S 4dr Hatchback
2022 Nissan LEAF
Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising, but a lower price can make a huge difference. The Nissan Leaf had started to wither on its branch as a variety of newer electric cars were introduced with longer ranges, sharper driving dynamics and more compelling designs for roughly the same price. It had become a bit hard to recommend. The 2022 Nissan Leaf is a different story, as prices have been slashed throughout the lineup resulting in better value and therefore a more competitive EV. While its rivals still enjoy the aforementioned advantages, you now have to pay more to get them. As it is, then, the Leaf becomes the best entry-level EV choice for the money – we named it the best one for under $30,000. That goes for the longer range Leaf Plus, too, which also sees a notable price cut down to $33,375. Both versions offer sufficient range for the money (149 miles base, 215-226 for the Plus), lots of usable interior space, well-executed infotainment and safety tech, and a generally quiet and comfy ride. If you're looking for a sensible EV that isn’t trying to make a futuristic fashion statement, it remains a smart choice. It's just now at a smarter price. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Features | Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? The Leaf is a lot cheaper this year, slashing about $5,000 off its starting price to drop well below $30,000. And that's before the $7,500 federal tax credit. The longer-range SV Plus basically starts where the smaller battery model did at just over $33,000. You're also getting more equipment despite the lower price as quick charge port and portable charge cable are now standard on every Leaf. There's also the new SV Plus Technology package that adds ProPilot assist, power driver seat, LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera and a driver inattention warning system. What are the Leaf interior and in-car technology like? The Leaf's interior has a straightforward, easy-to-use interior rather than a futuristic one filled with convoluted, new-fangled controls. So, it's less interesting, but it's also less irritating. Materials quality is a bit better than a Hyundai Kona Electric or Chevy Bolt, but this is still a budget EV, and hard black plastics dominate most surfaces. All Leaf models have a digital instrument panel display paired with an analog speedometer, plus an 8-inch touchscreen. The latter 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 touchscreen itself is easy to use. Nissan doesn't go above and beyond with other interior features, but there are some niceties worth mentioning. Automatic climate control and an eight-way power driver's seat are standard, while heated seats are optional. A Bose seven-speaker stereo comes standard with the SL trim. SV models and up get a heat-pump heater, which is a …
Full Review
Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising, but a lower price can make a huge difference. The Nissan Leaf had started to wither on its branch as a variety of newer electric cars were introduced with longer ranges, sharper driving dynamics and more compelling designs for roughly the same price. It had become a bit hard to recommend. The 2022 Nissan Leaf is a different story, as prices have been slashed throughout the lineup resulting in better value and therefore a more competitive EV. While its rivals still enjoy the aforementioned advantages, you now have to pay more to get them. As it is, then, the Leaf becomes the best entry-level EV choice for the money – we named it the best one for under $30,000. That goes for the longer range Leaf Plus, too, which also sees a notable price cut down to $33,375. Both versions offer sufficient range for the money (149 miles base, 215-226 for the Plus), lots of usable interior space, well-executed infotainment and safety tech, and a generally quiet and comfy ride. If you're looking for a sensible EV that isn’t trying to make a futuristic fashion statement, it remains a smart choice. It's just now at a smarter price. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Features | Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? The Leaf is a lot cheaper this year, slashing about $5,000 off its starting price to drop well below $30,000. And that's before the $7,500 federal tax credit. The longer-range SV Plus basically starts where the smaller battery model did at just over $33,000. You're also getting more equipment despite the lower price as quick charge port and portable charge cable are now standard on every Leaf. There's also the new SV Plus Technology package that adds ProPilot assist, power driver seat, LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera and a driver inattention warning system. What are the Leaf interior and in-car technology like? The Leaf's interior has a straightforward, easy-to-use interior rather than a futuristic one filled with convoluted, new-fangled controls. So, it's less interesting, but it's also less irritating. Materials quality is a bit better than a Hyundai Kona Electric or Chevy Bolt, but this is still a budget EV, and hard black plastics dominate most surfaces. All Leaf models have a digital instrument panel display paired with an analog speedometer, plus an 8-inch touchscreen. The latter 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 touchscreen itself is easy to use. Nissan doesn't go above and beyond with other interior features, but there are some niceties worth mentioning. Automatic climate control and an eight-way power driver's seat are standard, while heated seats are optional. A Bose seven-speaker stereo comes standard with the SL trim. SV models and up get a heat-pump heater, which is a …
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Retail Price
$27,400
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | |
| MPG | 123 City / 99 Hwy |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 1-spd auto |
| Power | 147 @ rpm |
| Drivetrain | front-wheel |
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