2021 Nissan LEAF Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Nissan LEAF is one of a number of entry-level electric vehicles (EVs) out there, a category that also includes the Chevrolet Bolt EV,...

The Nissan LEAF is one of a number of entry-level electric vehicles (EVs) out there, a category that also includes the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai IONIQ, Kia Niro EV, and Tesla Model 3. There were some big updates last year, but 2021 sees no notable changes.

As before, the LEAF comes with two powertrains, Base and LEAF PLUS. The Base gets you a 110-kilowatt (147-horsepower) electric motor that also produces 236 pound-feet of torque, running off a 40-kilowatt-hour battery. The LEAF PLUS upgrades the electric motor to 160 kW (214 hp) and 250 lb-ft and has a 62-kWh battery. All LEAFs are exclusively front-wheel drive (FWD).

The big difference between the two powertrains is the range and fuel economy. The Base rates at 149 miles, and 111 city, 99 highway, and 111 combined miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). Meanwhile, the LEAF PLUS does 226 miles of range and comes in at 118, 97, and 108 MPGe. Both models use the CHAdeMO charging standard and can be replenished up to 80 percent in 40-45 minutes, with the optional DC fast-charging capability. They otherwise support 120- and 240-volt home charging.

There are three trims on the LEAF. The base S trim gets an 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic LED headlights, keyless access and start, Bluetooth, automatic temperature control, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. 16-inch alloy wheels are optional. The SV adds navigation, EV-specific telematics services, hands-free text messaging, fog lights, and 17-inch wheels. The SL PLUS comes with the better powertrain, heated seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power driver’s seat, Bose premium audio, and a cargo cover.

No matter which LEAF you choose, you get Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite standard. It bundles forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, high-beam assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and a rear-view camera. The SV comes standard with adaptive cruise control. An optional SV Technology Package adds on ProPilot Assist driver-assist tech, a surround-view camera system, and driver alertness. The SL PLUS gets all of the aforementioned equipment standard. The LEAF received good safety scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Nissan LEAF is a competent, affordable EV.