2023 Nissan LEAF

MSRP range: $27,800 - $35,800

2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback Exterior

+54

good

7.9/10

Edmunds Rating

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Total MSRP	$28,895
What others are paying	$30,754

Low supply is pushing the market average above MSRP.

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5 Colors
2 Trims
4 Packages

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2023 Nissan LEAF Review

byMichael Cantu^{Correspondent
Michael Cantu became an automotive enthusiast at an early age as one of those kids who could name just about every car on the road. After flipping cars for fun and dabbling in auto sales, Michael moved to Los Angeles to pursue his automotive dreams.},

rating written byCameron Rogers^{Senior News Editor
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Comes standard with many driver assist features
Quiet and comfortable driving experience
Attractively priced

Cons

Limited small-item storage
The back seats don't fold flat
Leaf's type of fast-charging port isn't supported at all public charging stations

What's new

Revised front-end styling with illuminated Nissan badge
Streamlined lineup reduces trim count from five to two
Part of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018

The Nissan Leaf isn't as cool as a Tesla and doesn't offer the latest in EV tech, but it's one of the longest-running EVs on the road, offering an affordable and practical option for people wanting to drive a zero-emission vehicle. It was quietly strutting its kilowatts on the streets before any Tesla rolled out of the factory and showed there was an interest in EVs even though it sported a strange look and a short driving range. The current second-generation Leaf matured with more traditional styling and a longer driving range.

Nissan updated the 2023 Leaf with a restyled front end and reduced the number of trims offered. You'll probably have to squint your eyes to see the revised grille, front bumper and headlights that have a darker housing. But the illuminated Nissan badge on the grille is easier to spot at night. The Leaf is now only offered in two models: the base Leaf S, which has a smaller battery pack and shorter driving range, and the Leaf SV Plus, which is offered with a larger battery pack and longer driving range. The larger battery pack provides a driving range of 215 miles, but the 2022 model we tested drove 237 miles.

The Nissan Leaf isn't the newest or most compelling choice for an EV, though it's one of the most affordable. It's also comfortable, offers that trademark EV torque at low speeds, and its larger battery pack provides enough range to suit most needs. And if you need to move a large item, its hatchback body style should come in handy. If the Leaf doesn't have what you're looking for, consider one of its rivals with longer driving range, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E and the similarly priced Chevrolet Bolt EV. Check out the Edmunds Expert Rating below to get our test team's in-depth review of the Leaf's performance, efficiency and more.

What's it like to live with?

Want to find out how the Nissan Leaf performed when we drove one for a year? Check out our 2018 Nissan Leaf long-term road test. We liked how reliable it was and how we didn't pay anything for maintenance, but there were a few things we didn't care for over the course of 9,365 miles. Note that there have been several updates since the 2018 model year (the first year of the second-generation Leaf), but most of our observations still apply.

Edmunds Expert Rating

good

7.9/10

Edmunds Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

The Nissan Leaf gets a lot right. Its range of 149 miles or 215 miles, depending on the model, is sufficient for most EV shoppers. It's also quiet and has some useful technology features that can make driving in heavy traffic easier and less tiring.

Rated for you by America’s best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the LEAF drive? The Nissan Leaf has acceptable performance for jockeying for position in traffic. The standard Leaf posted a reasonably quick 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, while the Leaf Plus did it in 7 seconds flat, which is just a hair slower than the top players including the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro EVs. The brakes feel smooth, and most routine braking can be handled by easing off the accelerator if you engage the e-Pedal mode, which adds control and a bit of fun to the daily drive.

As with most EVs, smooth, instant power and a total absence of shifting make the Nissan Leaf ridiculously easy to drive. The low-slung battery also helps the Leaf hug the road, and it has the balance and coordination necessary to inspire confidence when you're going around turns.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the LEAF? It's hard to find fault with the Leaf's basic comfort. We like the Leaf's well-shaped and supportive seats — they still have a nice level of give and aren't overly confining. The Leaf's ride is smooth and nicely controlled. It's in the Goldilocks zone — neither too rigid nor too buoyant. It's good at swallowing large and small bumps alike, but a little road-texture feel and intermittent jiggliness do come through.

