2022 Nissan LEAF
MSRP Range: $27,400 - $37,400 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
7.9/10
edmunds TESTED
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
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
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
Overview
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Nissan LEAF EV Insights
Trim:
LEAF S
Range
149 miles
EPA Estimated Range
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 127 miles after 8 years.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Ashburn, Virginia. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet
from Charging at Home
8 hoursThe CHAdeMO standard has been phased out for most new models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Total Charging Time (240V outlet)
CHAdeMO
Plug Type
EV Battery Warranty
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Cost to Drive
$57/mo
LEAF
vs
$182/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Am I Ready for an EV?
EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,000 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
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
Save as much as $3,851 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2022 Nissan LEAF pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
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
Compare the Nissan Leaf
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.
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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. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 LEAF gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 32 reviews) 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 4-star 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. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 LEAF gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 32 reviews). 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