2021 Nissan LEAF

The 2021 LEAF comes in three trim levels: S, SV, and SL. Pricing starts at $32,545 including destination and tops out at $41,395 for the SL before options.

The 2021 LEAF S and SV start out with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 110-kW electric motor that develops 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. A single-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the front wheels. This setup achieves an EPA-estimated 149 miles of range.

For $6,600 on the S and $5,560 on the SV, buyers can upgrade to a 62-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor with 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Models equipped with this powerplant, which is standard on the SL, carry the suffix "Plus."

The S Plus offers up to 226 miles of range, while the SV Plus and SL Plus can go for 215 miles.

According to Nissan, recharging the 40-kWh battery takes 8 hours on a 240-volt charger. The 62-kWh battery needs 11.5 hours.

The 40-kWh version can reach 80 percent charge in 40 minutes on a DC fast charging station. It takes up to an hour for the larger battery to hit 80 percent.

The 2021 LEAF is a compact hatchback with room for five, although four will be more comfortable.

There's 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and 30 cubic feet with it folded. While the LEAF is more versatile than a small sedan, it can't carry as much as a conventional hatchback.

Even the base LEAF comes fully equipped for safety. Standard technology includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and front and rear automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

The Technology Package for the SV ($2,000) and SV Plus ($1,600) adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, a driver alertness monitor, and surround-view cameras. These features are standard on the SL.

The LEAF S carries an 8-inch touchscreen, four speakers, satellite radio, four USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Advancing to the SV brings navigation, HD radio, and six speakers.

A seven-speaker Bose sound system is exclusive to the SL.

The LEAF S offers basics like automatic climate control, push-button start, a cloth interior, and 16-inch steel wheels.

The SV picks up heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side mirrors, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

In addition to its safety features, the Technology Package adds an eight-way power driver seat, LED headlights and running lights, a portable charging cable, a universal home remote, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The Plus powerplant is standard on the SL, along with leather upholstery and everything in the Technology Package.

Compare LEAF Trims Side-By-Side