Though the Nissan Leaf has received incremental changes over its lifetime, 2018 brings the most comprehensive rework of the car to date. The new car's styling is a complete departure from the previous Leaf, although under the skin the cars are very similar aside from the larger battery capacity and additional power. For a detailed look at these changes, please see our 2018 Nissan Leaf First Drive article.

The Leaf hasn't become more expensive in the bargain. In fact, the new car is actually less costly than the outgoing model when you factor in the differences in feature content. As such, it offers more range for the same price as other similar EVs, such as the Volkswagen e-Golf. Only the more expensive Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 offer more driving range.

Other advantages to the 2018 Leaf include its new e-pedal mode and a new suite of advanced driver assist features called ProPilot Assist. The e-pedal delivers stronger regenerative braking when you lift off the accelerator, making it easier to slow the car appreciably without requiring you to apply the brake pedal.

On the downside, the Leaf's interior isn't particularly stylish, and the rear seats don't fold completely flat, hurting utility. Overall, though, we think the 2018 Leaf is a great pick for an electric vehicle, especially if value is a priority.

Notably, we picked the 2018 Nissan Leaf as one of Edmunds' Best Electric Cars for this year.

Trim levels & features

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is available in three trim levels: S, SV and SL. As the lowest trim level, the S is a bit bare-bones, at least as electric mobility goes. But you can add the optional Charge package for quicker recharging. Otherwise, it's still a very functional car since it comes with all the range and performance of the other trim levels. The SV adds the Charge package and navigation as standard, but it still doesn't beat the S if value is paramount. The top-level SL adds leather seats, LED headlights, and a host of comfort features that might edge out the S for those folks who prefer a pampered electrified ride.

All three trim levels feature the same suspension and powertrain, and they differ mainly in infotainment, creature comforts and wheel choices.

Our choice, the S, comes with 16-inch steel wheels, a 110-kW electric motor (147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque), keyless entry and start, a rearview camera, a 5-inch central display, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and satellite radio. Forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking is also standard.

The optional Charge package includes a DC fast-charger port (CHAdeMO standard) and a portable charge cable capable of connecting to 120- and 240-volt sources.

The SV comes with the Charge package, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and NissanConnect, Nissan's web connectivity and remote-access system.

Optional for the SV is the SV Technology package. It adds a power-adjustable driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED headlights and running lights, automatic high beams, an electronic parking brake, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, and adaptive cruise control.

Also optional for the S and SV is an All Weather package with heated side mirrors, heated seats and steering wheel, and heat pump cabin heater (SV only).

As the top model, the SL adds the All Weather package and a few of the features from the SV's Technology package (power driver seat, auto-dimming mirror, LED lighting, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert). Also standard are leather upholstery and a Bose seven-speaker sound system. Optional for this trim only is the SL Technology package that adds the remaining SV Technology features plus Nissan ProPilot Assist, which provides additional lane-keeping assist functionality.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2018 Nissan Leaf SL (battery electric | 1-speed direct drive | FWD).

Driving

With its more powerful electric motor, the second-generation Nissan Leaf feels far more at home when jockeying for position in traffic than the original car, which was a bit of a slug. Its general smoothness, competent chassis demeanor and steering feel will be utterly familiar to Leaf veterans.

Acceleration

The original was a tortoise, but this second-gen Leaf is more of a hare. Acceleration is brisk, and it's gutsy enough to hold its own in traffic. We can't call it a speed demon, but our measured 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.8 seconds is far better than the 10.2-second performance of the original.

Braking

The brakes feel smooth, but most routine braking can be handled by easing off the accelerator if you engage the fantastic new e-pedal mode, which adds control and a bit of fun to the daily drive. In our panic-stop test, the Leaf posted a stopping distance of 128 feet, which is average.

Steering

The steering isn't particularly intuitive. It goes where it's pointed, but the resistance doesn't naturally increase to match the car's turning.

Handling

3.5

The low-slung battery helps the Leaf hug the road, and it has the balance and coordination necessary to inspire confidence. But the Leaf's economy-minded tires don't produce enough grip to satisfy those who seek performance and an engaging driving experience.

Drivability

As with most EVs, smooth, instant power and a total absence of shifting make the Nissan Leaf ridiculously easy to drive. A good choice if you want to impress your passengers with your chauffeuring skills.

Comfort

4.5

It's hard to find fault with the Leaf's basic comfort. It delivers a smooth ride, and the front seats are genuinely comfortable. It's a very quiet and serene place to spend time thanks to the inherent quietness of its electric propulsion system.

