The 2024 Nissan Leaf gets a lot right. It's comfortable and quiet to drive, and a low price makes it attractive to EV shoppers on a tight budget. Just be aware of its drawbacks. A lack of range and mediocre storage are the two biggest.Read full review
The Leaf's type of fast-charging port isn't widely supported
What's new
No major changes for 2024
Part of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
10/18/2023
Nissan was the first automaker to build a practical electric vehicle at an attainable price. That EV was the first-generation Leaf, a compact five-door hatchback that paved the path for the affordable electrics to follow it. The latest 2024 Leaf follows the same formula, though in some ways it's lost a lot of its pioneering spirit.
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 Zion, Illinois. 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.
CHAdeMOThe CHAdeMO standard has been phased out for most new models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Plug Type
8 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
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.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
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Cost to Drive
$59/mo
LEAF
vs
$171/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
Am I Ready for an EV?
EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet) This typically means a 240V home installation, or other places your car is parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice.
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in This is an estimate for your area. Using your address and the answers you provide, Treehouse can provide a more accurate price.
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn moreEdmunds customers receive a 10% installation discount and 4% smart charger discount. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
The base 2024 Leaf provides about 150 miles of standard driving range. Upgrade from the base S trim level to the SV Plus, and it supplies about 212 miles of driving on a full battery. Compared to some rivals, these are uncompetitive figures. However, now that Chevrolet has discontinued the Bolt EV, the 2024 Nissan Leaf does have one thing in its favor: price. We expect it to have one of the lowest sticker prices of any EV you can buy for 2024. If the Leaf fits into your lifestyle, we suggest acting sooner rather than later as Nissan has announced plans to discontinue the Leaf in the next year or two.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2024 Nissan LEAF on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The 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.
Performance
8/10
How does the LEAF drive? The Nissan Leaf has acceptable performance for jockeying for position in traffic. The standard Leaf posted a reasonably quick 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, while the Leaf Plus did it in 7 seconds flat, which is just a hair slower than the top players including the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro EVs. 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 you're going around turns.
Comfort
8/10
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 — they still have a nice level of give and aren't overly confining. The Leaf's ride is smooth and nicely controlled. It's in the Goldilocks zone — 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 makes when it changes gears. Wind and road noise is the remaining potential noise source, but it isn't overly prominent.
Interior
7/10
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 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.
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $4,854 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $4,854 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the SV PLUS trim.
How’s the tech? We like the Leaf's touchscreen system and its support of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. It's worth upgrading to the SV Plus trim level to get ProPilot Assist. It adds a more advanced adaptive cruise control system and lane-keeping assistance functionality that work together to create a driver assistance system that eases freeway commuting.
Storage
7.5/10
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 use because the seats don't fold anywhere near 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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Range and Efficiency
7/10
How are the range and efficiency? The Leaf Plus SL we tested has an EPA-rated range of 212 miles, which is about average for the mainstream EV segment. The EPA also estimates that it consumes electricity at the rate of 31 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles driven. That's a little less efficient to drive than some rivals such as the Chevy Bolt (28 kWh/100 miles).
In Edmunds' real-world testing, the Leaf Plus' range slightly outperformed its estimate, going 237 miles, and it consumed slightly less energy, at a rate of 27.1 kWh per 100 miles. This observed efficiency, while better than the EPA rating, is nonetheless unremarkable for a non-luxury EV.
Value
8.5/10
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 our test vehicle were downright handsome. The base Leaf offers 149 miles of EPA-estimated range. The Leaf SV Plus costs thousands more, but you do get a range of up to 212 miles in return.
Wildcard
7.5/10
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.
Which LEAF does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend stepping up to the SV Plus trim because it offers a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery with a longer driving range. In addition, the Leaf SV Plus adds numerous comfort, convenience and safety features.
By combining Nissan incentives and state rebates, I was able to lease this car for peanut money. A total no brainer. It has much greater range than it is rated for. At 85% charge my range is 165 miles. I see no reason to get the “plus” model given the extra cost. The base model has so much tech where it counts (car play and safety stuff) and low tech where you don’t care (manual … parking brake and seats). The ride is excellent for a small car. Seats are much more comfortable compared to chevy bolt. Just know the tires wear out uniformly at 13,000 miles.
Awesome EV...
5 out of 5 stars
Todd Z, 05/02/2022
2022 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
We purchased a SL Plus a few months ago. Its a great car. We charge it about once a week - the 225 range is perfect for our use pattern. The level 2 charger (included) was easy to install at our garage after we upgraded the outlets. Inside its very comfortable with great visibility. The Media and dash are simple to use and more like a traditional auto. The EV related menus are … simple as well. Back seat is a back seat - good enough for ad hoc travelers and our pups - not limo space though. Back seats DO FOLD DOWN - so some of the reviews are incorrect here. Rear storage is as expected for a Compact Car+. Overall we'd buy it again - Nissan is inexpensive and truly proven.
