2023 Nissan Leaf
2023 Nissan Leaf – The Nissan Leaf was both a pioneer and a little strange when it debuted for the 2011 model year. It is the first widely available electric car to come from a mainstream car manufacturer, but it also has a funky style and limited range (73 miles). Much changed a decade later.
Nissan continues to evolve and improve the Leaf, which is now in its second generation, by adding various advanced driver aids and a larger battery for longer distances. And thanks to its hatchback body style, the Leaf remains a practical EV.
2023 Nissan Leaf
The Leaf 2023 may match the longer distances offered by the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Kona EV, and Volkswagen ID. However, the Leaf certainly gets the fundamentals right and has some complete driver safety aids available. Read our Expert Ranking below to get an in-depth look at this year’s Leaf.
The Nissan LEAF is expected to continue for 2023 with no change from the record. Credited with helping bring EV to the mainstream, Leaf is in the second generation, which debuted in 2018. The last update came in 2020 when Leaf obtained a lot of standard driver assistance technology.
Leaf maintains a hatchback design and a cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet. All models feature an 8-inch touchscreen, automatic temperature control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Leaf can move to the high end with features such as leather upholstery, navigation, and heated steering wheel and front seats.
Leaf standard with a 40-kWh battery pack and a 110-kW electric motor that produces 147 horsepower. This arrangement allows the travel of up to 149 miles on a full load.
The available 62-kWh battery is paired with a 215-hp 160-kW motor that offers a range of 226 miles. A full recharge takes eight hours on a 240 volt home charger.
DC fast charging ports are standard on most models, allowing the battery to reach 80 percent charging in about 45 minutes at public charging stations. With the NissanConnect EV app, drivers can start and monitor charging from their smartphones.
Standard driver assistance features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alerts, and front and rear automatic emergency braking. The ProPilot Assist system provides a semi-autonomous driving experience, a quality that no major competitor has.
2023 Nissan Leaf Release Date and Price
The 2023 Nissan LEAF is expected to arrive at the dealership by the end of 2022.
We estimate the price will be close to the current range from $32,545 to $44,845, including destination.
2021 Nissan Leaf
The 2021 Nissan Leaf quietly catered to the proletariat with affordable electric transportation methods.
While not as cool as the premium branded products, Leaf offers a spacious cabin. The Leaf’s starting price is beautiful, even compared to common EV’s such as the Chevy Bolt EV, Kia Niro EV, and Hyundai Ioniq Electric.
The standard 40.0-kWh battery pack is only good for an estimated 150-mile mileage, and the Plus model, which comes with a larger 62.0-kWh package, increases the range to 226 miles more competitive — is much more expensive.
Those looking for driver assistance features and semi-autonomous driving capabilities will find the Leaf offers a decent set of technologies.
2021 Nissan Leaf Engine
The standard Leaf model comes with a 147 horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels; the 40.0-kWh battery pack provides sufficient power. The Leaf Plus model comes with a gutsier, 214-hp electric motor and a larger 62.0-kWh battery.
The first set a zero-to-60-mph 7.4-second time on our test track, but it felt more cheerful than this figure showed thanks to the electric motor’s instantaneous power dispensing.
These results make it faster than the Volkswagen e-Golf, but slower than the Bolt EV, BMW i3s., and Model 3. Upgrading to a more powerful Plus model will definitely result in faster acceleration, but we won’t know until we can test it.
The e-Pedal Leaf feature allows the driver to switch between regenerative braking modes, sliding when the driver lifts the throttle. The other slows the car down as you release the foot from the gas and use that energy to recharge the battery.
Range and Battery Life
The Leaf can be plugged into a regular 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt outlet, but charging times vary dramatically between them. On a 240 volt connection, Nissan says the Leaf Plus standard and larger Leaf batteries can be recharged in seven hours.
Fast charging connections are optional on model S and standard on SV, SL, and all Plus trims. The standard Leaf models all come with a 40.0-kWh battery that provides a relatively limited range of 150 miles. This range may be enough for some drivers with short trips, but less than half of the Model 3 remote model provides.
The Leaf Plus provides a better driving distance thanks to its larger battery pack. To unlock the Leaf’s maximum driving distance of 226 miles, you’ll want to use the S Plus trim level, as the SV Plus and SL Plus models only have a 215-mile rating.
