SL PLUS 4dr Hatchback
2021 Nissan LEAF
The 2021 Nissan Leaf is one of the longest-running electric car nameplates on the market, which partly explains why it’s the bestselling electric car in the world. As for why you might be interested in one now, much of its appeal is its wide range of trims and, well, ranges. Its more affordable base models have a less-powerful motor and will go about 150 miles on a charge. But if you need to travel longer distances, or would appreciate some extra peace of mind, the available Leaf Plus can go 226 miles. Either way, you get a rather spacious hatchback with a comfortable ride and refined powertrain. All of these features make it well worth considering against similar offerings such as the Chevy Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV and entry-level Tesla Model 3. What's new for 2021? For 2021, the Nissan Leaf is unchanged. But it’s worth noting that last year Nissan added more equipment to more of the range. All models received front and rear automatic emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keep assist. Other safety features added include knee airbags and seat-mounted rear side airbags. The base trim levels also picked up a standard 8-inch infotainment screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What's the Leaf’s interior and in-car technology like? Nissan positions the Leaf and Leaf Plus as budget options in the EV world, which means the interior feels a bit cheap. Hard black plastics dominate most surfaces, and the seats are cloth except for the most expensive SL that gets leather. This interior was totally revamped for the 2018 redesign, and so it feels modern with a big infotainment display and a digital screen with lots of information in the instrument cluster. All Leaf models have an 8-inch screen. It features customizable icon layouts, multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom and the capability of software updates over Wi-Fi. Every Leaf includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the touchscreens themselves are pretty easy to use. Nissan doesn't go above and beyond with other interior features, but there are some niceties worth mentioning. An eight-way power driver's seat is optional, as are heated seats. A Bose seven-speaker stereo comes standard with the SL trim. Automatic climate control is also a standard feature. SV models and up get a heat-pump heater, which is a perk for an electric car, as it’s much more efficient and will likely help preserve some of your range when running it. How big is the Leaf? The Nissan Leaf is a hatchback, predictably making it super practical for its size. Compared to its closest competition, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Hyundai Kona Electric, it's just about average for passenger interior space. Nissan wins by a couple inches when it comes to front headroom and legroom, but gives those inches back when it comes to the snug rear seat. There's plenty of headroom in every seat for passengers over 6 feet tall, though. It's considerably longer than …
Full Review
The 2021 Nissan Leaf is one of the longest-running electric car nameplates on the market, which partly explains why it’s the bestselling electric car in the world. As for why you might be interested in one now, much of its appeal is its wide range of trims and, well, ranges. Its more affordable base models have a less-powerful motor and will go about 150 miles on a charge. But if you need to travel longer distances, or would appreciate some extra peace of mind, the available Leaf Plus can go 226 miles. Either way, you get a rather spacious hatchback with a comfortable ride and refined powertrain. All of these features make it well worth considering against similar offerings such as the Chevy Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV and entry-level Tesla Model 3. What's new for 2021? For 2021, the Nissan Leaf is unchanged. But it’s worth noting that last year Nissan added more equipment to more of the range. All models received front and rear automatic emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keep assist. Other safety features added include knee airbags and seat-mounted rear side airbags. The base trim levels also picked up a standard 8-inch infotainment screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What's the Leaf’s interior and in-car technology like? Nissan positions the Leaf and Leaf Plus as budget options in the EV world, which means the interior feels a bit cheap. Hard black plastics dominate most surfaces, and the seats are cloth except for the most expensive SL that gets leather. This interior was totally revamped for the 2018 redesign, and so it feels modern with a big infotainment display and a digital screen with lots of information in the instrument cluster. All Leaf models have an 8-inch screen. It features customizable icon layouts, multi-touch gestures like pinch-to-zoom and the capability of software updates over Wi-Fi. Every Leaf includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the touchscreens themselves are pretty easy to use. Nissan doesn't go above and beyond with other interior features, but there are some niceties worth mentioning. An eight-way power driver's seat is optional, as are heated seats. A Bose seven-speaker stereo comes standard with the SL trim. Automatic climate control is also a standard feature. SV models and up get a heat-pump heater, which is a perk for an electric car, as it’s much more efficient and will likely help preserve some of your range when running it. How big is the Leaf? The Nissan Leaf is a hatchback, predictably making it super practical for its size. Compared to its closest competition, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Hyundai Kona Electric, it's just about average for passenger interior space. Nissan wins by a couple inches when it comes to front headroom and legroom, but gives those inches back when it comes to the snug rear seat. There's plenty of headroom in every seat for passengers over 6 feet tall, though. It's considerably longer than …
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Retail Price
$43,970
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | |
| MPG | 114 City / 94 Hwy |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 1-spd auto |
| Power | 214 @ rpm |
| Drivetrain | front-wheel |
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