The Leaf's electric drive components don't make any noise and lack the commotion that a non-EV makes when it changes gears. Wind and road noise is the remaining potential noise source, but it isn't overly prominent.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2023 Nissan LEAF pricing

in Ashburn, VA

electric DD

$30,754

1 for sale in 20147

SV PLUS

electric DD

$38,839

1 for sale in 20147

Interior

7.0/10

How’s the interior? There's plenty of legroom and headroom in any seat. The Leaf's cabin isn't terribly wide, but it feels appropriate for its size. Some drivers might find it hard to settle into their ideal position. The driver's seat is mounted somewhat high and may not adjust down far enough to suit the tallest pilots.

Generously sized windows and a fairly low cowl contribute to good visibility, but the rear roof pillar is slightly broader than before and produces a bigger blind spot. Our main gripe pertains to the shifter, which is so odd that it includes its own user diagram.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? We like the Leaf's touchscreen system and its support of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. It's worth upgrading to the SV Plus trim level to get ProPilot Assist. It adds a more advanced adaptive cruise control system and lane-keeping assist functionality that work together to create a driver assistance system that eases freeway commuting.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The Leaf offers an impressive amount of cargo space when the seats are in use. But maximum capacity isn't that easy to use because the seats don't fold anywhere near flat. Small-item storage up front could be better too. The center console box is small and the glove compartment is average in size.

For family duty, the Leaf has wide-opening doors and a near horizontal roofline that makes it easy to access strapped-in children. The fairly generous amount of backseat room also helps for installing rear-facing seats. The three top tether anchors are easy to use, but the lower car seat anchors are somewhat buried in a gap in the seat cushions.

Range and Efficiency

7.0/10

How are the range and efficiency? The Leaf Plus SL we tested has an EPA-rated range of 215 miles, which is about average for the mainstream EV segment. It consumes electricity at the rate of 32 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, making it the least efficient EV in its class by a small margin.

In Edmunds' real-world testing, the Leaf Plus' range slightly outperformed its estimate, going 237 miles, and it consumed slightly less energy, at a rate of 27.1 kWh per 100 miles. This observed efficiency, while better than the EPA rating, is nonetheless unremarkable for a non-luxury EV.

Value

8.5/10

Is the LEAF a good value? If you look solely at range versus cost, the Nissan Leaf is a good deal. The interior materials look appropriate for the price point, and the leather seats in our test vehicle were downright handsome. The base Leaf offers 149 miles of EPA-estimated range. The Leaf SV Plus costs thousands more, but you do get a range of up to 215 miles in return.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The second-generation Leaf looks far less cartoonish (you can say less weird, if you like) than the original model. It also has decent power and can be mildly entertaining to drive. Other EVs, however, offer a bit more personality.

Which LEAF does Edmunds recommend?

The base Leaf S comes at an attractive price, but its short driving range might not be enough for many drivers. We recommend the Leaf SV Plus for its longer driving range and generous amount of standard advanced driver aids and tech.

Nissan LEAF models

The 2023 Nissan Leaf is a compact electric hatchback available in two versions: the base S and the SV Plus. The Leaf S has a 40-kWh battery pack that's good for an EPA-estimated 149 miles of range. Nissan upgrades the Leaf SV Plus with a 62-kWh battery that provides 215 miles of range. The Leaf SV Plus also has a more powerful 214-horsepower electric motor compared to the base model's 147-hp motor. Notable features include:

S
Starts you off with:

16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers
Automatic headlights
Illuminated and locking charge port
CHAdeMO fast-charging port
Automatic climate control
Height-adjustable driver's seat
60/40-split folding rear seats
Four USB ports (two front, two rear)
Keyless entry and push-button start

All Nissan Leafs come with these standard advanced driver aids and tech features:

8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
Four-speaker audio system
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Leaf back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)

SV Plus
Adds to the S with:

17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Foglights
Heated outside mirrors
Heated front seats
Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel
Auto-dimming inside mirror
Electronic parking brake
Heat pump (heats the cabin more efficiently than a normal heater)

These tech and advanced driver aids are included in the SV Plus:

Navigation system
NissanConnect Services (remotely check battery status and control charging and HVAC through an app)
Six-speaker audio system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Leaf and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Nissan and the car in front)
ProPilot Assist (uses adaptive cruise control and lane centering for semi-automated driving)

The 2023 Nissan Leaf does not offer any optional feature packages.

Consumer reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2023 Nissan LEAF.

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Features & Specs

Trim

Total MSRP: $28,895

EPA Battery & Range: EPA KWh/100 mi.^{This value tells you how much energy in kilowatt-hours a vehicle would use to travel 100 miles. Unlike mpg, however, where a larger number is better (for example, a vehicle that gets 30 mpg is better than one that gets 20 mpg), a smaller number is better in kWh/100 miles because you are using less battery energy per mile.}: 30; Time To Charge Battery (At 240V)^{This can be tough to pin down, but we assume for simplicity that the 240V power source will enable the vehicle's onboard charger to operate at full capacity, and that the battery is fully depleted and will be recharged to 100%. Given those assumptions, the value provided is simply the battery's capacity divided by the onboard charger's power rating. For example, a battery rated at 100 kWh will need 12.5 hours to recharge fully using an 8.0-kW charger.}: 8.0 hr.; EPA Electricity Range^{This value is the estimated number of miles that a vehicle can travel in combined city and highway driving (using a mix of 55% highway and 45% city driving) before needing to be recharged, according to the EPA's testing methodology.}: 149 mi.; EPA Combined MPGe^{A combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe}: 111 MPGe

Seating: 5 seats

Drivetrain: Type: front wheel drive; Transmission: 1-speed direct drive

Dimensions: Length: 176.4 in. / Height: 61.4 in.; Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.5 in.; Curb Weight: 3509 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 23.6 cu.ft.

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Safety

Our experts’ favorite LEAF safety features:

ProPilot Assist: Includes stop-and-go traffic-adaptive cruise control and can keep the car centered within your lane to reduce driver fatigue.
Blind Spot Intervention: Automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test	Good
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test	Good

Nissan Leaf vs. the competition

2023 Nissan Leaf

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Nissan Leaf vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Bolt EV's new 2023 starting price is similar to the base Leaf S, even though the Bolt EV has a much longer driving range and more power. The Leaf SV Plus is more comparable to the Bolt EV but costs significantly more and has a shorter driving range. However, the Bolt EV doesn't qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit anymore, so if you opt for the SV Plus and can take full advantage of the tax credit, pricing is about the same. Both EVs are comparable in size, but the Bolt has a more modern-looking interior that sports a larger touchscreen and digital instrument panel.

Compare Nissan Leaf & Chevrolet Bolt EV features

Nissan Leaf vs. Kia Niro EV

Kia completely redesigned the Niro EV for the 2023 model year. We rated the outgoing model highly, and the upcoming one will likely be even better. When it comes to looks, the Leaf can't compete, especially when you compare the Niro's upscale interior design to the Leaf's dated one. The Niro EV also has the ability to charge or power various electronic devices or another EV. It also boasts a longer driving range but has a higher price tag.

Compare Nissan Leaf & Kia Niro EV features

Nissan Leaf vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Ioniq 5 is one of the newest lower-priced EVs and is better than the Leaf in almost every way. It offers models with longer driving ranges, and it provides more power and more passenger and cargo space. The Ioniq 5 sports a cool retro-modern look and boasts a large digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Its tech is superior and it has a much quicker DC fast-charging speed when using an appropriate charging station. Lower pricing is about the only advantage the Leaf has left.