Fuel Economy
Our SV Plus test vehicle exceeds the EPA 94 MPGe highway rating by producing 98 MPGe through our 200-mile fuel-efficient test route. However, we only saw a range of 180 miles during this test, less than the claimed EPA figure of 215 miles.
2023 Nissan Leaf Interior
Although the Leaf S and SVs cabins have many black plastics, the well-assembled texture, and uniform help not look cheesy. The SL model offers an optional light grey leather interior with a matching dashboard pad that looks and feels better.
The measuring cluster has a large analog speedometer next to a 7.0-inch digital reading that can be reconfigured to display various displays. Leaf seats are comfortable for La-Z-Boy; The spacious back seat also offers plenty of space for adults.
Even though the Leaf’s rear seats don’t create a flat payload floor when folded, we found cargo capacity to be best in class. We loaded seven carry-on suitcases behind the back seat and 19 large suitcases with folded back seats.
For comparison, the Bolt EV holds five cargo areas and a maximum of 16 with the rear seats stored. The Niro EV — more similar to the SUV’s body style — held more cargo in our tests, but the Leaf still tops the list among electric cars.
All Leaf has the same 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration; navigation is optional. Although not very mighty, intuitive, and quick to respond to feedback, the interface of the latest Nissan Connect software is not very mighty.
Audio may be disappointed with the Leaf’s standard six-speaker audio system; Bose system seven speakers exclusive to the SL and SL Plus models but did not impress us during our test drive.
Safety Features
The Leaf has a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and has scored well in tests completed in part from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 driver assistance feature set is standard throughout the range. ProPilot Assist’s semi-autonomous driving modes are available on SV, SV Plus, and SL trims as part of the Technology package; it’s standard on SL Plus. Key security features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear traffic alerts
- Adaptive cruise control is available with semi-autonomous driving mode.
Nissan LEAF Performance
Feel the electric urge
There’s nothing like 100% driving with electricity. There is no power band – just straight power for instant acceleration every time you step on the pedal. And all of this performance comes without a single drop of gas, absolutely zero exhaust emissions, and extremely smooth operation.
Handling
The Nissan LEAF is just as fun through twists and turns. The floor-mounted battery pack creates a low center of gravity for great driving and smooth handling, helping the Nissan LEAF angle with a minimal body roll.
e-Pedal: One Pedal
Imagine being able to drive your Nissan LEAF with just one pedal. Just tap to rush instantly and release to slow down. The same direct and pure response for acceleration and braking. It’s one smooth move, and it’s a lot of fun, and, of course, your brake pedal is still there, so you can break on demand.
How does the Nissan LEAF work?
Nissan LEAF is an all-electric vehicle. Its motor does not need gasoline at all. It’s not a hybrid – it does get the energy needed to drive an electric motor between its front wheels from a large lithium-ion battery mounted along the car’s floor. Charging is as easy as charging your phone: plug it in, and unplug it.
Benefits of Nissan LEAF
Sum 100% of electricity
Owning a Nissan LEAF continues to get better, with many benefits to using electricity beyond the lower cost of ownership. You don’t have to stop refueling anymore, so forget about the pump and stop worrying about fuel prices.
And depending on where you live, you may be eligible for potential state and federal tax incentives, HOV access lanes, and more.
No gas, no exhaust emissions
No gas means no exhaust. No exhaust means no exhaust emissions. So forget the gas station and emissions testing – inside the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, everything is outdated.
No Oil Change
An internal combustion engine does not power the Nissan LEAF, so there is no need for oil for lubrication, and there is no need to change the oil to keep it smooth. Ever.
No Tune-Ups
Spark plugs, timing belts, liquid refills — forget it. Nissan LEAF is 100% electric, so get used to reducing maintenance and not too much trouble.
HOV Line Access
When most commuters are stuck in traffic jams, your Nissan LEAF has the potential to give you access to HOV and Carpool lanes.
Preferred Parking Space
Have you ever dreamed of attending a concert, movie theater, grocery store, or your favorite mall and getting the perfect parking spot at any time? In the Nissan LEAF, this is not just a dream; it could be your reality.
One Quiet Cabin
You can focus on more important things like enjoying an exciting ride and the Bose Energy Efficient Series Premium Audio System available without an internal combustion engine.
2021 Nissan LEAF Price Starting From $31,670.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Nissan Leaf