Great little EV.
5 out of 5 stars
Taylor, 07/18/2021
2021 Nissan LEAF S PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
I’ve only had it for a month but so far it’s been great. With the Nissan Rebates, State and Federal rebates I ended up paying only $21k plus tax.
UPDATE: 20,000 miles and still feels like new. No creeks or rattles. Just plug it in and go.
2022 Leaf - almost great
4 out of 5 stars
Curtis, 06/27/2022
2022 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
We were on a 3-month waiting list when an SV Plus came in for someone in the wrong color; silver. Since silver was our preference, we jumped on it. To have the "privilege" of purchasing it, I had to immediately put $500 down to hold it for the next day. The dealer told me they were charging $2000 over MSRP, but our Honda Odyssey had been totaled by a tree falling on our driveway and we … needed a car...and really wanted to get an EV. We still have a Subaru Outback 2.5i for a gas car. So we are comparing the Leaf not to an expensive sports car, but rather to a 4WD station wagon, and the Honda Odyssey we owned before it got crushed. We no longer need a minivan. One note about the dealer: very nice and clear about things, and it feels like I have a new friend. They were always upfront about the charges. So while I didn't like paying over MSRP, I understand supply & demand. Not naming them here, but they got a top review from me. Qualifies for fed. $7500 tax credit.
What we've found is that we really like to drive the Leaf as much as possible. The Outback does many things better than the Leaf, has better interior design, ground clearance, traction, and can handle long trips, but for daily driving my wife, my 16-year-old son, and I all prefer the Leaf. We sort of fight over who gets to use it each day. Here's why:
It's more fun to drive and we like the economy of it. The dog* fits easily in the back. That's all.
* (65 lb. Standard Poodle - similar in size to a Golden or Lab. The rear door has a sill 9" higher than the interior floor, so your dog needs to jump over that. It's actually 1" TALLER than the 28" high Outback rear opening. The poodle has no problem with that, but some dogs might need a lift up.)
The Outback is no sports car, and compared to the Leaf it sounds like it's suffering under anything more than gentle acceleration. The Leaf feels effortless in its stronger acceleration and is smoother over the road and quieter inside. Much quieter under acceleration, but at all other times as well. We like the steering. The e-pedal has become fun to use and after a brief resistance by my wife, we all use it now. It's free to charge (level 2) at the YMCA while we're working out. Charging at home is easy and far cheaper than gas. It's been so easy to keep charged that after 3 months we still haven't put in the level 2 plug! Yeah, we don't have long commutes and we only bother topping it up every 3-5 days or so. It's never been below 45% charge. I usually stop charging between 80% and 90%. We went to the gym, did some errands, and came back home with more charge than when we left.
That being said, it could have been so much better, but for some disappointing design decisions by Nissan. The SV Plus is the middle 2022 trim level, and in 2023 I think it's the highest because they simplified the lineup. Remember, despite all the things in the list of dislikes below, we all still want to use it. That might not be true compared to any other EV though.
#1 worst idea is continuing to use the soon-to-be-abandoned CHAdeMO high speed charging port when you KNOW the CCS type is taking over. This is going to end up as a class-action lawsuit if they don't make an adapter soon. They know it's happening because their next-gen Ariya EV uses CCS... Nissan abandoned the standard they were the champion of, and now it will be like Betamax vs VCR, so all Leaf owners (even 2023) are going to be really upset because nobody is going to continue to install those chargers for highway trips.
The "Nissan Canto" is the sound it makes via external speakers at low speeds to warn pedestrians. I know Nissan spent a ton of $$ to develop it as a "branding sound" but it sounds weird like the car is a sick other-worldly whale and will break down soon. PLEASE send an update with more sound options! Copy Porsche instead of the electric Rivian Amazon delivery van. Maybe Audi...but, not really. Porsche does it best at this point.
It has a very awkward HUMP in the floor in the center of the back seats. All the other EVs tout their flat floors....oh, Nissan how could you have this car on the market for so long and still have a hump that makes the center rear seat a hellish place to sit?
The Leaf has zero front storage space. No frunk space at all. Come on, this isn't the first generation of the car!
It has front-wheel drive when EV's should all have rear wheel or all wheel drive. All that torque and the weight shifts to the rear wheels. Bad engineering choice.
Rear windows don’t go all the way down. A few inches of glass stick up. Sad.
Anyone over 6' tall has to bow down to sit in the back seats or hit their head. My 6'4" son can't ride back there comfortably at all. It's actually kind of dangerous if you hit a bump.
Rear seats don't fold flat so the expanded cargo area is very disappointing.
No spare tire or jack.
Passenger front window doesn’t have one touch up / down like the driver's window. Just a bit annoying to save a tiny bit of money.
Glossy black plastic in places you touch always looks bad. Matte faux carbon fiber on dash where you never touch looks better even if you do touch it. Why use the glossy plastic instead of the carbon fiber stuff? (if you must put hard plastic in the touch zones)
The center armrest is designed to be an insult to both driver and passenger, and the storage under it is way too small. Wost center console design I've ever seen, except the phone slot is OK...should be wider but it's decent.
Glove compartment is small, but takes up a lot of dash space because the door and edges are so thick. Why use this cheap-feeling door that is overly thick...but hollow. There's tons of space for a decent glove compartment, but they wasted it.
If the car is plugged in, you can remotely START charging (but never do, because you always want to start the moment you plug in) but you cannot remotely STOP charging, which you may want to do at 90% for example. Nor can you set a % charge stop limit in the car menu. You can set a stop timer. You have to guess, hmm, in 6 hours it should be around 85% so stop then.
The fog lights are warm white, but the other lights are cooler white. They should just match, or fog lights could be yellow, the right color for their function.
External cameras are low quality. Or maybe it's the display. The rear one is grainy in low light and has a poor image. The rear camera on my Outback looks better and brighter in dim light than what I can see with my own eyes. The Leaf needs a decent rear camera
Nissan has factory all-weather floor mats but NOT for the rear cargo area. Even the dealer didn't know this because I paid them for all 5 mats and they were shocked the cargo mat that arrived was carpet. The poodle likes to swim and carpet back there wasn't going to work. They had to get a rubber one from Weathertech.
The navigation system is so unresponsive (too much delay on the touchscreen when dragging or zooming the map) we never use it. It has only WIRED Android auto/ Apple carplay. Not using wireless in 2022 is lame. I'd rather just prop my phone up and use that, so the whole built-in system just doesn't ever get used. If it's going to be that bad, maybe they should provide a nice place to clamp a phone. I am happy that it has many of the main functions on physical buttons.
All that being said, it fulfills its main function as a fun, quiet, useful, & economical daily car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Nissan LEAF, so we've included reviews for other years of the LEAF since its last redesign.
The Cheapest EVs You Can Buy Today | Most Affordable Electric Cars & SUVs for 2024
While electric vehicles, in general, remain pricier than their internal combustion-engine counterparts, there are still a decent number of affordable models to choose from — some of which may surprise you. In this video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian goes through the cheapest EVs currently available!
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric gets a complete redesign, and it's a more sophisticated and technologically advanced EV than the Nissan Leaf. In addition, the Kona supplies longer driving range on a fully charged battery, comes with a generous list of safety features, and offers ownership perks such as complimentary connected services for three years. The Leaf has a substantially lower base price and, well, that's about it. Take a closer look at the Hyundai.
A redesigned Kia Niro EV went on sale last year, and aside from its unusual styling, it makes a strong argument for spending a little more money than you would on a long-range Leaf SV Plus. You'll drive the Kia farther on a fully charged battery, and the Niro EV's design and technology are far more modern than what you'll find in the Nissan. The Kia also has more sophisticated infotainment and safety features. But the Niro EV does cost more than the Leaf.
The Mini Cooper SE Electric can travel just 114 miles on a full battery charge, compared to 149 miles for the base Leaf S and 212 miles for the Leaf SV Plus. In addition, the Mini is a two-door hatch with a smaller back seat and cargo area than the Nissan's. But with its low starting price, the Cooper SE Electric might be worth considering if you need a car exclusively for local commuting. After all, what the Mini lacks in size and stamina it makes up for with personality, and then some.
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.
Edmunds says
Last year's refresh and a highly appealing price make the Nissan Leaf well worth consideration.
FAQ
Is the Nissan LEAF a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 LEAF both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 LEAF gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 31 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 2024 Nissan LEAF?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Nissan LEAF:
No major changes for 2024
Part of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018
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 2024 Nissan LEAF a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Nissan LEAF is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 LEAF and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 LEAF gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 LEAF is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Nissan LEAF?
The least-expensive 2024 Nissan LEAF is the 2024 Nissan LEAF S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,140.
Other versions include:
S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $28,140
SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $36,190
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), and SV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). For a full list of LEAF models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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