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2013 Nissan LEAF Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Entering its third year in production, the Nissan Leaf compact electric vehicle receives a number of updates for 2013. For starters, Nissan expands the Leaf lineup by adding an affordably priced entry-level Leaf S, which joins the mid-level Leaf SV and the luxury-oriented Leaf SL. The base Leaf becomes the least expensive electric vehicle in the country, according to the automaker. In addition, the Leaf receives a number of upgrades designed to boost efficiency, including improved exterior aerodynamics, an updated regenerative braking system, a new available onboard charger that reduces charge time by nearly half and new leather upholstery for the top-level SV trim, as well as upgraded wheels, new audio systems, a new heating system and 3 new options packages.
The updates are timed with the relocation of production of domestic Leafs to Nissan's facility in Smyrna, Tenn. The 2013 Leaf retains its 4-door, 5-seat hatchback body style with its distinctive wedge shape. Minor design updates to the bug-eyed headlights and rear end, as well as new wheels, result in a slightly lower coefficient of drag, now 0.28 from 0.29, so the Leaf can eke a few more miles out of each charge. The revisions help reduce wind noise as well, Nissan says. A flat underbody with a rear diffuser and a standard rear spoiler also help improve aerodynamics, while a compact nose and swooping side lines give the Leaf a unique exterior appearance. The top-level Leaf SL gets LED headlights and foglights, which are optional on the SV. New exterior colors for 2013 include Metallic Slate and Glacier White.
Thanks to its electric drive system, the Leaf gets the equivalent of 130 mpg, Nissan says. An 80-kilowatt electric motor, which drives the Leaf through the front wheels, continues to produce 106 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A single-speed reducer replaces a traditional transmission. Because 100% of torque is available at all times, the Leaf accelerates briskly and smoothly, with a top speed of 90 mph. Testers say the Leaf drives and feels much like a typical gas-powered compact car, with the notable absence of a gas tank and rear exhaust pipe, as well as associated noise from an internal combustion engine.
A 24kWh lithium-ion battery, located beneath the vehicle's floor, provides power for the electric motor. For 2013, the Leaf SV and SL trims get a new 6.6kW onboard charger, which has been relocated from the trunk to the front of the vehicle, providing more convenience and freeing up some cargo space in the trunk. The new charge port, which includes a light and a lock, reduces charging time by nearly half, to about 4 hours for a full charge when using a 220-volt outlet, Nissan says. Owners can also use a 110-volt outlet, although it significantly increases charge time. A Quick Charge Port, which comes standard on the SL and is optional on the S and SV, enables owners to charge the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes at a public charging station.
The vehicle's regenerative braking system also helps charge the battery. A new B driving mode, standard for the SV and SL trims, increases regenerative braking when decelerating in certain situations, such as when descending hills. The entry-level Leaf S retains the 3.6kW trunk-located onboard charging system used for the Leaf in previous years.
The Leaf rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, which is longer than the Nissan Versa's 102.4 wheelbase. Overall, however, the Leaf checks in slightly shorter than the Versa, at 175 inches vs. 175.4 inches. The Leaf sits on an independent strut suspension with stabilizer bars in both the front and rear. Speed-sensitive electric power steering and power-assisted antilock disc brakes come standard. The SL trim gets new 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for 2013, while the SV continues with 16-inch aluminum wheels. Nissan equips the entry-level S with 16-inch steel wheels.
Inside, the 2013 Leaf gets a number of new and updated features, including a new black interior color and standard leather upholstery for the SL trim. The Leaf's cabin seats 5 and uses eco-friendly recycled materials for some interior pieces, such as the headliner, carpet and door and roof trim. In addition, the upholstery in the SV trim contains some recycled materials. A heated leather steering wheel and heated front and rear seats come standard in all Leafs. The driver's seat features 6-way manual adjustment, while the passenger seat adjusts 4 ways manually. The S trim gets cloth upholstery, while the SV receives cloth upholstery partially made from recycled materials. The SL gets new leather seats for 2013. All Leafs also include a 60/40-split rear seat. Due to the relocated charger, cargo space for the SV and SL trims increases to 24 cubic feet behind the second row, up from 14.4 cubic feet for the previous year. Expanded cargo space with the rear seats folded down increases to 30 cubic feet, up from 24.
