What is the Leaf?
Despite its unassuming looks and staid driving dynamics, the original Nissan Leaf made a huge splash when it debuted, offering an all-electric powertrain at a significantly lower cost than other electric cars at the time. The Leaf, now in its second generation, may not be the quickest EV around, and competitors offer more range and improved tech, but it's still one of the most affordable electric cars on the road today. That alone makes it worth a look, but a comfortable cabin, a decent array of standard features, and solid utility thanks to the car's hatch make the package even more compelling. The car was updated in 2023 with revised styling and fewer trims, so we don't expect any significant changes for the 2024 Nissan Leaf.
The Leaf's closest rival is the Chevrolet Bolt EV, another all-electric compact hatchback with an affordable price tag. The Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric offer more features and range than the Leaf, but both command a slightly higher price. There's also the Chevy Bolt EUV, a slightly larger and more practical version of the Bolt EV, albeit with a slightly higher price tag and a little less range. Other rivals are larger and more expensive than the Leaf but offer a more premium package and more electric range. Some of Edmunds' other top-ranked EVs include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model 3.