

Hatchback
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5 Seats
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115 MPG
(Combined)
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Key specs of the base trim
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Compare 3 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
- Limited public charging infrastructure
What to Know
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Backup camera
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6.6-kW onboard charger option for faster charging available
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Pure battery-electric car
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Five-seat compact hatchback
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2015 Nissan Leaf Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
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 an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles before it needs to be recharged. A five-seat compact four-door hatchback, the Leaf is eligible for federal and state tax incentives. Competitors include the Ford Focus Electric and Mitsubishi i.
New for 2015
The base model gains Nissan’s B-Mode, which applies the regenerative braking more aggressively. SV and SL grades receive hands-free text messaging and voice destination entry as well.
Below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Highlights
- 16-inch steel wheels with covers
- 17-inch alloy wheels available
- Rear spoiler
- Locking and lighted charge port on car’s nose
- Heated door mirrors
- LED taillights; available LED headlamps
- Available fog lamps
- Small solar panel atop the SL’s liftgate spoiler trickle-charges 12-volt battery
Interior Highlights
- Seats five
- Cloth upholstery; leather-trimmed seats available
- 60/40-split folding backseat
- Front and rear heated seats
- Heated steering wheel
- CD stereo with MP3 jack and iPod connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dash screen shows range and energy usage
- Available auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Available Pandora integration for iPhone
- Available navigation system has an Eco Route mode that suggests energy-saving routes
Under the Hood
- 107-horsepower electric...
Vehicle Overview
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 an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles before it needs to be recharged. A five-seat compact four-door hatchback, the Leaf is eligible for federal and state tax incentives. Competitors include the Ford Focus Electric and Mitsubishi i.
New for 2015
The base model gains Nissan’s B-Mode, which applies the regenerative braking more aggressively. SV and SL grades receive hands-free text messaging and voice destination entry as well.
Below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Highlights
- 16-inch steel wheels with covers
- 17-inch alloy wheels available
- Rear spoiler
- Locking and lighted charge port on car’s nose
- Heated door mirrors
- LED taillights; available LED headlamps
- Available fog lamps
- Small solar panel atop the SL’s liftgate spoiler trickle-charges 12-volt battery
Interior Highlights
- Seats five
- Cloth upholstery; leather-trimmed seats available
- 60/40-split folding backseat
- Front and rear heated seats
- Heated steering wheel
- CD stereo with MP3 jack and iPod connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dash screen shows range and energy usage
- Available auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Available Pandora integration for iPhone
- Available navigation system has an Eco Route mode that suggests energy-saving routes
Under the Hood
- 107-horsepower electric motor
- Front-wheel drive
- 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack
- 3.6-kilowatt onboard charger recharges car in seven hours on 240 volts or 21 hours on 120 volts
- Available 6.6-kW onboard charger cuts charging time to four hours at 240 volts
- Available direct current quick-charge port can recharge battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes
- Three drive modes: Normal, Eco-Mode and B-Mode
Safety Features
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags
- Brake assist
- Traction control
- Backup camera
- Lithium-ion battery pack disconnects upon airbag deployment, water intrusion
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
Value and solidly built
I use it for local use and it is PERFECT for that, heated steering wheel, seats are a nice touch, maps, navigation work great, phone interface phenomenal. If it weren't so nimble, I would think it was... Read full review
Great Little Electric Car that seats 5
This car doesn't have an engine, transmission, or gas tank and doesn't need oil changes! Little to no maintenance required. It is a fully electric vehicle and at five years old, missing one battery ... Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
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