Perhaps unsurprisingly, a lower price can make a huge difference. The Nissan Leaf has begun to wither on its branch like a bunch of newer branches Electric Car introduced with longer range, sharper driving dynamics and more appealing design at almost the same price. It has become a bit difficult to recommend. The 2022 Nissan Leaf is a different story, as prices have been reduced throughout the lineup, resulting in better value and therefore a more competitive EV. While its rivals still enjoy the aforementioned advantages, now you have to pay more to get them.
So for now, the Leaf becomes the best entry-level EV choice for the money – we name it Best for under $30,000. The same goes for the longer-range Leaf Plus version, which also has a notable price drop to $33,375. Both versions offer affordable range (149 miles base, 215-226 km Plus), plenty of usable interior space, infotainment and safety tech. done well and a ride is usually quiet and comfortable. If you’re looking for an affordable EV without trying to make a futuristic fashion statement, it’s still a smart choice. It’s just new at a smarter price point.
Furniture & Technology | Passenger & cargo space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What is it like to drive? | Price & Features | Fault ratings and safety features
What’s new for 2022?
The Leaf is a lot cheaper this year, dropping about $5,000 off its starting price to drop below $30,000. And that’s before the $7,500 federal tax credit. The longer range SV Plus basically starts out in a smaller place the battery the model did just over $33,000. You also get more devices despite the lower price, as fast charging ports and portable charging cables are now standard on every Leaf. There’s also the new SV Plus Technology package which adds ProPilot assistance, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera, and an inattentive driver warning system.
What’s the Leaf’s interior and tech like?
The Leaf’s interior has a simple, easy-to-use interior, rather than a futuristic thing with complicated, new serrated controls. So it’s less fun, but it’s also less annoying. Material quality is slightly better than Electric Hyundai Kona or Chevy Bolt, but it’s still a cheap EV, and the black hard plastic dominates most surfaces.
All Leaf models have a digital dashboard display combined with an analog speedometer, along with an 8-inch touchscreen. The latter has customizable icon layouts, multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom, and the ability to update software over Wi-Fi. Every Leaf comes with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the touchscreen is easy to use.
Nissan doesn’t outdo and go beyond with other interior features, but there are some conveniences worth mentioning. Automatic climate control and an eight-way power driver’s seat are standard, while heated seats are optional. Bose seven-speaker stereo system comes standard with SL cut. SV models and above get a heat pump heater, which is a boon for an electric car, as it’s much more efficient and will likely help preserve some of your range while running it.
How big are the leaves?
The Nissan Leaf is a hatchback, predictably that it really suits its size. Compared to the closest competitor, Chevrolet Bolt EV and Hyundai Kona Electric, it’s just average for the passenger’s interior space. Nissan wins by a few inches when it comes to front headroom and legroom, but gives those inches back when it comes to rear seat fit. However, there is plenty of headroom per seat for passengers over 6 meters tall.
It’s significantly longer than the competition, both overall and in wheelbase, which likely contributes to the Leaf’s supple driving. With all seats in the upright position, this extra length contributes to more cargo space in the hatch compared to other seats, at 23.6 cu-ft. The seats can be folded, but the Bolt’s cargo area eventually becomes much wider in the luggage-filled position ( new bolt EUV even bigger when you lower the seat).
What are the Leaf’s power range and performance specifications?
The Leaf has a single permanent magnet electric motor powering the front wheels, making 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Nissan says that’s good for 0-60 mph in about 8 seconds, which is perfectly acceptable for a compact hatchback. Base range for this 40 kilowatt-hour version is 149 miles, and its performance is rated at 111 mpg-e.
Nissan made a few tweaks to the electric motor for the large-battery Leaf Plus, pumping out 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. All that extra power reduces the 0-60 mph time to about 7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 98 mph. Range for its 62 kWh battery pack is 226 miles for the S Plus and 215 miles for the SV Plus and SL Plus, which isn’t too far from the top competitors, around 250.
