2020 Nissan LEAF
2020 Nissan Leaf Review
- Quick, smooth acceleration
- Broad complement of standard driver assistance features
- Offers more range than some similarly priced EVs
- Quiet driving experience
- Lacks a telescoping steering wheel
- Limited small-item storage
- The back seats don't fold flat
- Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard on all Leaf models
- More airbags added for front and rear occupants
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard
- Part of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018
Our verdict | |
The Nissan Leaf gets a lot right. Its range of 150 or 226 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 fatiguing. | |
How does the LEAF drive? | |
The Nissan Leaf has acceptable performance for jockeying for position in traffic. We can't call it a speed demon, but our test car (a regular Leaf, not the Leaf Plus) posted a reasonably quick 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. 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 going around turns. | |
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, yet they still have a nice level of give and aren't overly confining. The Leaf's ride is smooth and nicely controlled in the Goldilocks zone — it's 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 car makes when it changes gears. Wind and road noise is the remaining potential noise source, but it isn't overly prominent. | |
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 may 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. But the bigger issue might be the non-telescoping steering wheel, which could feel far away for some drivers. 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. | |
How’s the tech? | |
We like the Leaf's touchscreen system and its support of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The optional ProPilot Assist is worth getting. 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. | |
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 utilize because the seats come nowhere near to folding 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. | |
How economical is the LEAF? | |
The base Leaf delivers a respectable 150 miles. It consumes electricity at the rate of 30 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles (112 mpg equivalent) on the EPA combined cycle, which isn't quite as good as some of its competitors. | |
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 the SL look downright handsome. The base Leaf offers 150 miles of range. The Leaf Plus costs thousands more, but you do get 226 miles in return. | |
Wildcard | |
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. | |
The Nissan Leaf was the first mass-market electric vehicle to come to America when it debuted for the 2011 model year. It's now in its second generation, which came out for 2018. Nissan has also enhanced the 2020 model with more standard driver-assistance features, more airbags, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
2020 Nissan LEAF pricing
in Ashburn, VA
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Nissan LEAF.
Trending topics in reviews
- ride quality
- handling & steering
- acceleration
- road noise
- appearance
- comfort
- interior
- value
- sound system
- seats
- climate control
- maintenance & parts
- doors
- wheels & tires
Most helpful consumer reviews
Let's get the basics out of the way. The LEAF is not a Tesla. It does not drive like our former Model S. Its acceleration will not give the Roadrunner fits. But you may just feel like Wile E Coyote (Super... Genius...) after a few weeks behind the wheel of this EV run-about. It's simply a cheery and fun ride. Acceleration in our Leaf SV (the extended range model) is plenty quick - I would guess 6 to 7 seconds in the 0-to-60 sprint. Again, not Tesla quick, but plenty zippy for everyday driving and getting on the highway. The ride is quiet and composed. Since EV's have such low centers of gravity, there's plenty of stability and confidence when you hit the curves. Our SV is outfitted with Michelins, which always provide that great comfort/handling balance. At first glance, the 45K sticker on our leather-seated SV Plus seemed to put the LEAF out of the value league. But when you start to add up Nissan's cash back... the federal credit... the CA clean air rebate... our Leaf effectively went out the door for about 30K. Now we're talking EV bargain. I'm not in love with every component. The upgraded Bose audio system is the first disappointing Bose installation I've come across. It's kind of maddening that we're missing a power passengers seat. But our LEAF has superior build and fit compared to our Model S, let along the Model 3 we were also looking into at time of purchase. Everything is nicely trimmed and aligned; there isn't a squeak or whine to be heard. Our Model S was beginning to rattle more than a snake in a popcorn machine. I'm hoping / assuming our service experience will be superior to the impersonal and seriously lacking service environment that characterized our Tesla experience. I'll try to update the review after some additional months on the road.
Great car with peppy acceleration but just know it has mandatory sounds. Both forward and reverse “warning” sounds cannot be turned off. Otherwise a very nice car.
Features & Specs
| SV 4dr Hatchback electric DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $34,190 |
| MPG | 123 city / 99 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 3282 rpm |
| S 4dr Hatchback electric DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,600 |
| MPG | 123 city / 99 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 3282 rpm |
| SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback electric DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $43,900 |
| MPG | 114 city / 94 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | N/A |
| SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback electric DD | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $39,750 |
| MPG | 114 city / 94 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Horsepower | N/A |
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.
- Advanced Airbag System
- The front airbags adjust inflation rate based on crash severity, and side bags adjust based on seat position, helping to minimize injury.
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Detects an imminent front collision. Can warn the driver and automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
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
Nissan Leaf vs. Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 ranks as our favorite EV. It's more fun to drive than the Leaf and offers at least 250 miles of range. You also get access to Tesla's Supercharger nationwide network of fast-charging stations. In the Leaf's favor are its lower price and versatile hatchback design.
Nissan Leaf vs. Kia Niro EV
Even though Kia markets its Niro as a crossover SUV, it's really more like a high-riding hatchback. With a range estimate of 239 miles, it edges out the Leaf Plus. On top of that, it's fairly fun to drive. The Leaf, however, is a little less expensive in its regular configuration.
Nissan Leaf vs. Hyundai Kona Electric
As a distant cousin of the Kia Niro EV, the Hyundai Kona Electric is another great choice for an EV. Estimated range is an impressive 258 miles. It's fun to drive and it comes with a lot of standard features. As is the case with the other rivals here, the Leaf's main advantage is its lower starting price.
FAQ
Is the Nissan LEAF a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Nissan LEAF?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Nissan LEAF:
- Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard on all Leaf models
- More airbags added for front and rear occupants
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard
- Part of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018
Is the Nissan LEAF reliable?
Is the 2020 Nissan LEAF a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Nissan LEAF?
The least-expensive 2020 Nissan LEAF is the 2020 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $31,600.
Other versions include:
- SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $34,190
- S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $31,600
- SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $43,900
- SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $39,750
- S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $38,200
What are the different models of Nissan LEAF?
More about the 2020 Nissan LEAF
2020 Nissan LEAF Overview
The 2020 Nissan LEAF is offered in the following submodels: LEAF Hatchback. Available styles include SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), and S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD).
What do people think of the 2020 Nissan LEAF?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Nissan LEAF and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 LEAF 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 2020 LEAF.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Nissan LEAF and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 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 2020 Nissan LEAF?
2020 Nissan LEAF SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2020 Nissan LEAF SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $44,825. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan LEAF SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $9,475 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,475 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35,350.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan LEAF SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is 21.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2020 Nissan LEAF SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Nissan LEAF SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2020 Nissan LEAF SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35,115. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan LEAF SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $8,166 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,166 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $26,949.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan LEAF SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is 23.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 18 2020 Nissan LEAF SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2020 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,525. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $8,355 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,355 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $24,170.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is 25.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2020 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2020 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $40,675. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $8,386 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,386 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32,289.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is 20.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Nissan LEAF S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2020 Nissan LEAF S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $39,125. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan LEAF S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $8,306 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,306 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30,819.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan LEAF S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is 21.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 Nissan LEAF S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 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) 2020 Nissan LEAF for sale near. There are currently 93 new 2020 LEAFS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $34,410 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 2020 Nissan LEAF. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $11,162 on a used or CPO 2020 LEAF available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Nissan LEAFs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Nissan LEAF for sale - 6 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $8,089.
Find a new Nissan for sale - 11 great deals out of 12 listings starting at $18,498.
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.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 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