Used 2019 Nissan LEAF for Sale nearChicago, IL

Is the 2019 Nissan LEAF a good car?

Yes — the 2019 Nissan LEAF earns a 4.67/5 from owners and a 7.33/10 from experts. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise its reliability, fun driving experience, and excellent sound system, and they also like its handling and ease of driving in urban settings. On the expert side, the LEAF’s everyday usability and value stand out, especially for shoppers who want plenty of cargo space and a practical EV rather than something flashy. The trade-offs are clear: performance is fairly pedestrian, and the technology feels outdated.

For your use case, that makes the 2019 LEAF a strong fit if you want an affordable, easy-to-live-with electric hatchback for commuting and city driving. Good and great deals account for 30.5% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2019 Nissan LEAF reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner summary also points to reliability, and it describes the LEAF as dependable and trouble-free enough that many drivers feel comfortable counting on it for daily use. The expert notes reinforce that it works well as a commuter and around-town runabout, with low-maintenance ownership being part of the appeal.

The LEAF’s practical electric setup and everyday usability support that reputation, and the expert review also highlights its strong value proposition for buyers who want a simple EV. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is battery wear, so you should pay close attention to real-world range and charging behavior before you commit.

What should I look for when buying a used 2019 Nissan LEAF?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status does not tell you everything about prior use or repairs. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on battery condition, charging equipment, and whether the car’s range still matches your daily needs. It also helps to confirm that the car’s convenience and driver-assistance features work as expected, since the LEAF’s value depends heavily on its equipment level.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim misses some key conveniences, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and the Level 3 charge pack. The SV adds useful upgrades like navigation and 17-inch alloys, while the SL brings more premium equipment and can be paired with the Technology Package for added driver assistance.
• Powertrain: The standard LEAF uses a single electric motor with the equivalent of 147 horsepower, while the Plus version uses a more powerful 160kW motor with the equivalent of 216 hp. The regular car is tuned for daily driving, and the Plus adds stronger acceleration and a higher top speed.
• Safety package: ProPilot Assist is the named driver-assistance suite, and it can steer, brake, and accelerate in single-lane highway and stop-and-go situations. It is available on all trims except the base S, and the SL Technology Package adds upgraded automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, an electronic parking brake, Nissan’s Intelligent Lane Intervention, and high-beam assist.
• Infotainment: The standard setup uses a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Plus trims get an 8-inch screen and over-the-air updates. Wireless smartphone integration is not mentioned, so you should verify the exact connectivity setup on the car you’re considering.
• Range & charging: The standard LEAF has an EPA-rated range of 150 miles, and Level 3 charging can add 90 miles in 30 minutes. The Plus trims offer 226 miles of range. The usable battery capacity is not stated, so focus on real-world range and charging performance during your inspection.
• Battery health: Ask for a battery state-of-health check, review how the car was typically charged, and confirm whether it spent most of its life on home charging or frequent DC fast charging. You should also check how much of the battery warranty remains and whether the car still delivers the range you need for your routine.

Which 2019 Nissan LEAF trim should I buy?

The 2019 Nissan LEAF is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SV, SL, S Plus, SV Plus, SL Plus.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the least expensive way into the LEAF, but it leaves out important conveniences like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, the Level 3 charge pack, and ProPilot Assist. It makes sense only if price is your top priority and you can live with the stripped-down setup.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds navigation, 17-inch alloys, standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and adaptive cruise control on top of the base car’s essentials. If you want the best balance of equipment and price, this is the trim to target.
• SL: This is the more upscale choice, and the test car’s SL Technology Package shows how it can be equipped with ProPilot Assist, upgraded automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, an electronic parking brake, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and high-beam assist. Choose this if you want the most complete standard-feeling experience and are willing to pay more.
• S Plus: This is the entry point to the longer-range Plus lineup, and it adds the stronger motor and 226-mile range. It is the right pick if range matters more to you than extra comfort features.
• SV Plus: This is the best all-around Plus trim because it combines the longer range with the SV’s useful equipment upgrades and the larger 8-inch screen with over-the-air updates. If you want the strongest mix of range and everyday usability, this is the one to look for.
• SL Plus: This is the most fully equipped version, pairing the Plus powertrain and range with the SL’s richer feature set. It suits you best if you want the most complete LEAF and are willing to pay for it.

ProPilot Assist is available on all LEAF trims except the base S, so that’s the key safety-package note to keep in mind while shopping.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2019 Nissan LEAF?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 95 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 76.8% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2019 Nissan LEAF safe?

The 2019 Nissan LEAF earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan’s ProPilot Assist is the standout safety feature, and it can steer, brake, and accelerate in single-lane highway and stop-and-go traffic situations. It is available on all trims except the base S, and the SL Technology Package adds upgraded automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, an electronic parking brake, Nissan’s Intelligent Lane Intervention, and high-beam assist.

There is also a caveat to keep in mind: braking performance lands in the high-120-foot range for a 60-0-mph stop, which is not especially strong. The IIHS also notes that the Small Overlap Front test and Roof Strength test were not conducted for this model year.

Should I buy a 2019 Nissan LEAF or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2019 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2019 if:

• 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds Rear Door Alert and keeps the LEAF’s practical, value-focused EV formula intact.

Consider the 2020 if:

• It offers more technology, stronger range, and a more complete overall package.

The bottom line: The 2019 LEAF makes sense if you want a practical, affordable EV with solid owner satisfaction and a good chance of finding a deal. If you can stretch for a newer model, the 2020 is the better all-around choice for buyers who want more range and a more polished feature set. For price-sensitive shoppers, though, the 2019 remains a smart way to get into a usable electric hatchback without overpaying.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.