Used 2020 Nissan LEAF for SaleNationwide

Is the 2020 Nissan LEAF a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Nissan LEAF earns 4.83/5 from owners and 6.83/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently point to affordability, practicality, comfortable interior space, zippy performance, and low-maintenance ownership, which makes the LEAF especially appealing if you want an easy city car or a commuter EV. The expert test-drive data also backs up the lively side of the LEAF, with quicker acceleration and strong handling helping it feel more complete than many shoppers expect from an electric car at this price.

The trade-offs are real, though: the expert review calls out poor value for money, and owner feedback notes a desire for more range, especially for longer trips. Even so, the LEAF’s everyday usability and low running-cost appeal make it a sensible fit if your driving is mostly local and routine.

Good and great deals account for 26.3% of listings, which gives you some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2020 Nissan LEAF reliable?

Owners rate it 4.83/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The user-review summary also emphasizes that the LEAF feels practical, low maintenance, and dependable for city driving, with many owners saying it’s a car they can count on for everyday use.

The expert driving notes reinforce that impression by describing the LEAF as a quiet, easy-to-live-with EV with usable charging behavior and a straightforward driving experience. The cost-effectiveness notes also point to the first scheduled maintenance visit being on the house, which helps reduce early ownership friction.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is battery degradation, which can reduce range over time and matter more if you regularly take longer trips.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Nissan LEAF?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage doesn’t replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on battery condition, charging behavior, and any signs of uneven wear or repair history. Since range is one of the LEAF’s biggest ownership variables, pay close attention to how the car has been used and charged.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim is the most stripped-down version, with steel wheels and fewer upscale touches than the higher trims. The S Plus adds the longer-range setup, while the SV, SV Plus, and SL Plus bring more comfort and convenience equipment.
• Powertrain: The base Leaf S and SV use a single front-mounted electric motor with 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 40-kWh battery. The Plus trims step up to 214 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque with a 62-kWh battery, and the S Plus is the only version with the estimated 226-mile range.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control is standard on the SV, SV Plus, and SL Plus, while ProPilot Assist is reserved for the SL Plus.
• Infotainment: All 2020 Leaf models get the 8-inch touchscreen plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SV models add factory navigation with NissanConnect services, and the SL Plus is the only trim with ProPilot Assist, a seven-speaker Bose stereo, heated steering wheel, LED headlights, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
• Range & charging: The standard battery is rated at 149 miles of range, while the Plus battery is rated at 226 miles in S Plus form and 215 miles in SV Plus and SL Plus form. The larger battery is 62 kWh. DC fast charging is usable, with the Plus capable of up to 100 kW and a 0-to-80-percent estimate of about 45 minutes.
• Battery health: On a used EV, you should check battery state-of-health, ask how often the car has been DC fast charged versus charged at home, and confirm how much battery warranty coverage remains. A battery that has spent most of its life on home charging is generally easier to trust than one that has seen heavy fast-charging use.

Which 2020 Nissan LEAF trim should I buy?

The 2020 Nissan LEAF is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SV, S Plus, SV Plus, SL Plus.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, but it’s the least equipped and the only trim where the Level 3 fast-charging port is optional. It makes sense only if you’re focused on the lowest starting price and can live with the most basic setup.
• SV: This is the better everyday choice if you want more convenience without jumping to the pricier Plus models. It adds factory navigation with NissanConnect services and adaptive cruise control, making it a more complete commuter trim.
• S Plus: This is the best-value trim. It combines the larger battery with the longest estimated range at 226 miles, making it the smartest pick if range matters most and you want to keep costs in check.
• SV Plus: This trim adds the larger battery and more range-friendly hardware, while also bringing more comfort and convenience than the S Plus. It suits you if you want the longer-range setup but prefer a richer feature mix.
• SL Plus: This is the most luxurious version, with ProPilot Assist, a Bose stereo, heated steering wheel, LED headlights, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. It’s the right pick if you want the most equipment and don’t mind paying for it.

Safety Shield 360 is standard, and ProPilot Assist is limited to the SL Plus.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Nissan LEAF?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully and focus on condition, range, and trim value.

• Deal availability: 26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 99 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 79.8% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2020 Nissan LEAF safe?

The 2020 Nissan LEAF earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes standard and includes forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and auto high beams. The 2020 model also adds four new airbags, plus louder pedestrian and reverse warning sounds.

Adaptive cruise control is standard on the SV, SV Plus, and SL Plus, while ProPilot Assist with active steering is part of the SL Plus. A driver-attention monitor is standard on the SL Plus and optional on the SV and SV Plus.

Should I buy a 2020 Nissan LEAF or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 model adds more safety equipment, more tech, and a stronger overall EV package than earlier versions.

Consider the 2019 if:

• It adds Rear Door Alert and keeps the LEAF’s practical, city-friendly character.

The bottom line: If you want the better-rounded LEAF, the 2020 model is the stronger choice thanks to its added safety, tech, and improved usability. If your priority is saving money and you’re comfortable with a simpler setup, the 2019 can still make sense as a lower-cost alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.