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Hatchback
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5 Seats
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100 MPG
(Combined)
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Key specs of the base trim
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Compare 2 trims
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Overview
The Good
- Drives like a "
- real car"
- Sprightly acceleration
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Low fuel cost
- Many tax incentives
- Remote charge control
The Bad
- High floor in backseat
- Range varies with temperature, terrain
- Charger installation can be pricey
- Slow rollout
- Limited public charging infrastructure
- Resale value a mystery
What to Know
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Pure battery-electric car
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Five-seat compact hatchback
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100-mile range (estimated)
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95 mph top speed
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Programmable charge time
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Buy or lease
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2012 Nissan Leaf Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
The five-seat Nissan Leaf is a purely battery-electric mass-market car. With no onboard range-extending generator like the Chevrolet Volt’s, the Leaf has a range of roughly 100 miles, period. A five-seat compact four-door hatchback, the Leaf is eligible for federal and state incentives.
Standard features include a 120-volt trickle charger, a navigation system, wireless connectivity and the ability to schedule charge times via web or smartphone. The uplevel SL trim level adds features like automatic headlights, fog lights, a solar panel, backup camera and a cargo cover.
New for 2012
The 2012 Leaf adds a standard battery heater, heated side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and heated front and rear seats. A quick-charge port is now part of the SL trim level’s features list.
Exterior
Among high-efficiency four-doors with aerodynamic shapes, the Leaf manages to look distinctive, mainly due to its curvy rear end and raised headlights, which are designed to deflect oncoming air around the side mirrors to reduce drag and noise. Exterior features include:
- Standard 16-inch alloy wheels
- Standard rear spoiler
- Small solar panel atop the SL’s liftgate spoiler trickle-charges the regular 12-volt battery
Interior
The five-seat Leaf has a 60/40-split folding backseat that extends the cargo area forward. Though it’s a hatchback, the cargo volume behind the seats is closer to that of a sedan’s trunk. Interior features include:
- Standard cloth uph...
Vehicle Overview
The five-seat Nissan Leaf is a purely battery-electric mass-market car. With no onboard range-extending generator like the Chevrolet Volt’s, the Leaf has a range of roughly 100 miles, period. A five-seat compact four-door hatchback, the Leaf is eligible for federal and state incentives.
Standard features include a 120-volt trickle charger, a navigation system, wireless connectivity and the ability to schedule charge times via web or smartphone. The uplevel SL trim level adds features like automatic headlights, fog lights, a solar panel, backup camera and a cargo cover.
New for 2012
The 2012 Leaf adds a standard battery heater, heated side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and heated front and rear seats. A quick-charge port is now part of the SL trim level’s features list.
Exterior
Among high-efficiency four-doors with aerodynamic shapes, the Leaf manages to look distinctive, mainly due to its curvy rear end and raised headlights, which are designed to deflect oncoming air around the side mirrors to reduce drag and noise. Exterior features include:
- Standard 16-inch alloy wheels
- Standard rear spoiler
- Small solar panel atop the SL’s liftgate spoiler trickle-charges the regular 12-volt battery
Interior
The five-seat Leaf has a 60/40-split folding backseat that extends the cargo area forward. Though it’s a hatchback, the cargo volume behind the seats is closer to that of a sedan’s trunk. Interior features include:
- Standard cloth upholstery
- Standard navigation system, satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity
- Dash screen can show a graphical range indicator on the map and provide multiple energy-readout screens to help gauge energy use and remaining range
- Available backup camera
Under the Hood
The Leaf uses a 340-volt battery pack to power an electric drive motor, which drives the front wheels with 107 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. The charging port is in the car’s nose under a door. Mechanical features include:
- Depleted battery can recharge in eight hours at 240 volts or in 20 hours at 120 volts
- A public quick-charge station (where available) can charge a depleted battery to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, but it requires the available quick-charge port
Safety
The Leaf’s high-voltage battery pack is designed to disconnect in the event of an airbag deployment or water intrusion. At the behest of rescue workers, Nissan incorporated an access panel into the floor that has a kill switch for first responders. Standard safety features include:
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Traction control
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
Horrible experience with no response from Anthony
We purchased a 2012 Nissan Leaf, was unable to drive from FtWorth to Arlington without having to charge it twice and then have it towed home, we paid $6700 cash. Called immediately was asked to take ... Read full review
2012 Nissan Leaf 8-1/2 years old
I just purchased my first EV. I already knew about battery degradation and limited range in an older Leaf. I paid $4200 for mine with 82.000 miles on it. It is really a cool little ride for around ... Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Recalls
The 2012 Nissan Leaf currently has 0 recalls
Crash and Rollover Test Ratings
Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by Nissan
New Car Program Benefits
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Bumper-to-Bumper
36 months / 36,000 miles
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Powertrain
60 months / 60,000 miles
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Roadside Assistance
36 months / unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits
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Maximum Age/Mileage
6 years/less than 80,000 miles
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Basic Warranty Terms
N/A
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Powertrain
84 months/100,000 miles (includes LEAF electric vehicle system and powertrain)
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Dealer Certification Required
167-point inspection
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Roadside Assistance
Yes