Currently, both Leaf batteries are paired with a fast-charging port, which Nissan says can be charged to 80% in 40-45 minutes using the right type of charger. The portable charging cable also lets you plug it into a 240-volt home outlet (like the one your tumble dryer uses), eliminating the need for a separate home charger. Of course, you’ll still need to install a 240-volt electrical outlet at home. Keep in mind that unlike most other electric vehicles on the market, the Leaf’s DC fast charging port is a CHAdeMO design. So when you’re planning a trip and planning to use fast charging, make sure stations along the route have CHAdeMO chargers and not just the more common CCS chargers.
What does the leaf like to drive?
We’ve driven both the Leaf and Leaf Plus normally, and both are super comfortable commuter cars. Not particularly fast, but Plus elevates it to a level beyond the regular Leaf. There is a stronger thrust into the seat from the stronger electric motor, which explains the 1 second reduction in acceleration time. The Leaf’s throttle adjustment is also very smooth compared to other EVs, though it sacrifices a bit of the competition’s more immediate response.
While many EVs can make driving amazingly enjoyable, the Leaf handles just tolerable. Lack of steering is the car’s Achilles heel and it’s less agile than the competition. Obviously, Nissan has not aimed at driving pleasure for enthusiasts, but those who prioritize smooth and comfortable driving. It succeeded in navigating around town, navigating potholes and road imperfections with ease, never jarring the passengers inside. Electric version of Kona and Niro Not exactly loud and annoying, but the Leaf offers more refinement in everyday driving. Road noise enters the Leaf’s cabin is less, and the Kona/Niro cousins feel a bit stiffer when riding on rough roads.
What other Nissan Leaf reviews can I read?
Review Nissan Leaf Plus 2019 for the first time
Our review of the long-range Leaf Plus model covers what you can expect from its better range and performance.
Nissan Leaf 2018 driving for the first time
Our initial review of the Leaf when the current generation was introduced for 2018. Includes information on its design and engineering as well as basic battery driving impressions.
How much is the 2022 leaf car price and what features does it have?
Prices have dropped in 2022, making the Leaf much more competitive. The base Leaf now starts at $28,375, including a $975 destination charge, while 60 kWh trims start at $33,375. Also remember the available $7,500 federal tax credit plus any state-level incentives.
Standard equipment has also been increased this year. The base S version now gets 16-inch steel wheels, portable charging cable, fast charging port, cloth seats, automatic climate control, 8-inch touchscreen, 7-inch instrument cluster display, Apple CarPlay and Android auto, satellite radio and four-speaker stereo. The S Plus swaps steel wheels for 16-inch aluminum alloys.
Key upgrades for the SV include 17-inch alloy wheels, NissanConnect EV remote service, adaptive cruise control, upgraded heating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and a six-speaker sound system. . It also opens the door to loads of exciting upgrades in the new SV Technology package. Considering the SV’s modest premium of $1,400, we’ll start our Leaf shopping there.
The top SL trim is only available with a long-range battery. It adds LED lighting, a Bose sound system, standard driver assistance (you can read more about it below), a surround-view camera system, leather seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
S: $28.375
SV: $29,775
S Plus: $33,375
SV Plus: $36.375
SL Plus: $38,375
What are the Leaf’s safety ratings and driver assistance features?
Every 2022 Nissan Leaf comes standard with forward collision warning with automatic emergency function brake and pedestrian detection, automatic rear braking (a rare feature), rear cross-traffic and blind-spot warning systems, and lane-keeping assist. The ProPilot Assist system, standard on the SL Plus and optionally through the SV Technology package, includes an advanced adaptive cruise control system with automatic highway control. That package also includes an inattention warning system. A simpler adaptive cruise control system is standard equipment on the SV.
The federal government gives the Nissan Leaf an overall score of five stars out of five. In individual tests, it received a four-star rating for face-to-face and move-through crashes and a five-star rating for side issues. The leaf was not damaged Highway Safety Insurance Institute full range of safety tests, but it received the best possible rating of “Good” on the front and moderate overlap crash test.