Seat comfort

4.5

We like the Leaf's front seats. They're well-shaped and supportive, yet they still have a nice level of give. They're not overly confining, and they look as if they're well made. Our test driver found them comfortable throughout a four-hour suburban test loop.

Ride comfort

3.5

The Leaf's ride is smooth and nicely controlled — 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.

Noise & vibration

The Leaf's electric drive components don't make any noise and lack the commotion that a non-EV car make when it changes gears. Wind noise and road noise are the remaining potential noise sources, and neither is overly prominent.

Climate control

The climate control system is reasonably effective, and you don't have to wait through an engine warm-up phase to get heat because of its electric nature. Liberal use will eat into your range, but this is less of an issue with this big battery. Use the seat heaters instead if you want to conserve.

Interior

Those who have owned a Leaf before will find this one familiar but improved. It features a traditionally located speedometer and improved radio controls. Seating spaciousness and ease of entry are strong points, but the driving position still suffers from the lack of a telescoping wheel.

Ease of use

Basic controls such as window switches and steering stalks are simple and effective. The infotainment system is straightforward, and even though the climate controls look dated, their use is self-evident. Our main gripe pertains to the shifter, which is so odd it includes its own user diagram.

Getting in/getting out

The long doors open wide, and the doorsills are pretty short. The seat height is good for ease of entry, and the roof isn't so low that you have to duck. The rear door openings are generous, and the flattish roofline helps aid entry there, too.

Driving position

2.5

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. But the bigger issue could be the nontelescopic steering wheel. The wheel can seem far away for some drivers.

Roominess

3.5

We found plenty of front and rear legroom, and headroom is generous as well. The Leaf's cabin isn't terribly wide, but it feels appropriate for its size.

Visibility

3.5

It's easy to see out thanks to the generously sized windows. Cornering sight lines are aided by peekaboo windows ahead of the front windows, but the rear roof pillars produce a bigger blind spot. The bottom edge of the rear glass is nice and low.

Quality

3.5

The interior materials in the Nissan Leaf look a grade better than those of its predecessor and appropriate for the price point. The leather seats in the SL look downright handsome, in fact. Technically not a quality issue, the interior uses some carry-over elements that stand out.

Utility

3.5

The Leaf offers an impressive amount of cargo space when the seats are in use, and we give that a lot of weight because it's the usual condition. Maximum capacity isn't that easy to use because the seats come nowhere near to folding flat. Small-item storage up front could be better.

Small-item storage

You'll want to put most of your things in the cargo area because the pickings are slim up front. The center console box is tight, and the glove compartment is average. You get slender door pockets with molded-in bottle holders and two cupholders in the center console.

Cargo space

The Leaf's standard cargo space is impressive when the rear seats are in the normal position due to a very low floor. Fold them flat, however, and the picture worsens because the overly simplistic folding mechanism merely piles the seatbacks atop the bottom cushions to create a 10-inch tall barrier.

Child safety seat accommodation

The wide doors and near-horizontal roofline ease access to strapped-in children, and the fairly generous amount of backseat room helps to accommodate rear-facing seats. The three top anchors are easy to use, but the lower LATCH anchors are somewhat buried in a gap in the seat cushions.

Technology

4.5

This is where the original Leaf fell flat, but the second-generation version has made huge strides. We like the new audio system and its support of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And ProPilot Assist, while not a hands-free system, is effective at easing the driver's workload in freeway traffic.

Audio & navigation

The SV and SL versions of the Leaf come with a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system that supports AM/FM, HD radio and satellite radio with real-time traffic information. Two knobs provide volume and tune control, and there are easily understood hard buttons for more complex adjustments.

Smartphone integration

The Leaf has a USB port that allows a smartphone to be connected, and the upgraded 7-inch touchscreen audio system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Alternatively, you can stream music using Bluetooth audio, and those who prefer to go old school can use the aux jack.

Driver aids

Automatic emergency braking is standard on all models; the SL and SV offer standard adaptive cruise control. Optional ProPilot Assist adds a more advanced system that includes a more sophisticated lane-keeping assist function to help the driver in freeway commuting.

Voice control

3.5

All Leafs have voice controls for Bluetooth-connected phones, and those with the 7-inch touchscreen also have voice controls for audio and navigation functions. The menus are fairly straightforward, but certain phrasing is necessary to get your point across.

Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Nissan Leaf.

8 reviews

Fantastic car

Phil Easler ,03/26/2018

Electric car driver since December 2012. This is my 3rd leased/purchase ev. Great value, I got the quick charged option and heated seats/ steering wheel out the door for $22K. I don’t need to charge it up every day, but when I do the guess o meter ranges from 160 -187 so far. I have owned or lease the vehicle for about 1.5 months and have around 1300 miles on the clock. You will need a

I want to like this car

Dan,05/25/2018

There are some things prospective buyers need to know. The range is overly optimistic--I am a smooth--non-hot-shot driver--I get about 120 miles on a charge--not 150. Be wary of planning a trip that involves hills--the incline eats energy. The car is very comfortable and the interior--while not a wow factor is well above average. The problem? NISSAN dealerships and support. After

Leaf is a great car

Tim,08/15/2018

This car is a lot of fun to drive. The charging station is a bit pricey. The included free charging does not work with all public charging stations

I liked leaves before but now I love my Leaf

Valerie,09/11/2018

I was very unsure about the ride and comfort of an electric vehicle until I actually test drove one. Wow is this care roomy and comfortable. I hated driving before but now I leap to drive my Leaf. I am so relaxed driving this car. I have owned a Silverado Truck, FJ Cruiser, Audi, 750il and out of all of them my Leaf hits the top of the trees in all over performance and

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$32,490

MPG

125 city / 100 hwy

Seats 5

1-speed direct drive

Electric

147 hp @ 3282 rpm

MSRP

$36,200

MPG

125 city / 100 hwy

Seats 5

1-speed direct drive

Electric

147 hp @ 3282 rpm

MSRP

$29,990

MPG

125 city / 100 hwy

Seats 5

1-speed direct drive

Electric

147 hp @ 3282 rpm

See all 2018 Nissan Leaf features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Leaf safety features:

ProPilot Assist: Keeps the car centered within your lane in order 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 forward collision. Can warn the driver and automatically apply the brakes if necessary.

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More about the 2018 Nissan Leaf

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is an affordable and easy-to-use electric vehicle, and the revisions made for 2018 make it more competitive in a variety of areas. Its performance and range jumped up heartily, while its additional driver assistance features bring it into the modern era. By offering tailored packages and minimal options, Nissan made the Leaf easy and convenient to configure.

Those trim levels are the S, SV and SL, and the 2018 model year brings them closer together than ever before. All Leafs have the same 147-horsepower motor and 40-kWh battery pack providing an estimated 150 miles of range plus the same basic interior and exterior, and they now all have the same 6.6-kWh charger.

The S trim features Bluetooth, a USB port for smartphone connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and keyless entry and ignition. Both SV and SL trims add to those features alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and a built-in 7-inch navigation system.

NissanConnect EV is also standard on SV and SL trims, and it allows you to control charging and climate control systems from your smartphone when your Leaf is plugged into a charger. The Charge package is standard for these trims, and it increases charge speeds by incorporating a high-speed Level 3 DC charge port. The Charge package is optional on the standard S trim, and we strongly advise getting it.

Differences between the SV and SL are primarily comfort- and convenience-oriented: The SV wraps the seats in a special fabric, and the SL features leather. The SL adds a power driver seat, LED headlights, Bose premium audio, and heated front seats, outside mirrors and steering wheel.

All new Leaf buyers are eligible to receive a federal tax credit, and additional rebates are often offered at the state level. Let Edmunds help you navigate the electric vehicle field to find the best 2018 Nissan Leaf for you.

2018 Nissan Leaf Overview

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), SL 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), and S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD).

What do people think of the 2018 Nissan Leaf?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Nissan Leaf and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Leaf 4 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 2018 Leaf.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Nissan Leaf and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Leaf?

2018 Nissan Leaf SL 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

The 2018 Nissan Leaf SL 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,860. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Leaf SL 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $8,818 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $8,818 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$29,042.

The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Leaf SL 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is23.3% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 3 2018 Nissan Leaf SL 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Nissan Leaf S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

The 2018 Nissan Leaf S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,685. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Leaf S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $6,737 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $6,737 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$26,948.

The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Leaf S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is20% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2018 Nissan Leaf S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Nissan Leaf SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

The 2018 Nissan Leaf SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,385. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Leaf SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is trending $9,301 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $9,301 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$24,084.

The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Leaf SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) is27.9% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 36 2018 Nissan Leaf SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Which 2018 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) 2018 Nissan Leaf for sale near. There are currently 66 new 2018 Leafs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $33,375 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 Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Nissan Leaf. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $10,688 on a used or CPO 2018 Leaf available from a dealership near you.

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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 2018 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.

2018 Nissan Leaf

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Used

2018 Nissan Leaf pricing

Which Leaf does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

Trim levels & features

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Features & Specs

Safety

2018 Nissan Leaf for Sale

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2018 Nissan Leaf Overview

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Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2018 Nissan Leaf?

2018 Nissan Leaf SL 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

2018 Nissan Leaf S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

2018 Nissan Leaf SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

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