2023 Nissan LEAF

Unimpressive range. Even compared to other budget-friendly EVs, the LEAF’s range does not impress. The base LEAF S delivers 149 miles of range from its 40-kWh battery pack, and the optional LEAF SV gets you 212 miles from its larger 62-kWh battery.

The comparably-priced Chevy Bolt EV offers 259 miles of range, and the discrepancy is even more glaring among more expensive EVs. The LEAF will do you just fine if you have a short city commute, but it’s not the best choice if you plan on doing a lot of driving.

Not the latest charging tech. All LEAF models are equipped for AC home and CHAdeMO fast charging. It’ll get a full charge in under 12 hours when connected to a Level 2 240V charger, and charge to about 80% in 45 minutes when connected to a CHAdeMO fast charger. However, its battery is air-cooled, which is not ideal for frequent fast charging, and is not Supercharger-capable. The LEAF is one-pedal-driving capable though, which is a nice touch.

Zippy around town. It is an electric car after all. The front-wheel drive LEAF develops 147 hp in the S model, while the SV provides 214 horses. The S’ 7.4 second zero to 60 time doesn’t exactly sound quick, but its immediate torque from the electric motor makes the LEAF feel faster around town than a gasoline-powered economy car when you’re driving in the city. You’ll feel just as slow as you really are on the highway though.

Improved styling. Nissan gave its entry-level EV a bit of a refresh for the 2023 model year. The “grille” is new, as well as the front bumper and lights. We’re certainly not going to hang it in the Louvre, but it stands out among other economy cars. It’s come a long way since the novelty of its first generation as well.

Solid interior. Like other cheap cars, the LEAF has a cheap interior. However, Nissan did a pretty good job making the interior look and feel above its proverbial weight class. A sleek steering wheel and relatively minimalistic dash give the LEAF’s cabin a clean look, and the materials feel sufficiently substantial too. The digital gauges and mushroom-like shifter give the car a futuristic look that’s suitable for an EV.

On the connectivity front, all LEAF trims come with an 8.0” touchscreen that’s both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. The Nissan Connect software it runs may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but is intuitive and gets the job done. Both stereo options are a little lackluster though.

Standard Safety Shield. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 is standard on all LEAF models. Their safety suite currently includes automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, rear automatic braking, automatic hi-beams, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning.

The SV is optional with the Nissan ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, which we like except for its unending beeping. The LEAF also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and earned strong marks from the IIHS.

Final thoughts. The 2023 Nissan LEAF isn’t the flashiest or most capable EV on the market. The current generation has been on sale since the 2018 model year, and although it’s received incremental updates throughout its life, EV technology has come a long way in the last five years. Although it’s one-pedal capable, the LEAF’s relatively lackluster range puts it behind the pack.

However, the LEAF will still make sense for some. 149 miles isn’t a lot of range in base form, but it’s plenty if you have a short urban commute. Throw in a spacious interior and cargo area and an MSRP under $30,000, and the LEAF starts to make more sense.

If the LEAF meets your driving needs, it’s a good buy. It’s practical and perky around town, and one of the cheapest EVs out there. If you plan to venture outside the city though, the LEAF’s limitations make it a tough sell. Upgrading to the SV gets you 63 more miles of range for a total of 212 miles, but for another $7,000. You’re better off considering a Chevrolet Bolt or a Hyundai Kona Electric.

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