The Leaf's high-tech instrument cluster includes a 4.3-inch color LCD display for the S trim and a 7-inch display for the SV and SL grades. A digital readout at the top of the instrument cluster displays an Eco indicator and the speedometer. All trims also receive Nissan's Intelligent Key with push-button ignition.
The S trim includes such standard features as Bluetooth, automatic temperature control, power windows and door locks, and a 4-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, a USB port and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The SV and SL add cruise control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an upgraded 6-speaker audio system and a navigation system with NavTraffic and NavWeather, as well as the Carwings telematics system, which enables owners to control the car's air conditioning and charging functions remotely with a smart phone. The system also locates nearby public charging stations. In addition, the SV and SL get a new hybrid heating system, which consumes less energy while providing superior heating performance during cold weather.
The 3 new options packages for 2013 include a Quick Charge Port Package for the S trim, which adds the 6.6kW onboard charger, Quick Charge Port and a rear-view monitor. A similar LED Headlights + Quick Charge Port Package for the SV trim adds auto on/off LED headlights and foglights, as well as the Quick Charge Port, while a Premium Package for the SV and SL trims includes a Bose 7-speaker audio system and Nissan's Around View Monitor surround camera system, which enables drivers to see views on all sides of the vehicle.
All Leafs come equipped with an Advanced Air Bag system, which includes dual-stage front, front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags. Other safety features include Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control, a tire pressure monitoring system and a vehicle security system. The IIHS gave the Leaf a top safety rating of Good for protecting passengers in frontal, side and rollover crashes, while the NHTSA gave the Leaf a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Owners are overwhelmingly positive about their Leafs. They say the electric vehicle is fun to drive, with brisk acceleration, due to the full torque range, and road-hugging handling, due in part to the location of the battery, which helps provide a low center of gravity. Some owners report that they're able to achieve a driving distance of up to 150 miles on a single charge, but note that at higher speeds over 50 mpg, the driving range drops significantly, to about 75 miles. Some owners say they're getting the equivalent of 140 mpg from their Leafs, and note that at most public charging stations they're paying only a few dollars for a charge. Owners also like the Leaf's interior layout and cargo capacity, as well as the instrumentation and state-of-the-art graphics, which do a good job of keeping drivers informed of the battery's existing charge and driving range. Standard features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel are also welcomed and appreciated by owners in colder climates. Overall, owners have found very few negatives about the electric vehicle and are pleased with their purchases.
User reviews for 2013 Nissan LEAF
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Paul N
Jun 09, 2024
I love the simplicity. The hatchback makes it versatile -- easy to get my bicycle in and out. This is the ideal city runabout. Drive it, then plug it in. Easy, easy, easy.Jun 09, 2024
by Ramon A
May 25, 2024
battery life needs to improve the quality and reliability May 25, 2024
by Gabby S
Mar 04, 2024
Range is lacking but that’s by design. Affordable, practical and friendly to newcomers to the EV world Mar 04, 2024
User rating:
by Paul N
Jun 09, 2024
I love the simplicity. The hatchback makes it versatile -- easy to get my bicycle in and out. This is the ideal city runabout. Drive it, then plug it in. Easy, easy, easy.Jun 09, 2024
by Ramon A
May 25, 2024
battery life needs to improve the quality and reliability May 25, 2024
by Gabby S
Mar 04, 2024
Range is lacking but that’s by design. Affordable, practical and friendly to newcomers to the EV world Mar 04, 2024
by Gil H
Oct 02, 2023
I love the car, for the price. It has limited power (though, still EV snappy) and very limited range (50-somthing miles), but as an in-town car, it cant be beat. Low price, EV, so no oil changes, no gas stations, almost no maintenance.Oct 02, 2023
by Dennis Dupont -
Mar 01, 2023
longer charging than i thought
good value
cheverolet ev
ford fiesta ev
thank youMar 01, 2023
by Jay G
Jun 13, 2022
Good first all-electric car; 42 miles on “battery saver” charge and 54 for full charge. 4 hours to charge if 50 amp charger. Comfortable and good power if off “eco mode”.Jun 13, 2022
by Anonymous
Jun 07, 2022
I appreciate the opportunity to view a Nissan Leaf. And the presentation of the dash which showed the bars available in the battery.Jun 07, 2022
by Sylvia B
Jun 01, 2022
The 2013 Nissan Leaf contains a second generation battery. This model does not contain the bells and whistles of my 2011 Lead SV but the 2013 runs very well. Good value for a reliable vehicle. Jun 01, 2022
by kamran a
Feb 19, 2022
Overall good electric car especially under 10k price range. Feb 19, 2022
by Anonymous
Dec 21, 2021
Car would be great if it drove further than 50 miles between chargesDec 21, 2021
by Marilyn B
Aug 29, 2021
I bought a 2011 not 2013. I gave it an ok rating because the car runs great but it understandably it doesnt hold the 87 miles it it displays on the dash at full charge. It hold about half of that. But if youre aware of this and plan to just use it locally, its a great car. Aug 29, 2021
by Anonymous
Aug 06, 2021
Alternative not gas power by solar can get new batteries Aug 06, 2021
by Level Drone RC D
Jul 31, 2021
No useable power left on the car for the price over $5000.00 to get newer battery pack just as a starting point. Jul 31, 2021
by Aldridge G
Jul 22, 2021
I look at that particular model because of the battery that is included with the car. I was hoping that it would hold at least a 60-mile charge. Jul 22, 2021
by Thomas K
Feb 05, 2021
If you find a 2013 Nissan leaf with a good battery you get a quality car for a very low price. Especially the SL trim of these cars are very undervalued. Feb 05, 2021
by Old men rule r
Sep 18, 2020
Great buy, looking at a 2018 Chevy bolt Also. Sep 18, 2020
by Roger L
Aug 18, 2020
I would not buy an older Nissan Leaf. The battery will have to be replaced and that costs six grand.Aug 18, 2020
by Anonymous
May 05, 2020
Check if your PTC heater is working! Otherwise big costs (>$2000).
I bought mine, used for as good price. However, it was a unpleasant surprise to find out that the heating system had failed (codes b2773 and b2774). Rest of the car is great: Still 11 (out of 12) bars battery capacity, which is good for ~ 75 miles in summer. Love the futuristic sounds it makes and the overall quietness of the drive.May 05, 2020
by Randy R
Mar 11, 2020
I have the S trim level, and even so there are tech features I havent explored. Its a great car if you want to go BEV and save major $ on gas. Especially at the price point you can pick one of these up.
The only 2 things I would watch out for: Make sure the battery health is at the point where fully charged it will still get you the range you need for most of your driving. Mine still had all 12 bars. The other thing is, if ChaDeMo fast DC charging is important to you, make sure your car has it. Insideevs has a good buyers guide on these older LEAFs.
Happy motoring.Mar 11, 2020
by Gary S
Oct 20, 2013
This car penciled out with gas savings, and rebate to be nearly free. It has plenty of power, and pep - seemingly more than most internal combustion engine cars I have driven. Price would have been a bit high without fed. incentives. Oct 20, 2013
What users have asked
Delete Radio presets?
feel silly asking, but how do I delete radio presets? I have a 2013 Nissan Leaf without the navigation system. I accidentally (?) set on AM radio preset and one FM2 radion preset, and I want to delete them. How?
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2013 Nissan LEAF?Compare this car
2013 Nissan LEAF Pricing
Original MSRP
$28,800 to $34,840Price range
$4,739 to $4,956Average price on CG
$4,757YoY price change
$4,956 to $4,757Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 7.94
Engine
Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 107 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 80 · Electric Motor Torque: 187 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 8 hours
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Electric motor miles per charge: 75
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 7.94
Engine
Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 107 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 80 · Electric Motor Torque: 187 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 4 hours
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Electric motor miles per charge: 75
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Solar panel charger: rear spoiler · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 7.94
Engine
Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 107 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 80 · Electric Motor Torque: 187 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 4 hours
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Hybrid
Electric motor miles per charge: 75
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front