2018 Nissan Leaf

Overview

Nissan’s Leaf appeared for 2011 looking fairly dorky and, by the EPA’s reckoning, capable of traveling just 73 miles due to its 24.0-kWh battery. As more EVs hit the market with greater driving range, Nissan gradually boosted the Leaf’s abilities. Range was first increased to 75 miles for 2013, then to 84 miles for 2016; an optional 30.0-kWh battery also came online for 2016 that further upped the Leaf’s range to 107 miles. Nissan has redesigned the Leaf inside and out, added more power, and, critically, increased the battery size to 40.0 kWh on every model for an EPA-estimated 151 miles of range.

What's New for 2018?

The 2018 Nissan Leaf packs a 40.0-kWh battery pack, a big upgrade over last year’s 29.9-kWh unit. By giving the Leaf a revamped design, perkier performance, a longer range, and more emphasis on tech, the company is hoping a lot more people will consider going electric. Nissan added additional crossmembers, for a 15 percent improvement in torsional rigidity, and worked to lower the center of gravity as well as bolster crashworthiness with high-strength steel for the side pillars and side sills.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• S: $30,885
• SV: $33,385
• SL: $37,095

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Leaf's battery-pack layout reprises that of the previous model: 192 cells arranged into 48 modules, but with a third more capacity. The performance of the same EM57 permanent-magnet AC electric motor is improved via a new inverter, permitting an output of 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, versus the previous 107 ponies and 187 pound-feet. Nissan claims these changes combine to make the 2018 Leaf about 15 percent quicker from zero to 60 mph—which would cut its time down to 8.8 seconds. From the cars we briefly sampled, we can confirm that the new model feels quieter, quicker, and more pleasant to drive than the outgoing one, but it's no sports car.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Leaf’s larger battery and superior 151-mile range give it a major advantage over marginally less costly EVs, but the same logic applies when comparing the Chevrolet Bolt with the Leaf. All Leafs have a 6.6-kW onboard charger that allows charging at Level 2 (J1772) in about eight hours. On the base S, you’ll need a charging package to get two items that are standard on the rest of the lineup: CHAdeMO fast charging and a new Level 1 and Level 2 combination charging cord that will allow the Leaf to be plugged into a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. With a Level 3 CHAdeMO fast charger, the Leaf can recover 90 miles of range in 30 minutes.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, in keeping with Nissan’s other recent redesigns, the Leaf has a more horizontal dash with the front corners pushed outward. Hard plastic surfaces are abundant, but the color tones make the ambience warmer and airier. The seats are more supportive, and the materials and trim are more mainstream. Rear-seat space is ample, headroom is decent, and the cargo floor is now flat behind the rear seats. The top-trim Leaf SL adds goodies such as a Bose audio system, a heated steering wheel and heated leather front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. For the mid-level SV, an eight-way power driver’s seat is bundled with the Technology package, which also includes blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a few other items.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Leaf's large digital display next to the analog speedometer is configurable in a number of ways, and the touchscreen works quickly and without bugginess. Standard infotainment gear includes a 6.0-inch interface for the base S, with others offering or including a 7.0-inch unit with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Nissan Leaf’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.