destination charges are typically not negotiable. Occasionally some select model trims will have a slightly higher fee than others.
Road test score is a composite based on more than 50 tests and evaluations at our 327-acre test facility in
Colchester, Conn., on cars that Consumer Reports has purchased. Among the many tests are assessments of emergency-handling, braking capabilities,
fuel economy, ride, seat comfort, headlights, and controls.
Road Test Score
Road test score is a composite based on more than 50 tests and evaluations at our 327-acre test facility in
Colchester, Conn., on cars that Consumer Reports has purchased. Among the many tests are assessments of emergency-handling, braking capabilities,
fuel economy, ride, seat comfort, headlights, and controls.
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Reliability
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.
Predicted Reliability
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the owner satisfaction of new and redesigned models.
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the owner satisfaction of new and redesigned models.
Road test score is a composite based on more than 50 tests and evaluations at our 327-acre test facility in
Colchester, Conn., on cars that Consumer Reports has purchased. Among the many tests are assessments of emergency-handling, braking capabilities,
fuel economy, ride, seat comfort, headlights, and controls.
Road Test Score
Road test score is a composite based on more than 50 tests and evaluations at our 327-acre test facility in
Colchester, Conn., on cars that Consumer Reports has purchased. Among the many tests are assessments of emergency-handling, braking capabilities,
fuel economy, ride, seat comfort, headlights, and controls.
/ 100
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Reliability
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.
Predicted Reliability
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.
/ 100
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the owner satisfaction of new and redesigned models.
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Our extensive survey data, combined with our technical knowledge, allows us to expertly predict the owner satisfaction of new and redesigned models.
The redesign year indicates that the car is either introduced for the first time or an existing model has been
significantly re-engineered. The more extensive or complicated the redesign, the higher the risk of reliability problems.
2018 Model Redesign Year
The redesign year indicates that the car is either introduced for the first time or an existing model has been
significantly re-engineered. The more extensive or complicated the redesign, the higher the risk of reliability problems.
The second generation Leaf electric car has a 40-kWh battery.
We measured its driving range at 149 miles which is shorter than the Chevy Bolt's 250-mile range, but the Leaf is less expensive.
The 2019 Leaf Plus, with a 62-kWh battery, has a rated range of 215 miles.
It takes eight hours to charge it on a 240-volt connector.
The E-Pedal feature decelerates the Leaf quite significantly when the driver eases off the accelerator, sending energy back to the battery.
The Leaf accelerates decisively but the ride is stiff.
Its handling is mundane but secure.
The driving position can be uncomfortable for some drivers because the steering wheel doesn't telescope for reach.
The optional ProPilot Assist can help keep the car in its lane and adjust its speed to keep track with surrounding traffic.
2018 brought standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
For 2019, a rear passenger alert system is standard.
This feature is designed to prevent forgetting a child in the rear seat.
The 2020 model added standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and automatic high beams.
It also added standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Updates for 2022 brought updated ProPilot Assist software.
In 2023, the Leaf received mild exterior styling updates.
There were no changes for the 2024 and 2025 model years.
The redesign year indicates that the car is either introduced for the first time or an existing model has been
significantly re-engineered. The more extensive or complicated the redesign, the higher the risk of reliability problems.
2011 Model Redesign Year
The redesign year indicates that the car is either introduced for the first time or an existing model has been
significantly re-engineered. The more extensive or complicated the redesign, the higher the risk of reliability problems.
Holding the distinction of being the first widely available and affordable all-electric car, the five-seat Nissan LEAF hatchback has typical range of approximately 75-miles.
In our 2011 tests, a full charge took six hours using a 240-volt power source or 16 hours using 120 volts.
Since our test, charge times have been shortened through updates to the car.
At low speeds the extraordinarily quiet LEAF feels quick and rides comfortably.
Cabin access is easy and the rear seat is fairly roomy.
We measured 3.16 miles per kWh, the equivalent of 106 mpg.
Running costs are extremely low: 3.5 cents per mile at the national average of 11 cents per kWh.
Standard features include a heated steering wheel and seats.
Model year 2013 brought a faster onboard charger and a cheaper S version.
However, 2013 and later LEAF models scored Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
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