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2016 Nissan Leaf

2016 Nissan Leaf

$11,250 — $20,398 USED
33
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Hatchback
5 Seats
114-115 MPG
(Combined)
Key specs of the base trim
 — 
Compare 3 trims

Overview

Is this the car for you?
 (4.8) 9 reviews

The Good

  • Drives like a real car
  • Sprightly acceleration
  • Zero tailpipe emissions
  • Low fuel cost
  • Remote charge control

The Bad

  • High floor in backseat
  • Range varies with temperature, terrain
  • Charger installation can be pricey
  • Limited public charging infrastructure
2016 Nissan Leaf exterior side view

What to Know

about the 2016 Nissan Leaf
  • Longer driving range for SV and SL trims
  • Pure battery-electric car
  • Five-seat compact hatchback
  • Stereo with 5-inch screen standard
  • Backup camera standard
  • 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger for faster charging available

Our Take

from the Cars.com expert editorial team

Vehicle Overview

The Nissan Leaf is a pure battery-electric hatchback. It is available in three trim levels and competes against the likes of the Mitsubishi i and Ford Focus Electric.
New for 2016
SV and SL trim levels now have a 30-kilowatt-hour battery pack that increases the EPA-estimated driving range from 84 to 107 miles. The base S trim still uses a smaller 24-kwh battery pack and has an estimated range of 84 miles. A stereo with a 5-inch screen is now standard and includes Bluetooth streaming audio and iPod connectivity.
Significant Standard Features

  • 107-horsepower electric motor
  • Front-wheel drive
  • Locking and lighted charge port on car's nose
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Heated front seats
  • 60/40-split folding backseat 
  • 5-inch multimedia screen
  • Bluetooth streaming audio
  • