2022 Nissan LEAF
MSRP range: $27,400 - $37,400
7.9/10
Edmunds Rating
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 tiring.
2022 Nissan Leaf Review
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 assistance features
- Quiet 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
- Lower starting price
- Level 3 fast-charging port is now standard
- SV Plus trim level gets the Technology package as standard
- Part of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018
While Tesla kicked electric vehicle sales into overdrive with its Model S and Model 3 sedans, the trailblazing Nissan Leaf proved that an appetite for EVs existed in the first place. When it launched in 2011, the Leaf was a strangely shaped hatchback with a maximum range of well under 100 miles. But it sold well enough that Nissan was able to improve upon the formula for the second-generation Leaf that came out for 2018.
Edmunds Cost to Drive & Tested Range
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Nissan LEAF SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $0.13 per kWh for electricity and $4.50 per gallon average in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$52/mo
LEAF SL PLUS
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Edmunds Tested RangeEdmunds begins with a full battery charge and drives the vehicle on a mix of city and highway roads (approximately 60% city, 40% highway) until the battery is almost entirely empty. (We target 10 miles of remaining range for safety.) The miles traveled and the indicated remaining range are added together for the Edmunds Tested Range figure.This Edmunds range test was conducted in a 2020 Nissan LEAF SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback.
Our real-world test measures the number of miles you can drive on a full battery before it needs to be recharged
LEAF SL PLUS
237 mi
Avg. Electric Compact Car
229 mi
For 2022, Nissan is making the Leaf's price lower across the board compared to the 2021 models. Even better, Nissan has expanded the amount of content on the lower two trim levels. The base Leaf now comes standard with last year's portable charging cable, while the Leaf SV Plus is now equipped with the previously optional SV Technology package.
We suspect that some shoppers will find the Leaf to be a bit unfashionable compared to the Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Its maximum range isn't up to par compared to those models either. But the Leaf still makes a lot of sense for an affordable city runabout. Read Edmunds' Expert Rating below to get our full evaluation of the 2022 Leaf.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds owned a 2018 Nissan Leaf for one year and drove it almost 10,000 miles. To learn more about our experiences, visit the long-term page for our Nissan Leaf SL. We covered everything from seat comfort to real-world electric range. Note that while there have been some changes since that inaugural year, most of our observations still apply.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.9/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe 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 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 tiring.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Compare dealer price quotes
2022 Nissan LEAF pricing
in Ashburn, VA
S
electric DD
Edmunds suggests you pay$30,160
SV
electric DD
Edmunds suggests you pay$31,080
S PLUS
electric DD
Edmunds suggests you pay$35,104
Which LEAF does Edmunds recommend?
Right off the bat, we think it's worth upgrading to the Leaf Plus. The standard Leaf's 149 miles of range isn't competitive with other EVs, and the limited maximum distance on a full battery will make longer road trips challenging. Once you're comfortable with spending extra for the larger battery, it's a short price jump to the Leaf SV Plus. It comes with a lot more features, including Nissan's excellent ProPilot Assist suite of driving aids. The SL's short list of upgrades makes it only necessary if you want leather upholstery or the Bose audio system.
Nissan LEAF models
The 2022 Nissan Leaf is a compact electric hatchback available in two versions: the regular Leaf and the Leaf Plus. The two differ in battery capacity and power output. The regular Leaf has a 40-kWh battery that's good for about 149 miles of range. Nissan upgrades the Leaf Plus with a 62-kWh battery that provides 226 miles of range in its base trim, and 215 miles in more well-equipped models. The Plus also has a more powerful 214-horsepower electric motor compared to the regular model's 147-hp motor.
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $28,495
- 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 RangeThis 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 MPGeA combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe: 111 MPGe
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 1-speed direct drive
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 176.4 in. / Height: 61.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.5 in.
- Curb Weight: 3516 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 23.6 cu.ft.
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 Air Bag 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.
Nissan Leaf vs. the competition
2022 Nissan Leaf
2021 Tesla Model 3
Nissan Leaf vs. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is so ubiquitous that you almost have to justify not choosing one for your next EV purchase. Highlights include a surprisingly roomy interior, rapid acceleration, and access to Tesla's big network of Supercharger fast-charging stations. But compared to the Leaf, the Model 3 will likely be more expensive, and its touchscreen can be frustrating to use.
Nissan Leaf vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is still in its first generation, but this year's significant refresh makes it feel like a brand-new car. Interior materials are of a higher quality, nullifying the overly plasticky feel of prior Bolts. You also get cool tech features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bolt EV offers more range than the Leaf Plus, but the Leaf's trim lineup is far more affordable across the board.
Nissan Leaf vs. Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is a small electric crossover that competes directly with the Leaf Plus. Like the Tesla and Chevrolet, the Kia is more expensive than a similarly equipped Leaf. But the Niro EV also feels more refined overall, and it offers a few neat features not present on the Leaf. These include ventilated front seats, a sunroof and a wireless charging pad. And unlike some other budget-priced EVs, the Niro is pretty quick when you pin the accelerator pedal to the floor.
People who viewed this also viewed
FAQ
Is the Nissan LEAF a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 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 2022 Nissan LEAF?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Nissan LEAF:
- Lower starting price
- Level 3 fast-charging port is now standard
- SV Plus trim level gets the Technology package as standard
- Part of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018
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 2022 Nissan LEAF a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Nissan LEAF is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 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 2022 LEAF is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Nissan LEAF?
The least-expensive 2022 Nissan LEAF is the 2022 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,400.
Other versions include:
- S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $27,400
- SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $28,800
- S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $32,400
- SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $35,400
- SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $37,400
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), SV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), S PLUS 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