Compare Nissan Leaf & Hyundai Ioniq 5 features

People who viewed this also viewed

Chevrolet Bolt EV
5 average Rating out of 4 reviews.
Starting at $31,000

Kia Niro EV
4 average Rating out of 15 reviews.
Starting at $39,090

Hyundai Ioniq Electric
4.3333335 average Rating out of 3 reviews.
Starting at $33,245

FAQ

Is the Nissan LEAF a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 LEAF both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the LEAF has 23.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan LEAF. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Nissan LEAF?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Nissan LEAF:

Revised front-end styling with illuminated Nissan badge
Streamlined lineup reduces trim count from five to two
Part of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018

Learn more

Is the Nissan LEAF reliable?

To determine whether the Nissan LEAF is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the LEAF. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the LEAF's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Nissan LEAF a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Nissan LEAF is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 LEAF and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 LEAF is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Nissan LEAF?

The least-expensive 2023 Nissan LEAF is the 2023 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,800.

Other versions include:

S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $27,800
SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $35,800

Learn more

What are the different models of Nissan LEAF?

If you're interested in the Nissan LEAF, the next question is, which LEAF model is right for you? LEAF variants include S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), and SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). For a full list of LEAF models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2023 Nissan LEAF

2023 Nissan LEAF Overview

The 2023 Nissan LEAF is offered in the following submodels: LEAF Hatchback. Available styles include S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), and SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). The 2023 Nissan LEAF comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 1-speed direct drive.

What do people think of the 2023 Nissan LEAF?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2023 Nissan LEAF and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2023 LEAF.

Pros

Comes standard with many driver assist features
Quiet and comfortable driving experience
Attractively priced

Cons

Limited small-item storage
The back seats don't fold flat
Leaf's type of fast-charging port isn't supported at all public charging stations

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2023 Nissan LEAF and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2023 LEAF featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2023 Nissan LEAF?

2023 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2023 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburn area.

2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

Available Inventory:

We are showing 2 2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburn area.

Which 2023 Nissan LEAFS are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2023 Nissan LEAF for sale near. There are currently 2 new 2023 LEAFS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $29,620 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2023 Nissan LEAF. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $1,536 on a used or CPO 2023 LEAF available from a dealership near you.

Can't find a new 2023 Nissan LEAFs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

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Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

What is the MPG of a 2023 Nissan LEAF?

2023 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), 1-speed direct drive, electric

2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), 1-speed direct drive, electric

EPA Est. MPG	N/A
Transmission	1-speed direct drive
Drive Train	front wheel drive
Displacement	N/A
Passenger Volume	116.0 cu.ft.

Wheelbase	106.3 in.
Length	176.4 in.
Width	N/A
Height	61.4 in.
Curb Weight	3509 lbs.

Should I lease or buy a 2023 Nissan LEAF?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Nissan lease specials

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2023 Nissan LEAF

2023 Nissan LEAF Review

What's it like to live with?

Performance

Comfort

Compare dealer price quotes

2023 Nissan LEAF pricing

Interior

Technology

Storage

Range and Efficiency

Value

Wildcard

Which LEAF does Edmunds recommend?

Nissan LEAF models

Features & Specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite LEAF safety features:

IIHS Rating

Nissan Leaf vs. the competition

Nissan Leaf vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV

Nissan Leaf vs. Kia Niro EV

Nissan Leaf vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5

People who viewed this also viewed

2023 Nissan LEAF First Impressions

FAQ

Is the Nissan LEAF a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Nissan LEAF?

Is the Nissan LEAF reliable?

Is the 2023 Nissan LEAF a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Nissan LEAF?

What are the different models of Nissan LEAF?

2023 Nissan LEAF Overview

What do people think of the 2023 Nissan LEAF?

Pros

Cons

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2023 Nissan LEAF?

2023 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

Which 2023 Nissan LEAFS are available in my area?

Can't find a new 2023 Nissan LEAFs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Why trust Edmunds?

What is the MPG of a 2023 Nissan LEAF?

Should I lease or buy a 2023 Nissan LEAF?

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