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2013
Nissan Leaf

Starts at:
$28,800
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New 2013 Nissan Leaf
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr HB S
    Starts at
    $28,800
    75 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB SV
    Starts at
    $31,820
    75 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB SL
    Starts at
    $34,840
    75 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf 2013 Nissan Leaf

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)

The good & the bad

The good

Drives like a real car
Sprightly acceleration
Zero tailpipe emissions
Low fuel cost
Many tax incentives

The bad

High floor in backseat
Range varies with temperature, terrain
Charger installation can be pricey
Limited public charging infrastructure

Expert 2013 Nissan Leaf review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
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

 

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

 

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Battery
8 years / 100,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

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.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection

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  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 60 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.3
Value 4.4
Exterior 3.8
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

Awesome car but 65miles range sucks sometimes

I drive this car daily, maybe 100 miles often. Very impressed with how quickly it accelerates. I bought the car and took it straight to the Nissan dealership as recommended for the full inspection. Very very cheap to maintain. Just takes a while to get confident in driving and making sure there’s a charging station around since I only get 65 miles per charge. Fun car to drive.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 5.0
14 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
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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.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 5.0
59 people out of 61 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2013 Nissan Leaf?

The 2013 Nissan Leaf is available in 3 trim levels:

  • S (1 style)
  • SL (1 style)
  • SV (1 style)

What is the electric range of the 2013 Nissan Leaf?

The 2013 Nissan Leaf can travel 75 miles on a single charge depending on electric motor and battery options.

EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, trim level, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2013 Nissan Leaf?

The 2013 Nissan Leaf compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2013 Nissan Leaf reliable?

The 2013 Nissan Leaf has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2013 Nissan Leaf owners.

Is the 2013 Nissan Leaf a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2013 Nissan Leaf. 81.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 60 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 3.8
  • Reliability: 4.4

Nissan Leaf history

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