2013 Nissan Leaf

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$28,800

starting MSRP

2013 Nissan Leaf
2013 Nissan Leaf

Key specs

Base trim shown

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
  • Limited public charging infrastructure

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • S

    $28,800

  • SV

    $31,820

  • SL

    $34,840

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2013 Nissan Leaf trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • More affordable base S version
  • New 6.6-kw onboard charger option for faster charging
  • Pure battery-electric car
  • Five-seat compact hatchback
  • 100-mile range (estimated)

2013 Nissan Leaf review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Now built in the U.S., the 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. Competitors include the Ford Focus Electric and Mitsubishi i.

New for 2013
Nissan claims improvements to the 2013 Leaf’s aerodynamics, energy management system and regenerative braking help the car travel farther on a charge. A newly optional 6.6-kw onboard charger lowers the time it takes to charge the battery using a Level 2 setup from seven hours to four, according to Nissan.

A less-expensive entry-level S trim level is new for 2013, and sticker prices for the SV and SL trims have been lowered, too.

Other changes include an optional hybrid heater system for better, more efficient heating in cold weather; an optional B driving mode that enables more aggressive regenerative braking; and a charge port door release button on the key fob.

Additional upgrades include a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, a new black interior color scheme, more cargo room and new available features like Bose premium audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, a surround-view camera system and leather upholstery.
ExteriorAmong 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 steel wheels with covers; 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels available
  • Standard rear spoiler
  • Locking and lighted charge port on the nose of the car
  • Standard LED taillights; optional LED headlamps
  • Optional fog lamps
  • Small solar panel atop the SL’s liftgate spoiler trickle-charges the regular 12-volt battery

InteriorThe five-seat Leaf has a 60/40-split folding backseat that extends the cargo area forward. Interior features include:

  • Standard cloth upholstery; leather-trimmed seats optional
  • Standard front and rear heated seats
  • Standard heated steering wheel
  • Standard CD stereo with MP3 jack and iPod connectivity
  • Standard Bluetooth connectivity
  • Dash screen can show a graphical range indicator on the available navigation system’s map and provide multiple energy-readout screens to help gauge energy use and remaining range
  • Optional Pandora integration for iPhone
  • Optional navigation system has a new Eco route feature that suggests energy-saving routes

Under the HoodThe Leaf uses a 340-volt battery pack to power an electric drive motor, which drives the front wheels with 107 horsepower and 187 pounds-feet of torque. Mechanical features include:

  • Depleted battery can recharge in seven hours at 240 volts or in 21 hours at 120 volts
  • Optional 6.6-kw onboard charger cuts charging time to four hours at 240 volts
  • A public quick-charge station (where available) can charge a depleted battery to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, but it requires the optional quick-charge port

SafetyThe 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. Safety features include:

  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system
  • Traction control
  • Optional backup camera

 

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior design 4.3
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value for the money 4.4
  • Exterior styling 3.8
  • Reliability 4.3

Most recent consumer reviews

4.7

My first Electric Car / I have bought 2 more.

This car is a great driver, get the tires rotated every 6000 miles and you are good to go. Sporty and fast, car costs about 3 cents a mile to drive. I went from a gas bill of $25+ a week to less than $25 dollars a month in my electricity bill.

3.9

Great commuter car, saves LOTS of money on gas

After driving a big gas-guzzling V8 back and forth to work 40 miles a day, I realized I was spending more than $200 a month on gas. A friend had a Nissan LEAF and I was impressed with it. When I saw that used LEAFs had come down below $9,000, I crunched the numbers and realized I'd save more money in Gas than what my monthly payment would be. It was a no-brainer. It was a 2013, bought in 2017 - so it had already had some miles on it, about 50,000... and these EVs won't last forever, I knew that going in. But it still had a range of 70-75 miles per charge and that worked for me. It wouldn't be ideal as my ONLY car, but as my commuter car it is nice, sporty, comfortable and IT SAVES ME MONEY! I can also use the HOV lanes while driving solo since it's an alt fuel vehicle! EVs also have little to no maintenance (no oil changes, etc).

4.7

Great car for the proper situation

Incredibly reliable car. Required no maintenence beyond an annual check at the dealership and a tire rotation. Surprisingly quick. Heated rear and front seats and steering wheel mean you can avoid using the heat, which reduces range. As a car for local driving it is perfect.

See all 59 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Nissan Certified Select
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Hybrid electric
96 months/100,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Powertrain
6 months/6,000 miles from date of sale
Dealer certification required
84-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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