MSRP: $28,140
Use the table of contents to jump to a section
Overview
The 2025 Nissan Leaf compact electric hatchback is the last of the second generation, and is due to be replaced with an all-new subcompact electric crossover of the same name next year. As for now, it soldiers on with middling specs: a 147-horsepower motor and 40-kWh battery with just 149 miles of range, or a 214-hp motor and 62-kWh battery with a range of 212 miles.
After having pioneered the mainstream EV in 2010, the Leaf has fallen behind the times, but it’s still relevant thanks to its low price and practicality, with a roomy 23.6-cu-ft trunk. It will suit urban commuters looking for a second car for short trips and city driving.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Leaf ambles into its last model year completely unchanged. It’s received periodic updates since its 2018 launch, and Nissan has simplified the lineup in recent years. For this year, nothing changes; in fact, even the 2025 Nissan Leaf’s price stays exactly the same, starting at just over $28,000.
Exterior
The Leaf is recognizably a Nissan with its distinctive V-motion grille and boomerang DRLs, but the profile is fairly generic hatchback. The budget S looks rather drab on 16-inch steel wheels with covers, but the SV Plus gets 17-inch alloys. The short length of 176.4 inches makes the Leaf ideal for urban environments. The charging port is located on the nose above the grille.
Nissan
Nissan
Nissan
Interior
The touchscreen is rather small at just eight inches, but infotainment features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, four USB ports, and a 4-speaker audio system. The SV Plus upgrades to a 6-speaker setup and also adds NissanConnect and navigation. An analog speedometer sits next to a 7-inch digital information display.
The rear legroom of only 33.5 inches reflects the compact dimensions, but the trunk is decent for a small hatchback at 23.6 cu-ft. The seats are covered in a bio suede PET material, and you get cruise control, but that’s about it. You have to upgrade to the SV Plus to get adaptive cruise control, an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heat pump, a surround-view camera, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Nissan
Nissan
Price Range
Prices exclude the $1,140 destination fee.
| Trim | Battery | Range | Price |
| S | 40 kWh | 149 mi | $28,140 |
| SV Plus | 62 kWh | 212 mi | $36,190 |
May qualify for a $3,750 federal tax credit.
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Trim | HP | Torque | Battery | Drive |
| S | 147 hp | 236 lb-ft | 40 kWh | FWD |
| SV Plus | 214 hp | 250 lb-ft | 62 kWh | FWD |
Efficiency (MPGe)
| Config | City | Highway | Combined | Range |
| LEAF S (40 kWh) | 123 | 99 | 111 | 149 mi |
| LEAF SV Plus (62 kWh) | 121 | 98 | 109 | 212 mi |
Cargo (rear seat up/folded): 23.6/30.00 cu-ft
Seating: 5
Charging: Level 1, Level 2, CHAdeMO DC fast charge
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic Vehicle | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
| Battery | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- S at $28,140 (before tax credit) is among the most affordable new EVs available
- Potential $3,750 federal tax credit reduces the effective cost further
- e-Pedal one-pedal driving simplifies urban commuting
- 23.6-30.00 cu-ft of cargo in a hatchback body offers everyday practicality
- SV Plus with ProPILOT Assist adds semi-autonomous highway driving capability
Cons:
- 149-mile range on the S is far below current EV standards
- CHAdeMO fast charging port is increasingly rare at public stations
- No AWD option available in the LEAF lineup
- 212-mile range on SV Plus still trails the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Aging design and technology feel dated compared to newer EV platforms
Verdict
The 2025 Leaf still makes sense for buyers with access to home charging looking for a cheap electric hatch for short-distance city use, and the S is the Spartan and honest interpretation of this. As an entry-level EV for $28K, it occupies a unique niche, but the $36K SV Plus is priced too closely to more competent rivals that can travel farther on a charge. The CHAdeMO fast-charging port is also a distinct limitation, as the industry standardizes on NACS and CSS.
It may still have a specific use case, but the Leaf is mostly outclassed, and fans are no doubt awaiting the new 2026 crossover Leaf that will take the fight to the new Chevy Bolt, Subaru Uncharted, and Toyota C-HR with better numbers and specs.
Nissan
Competitors
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor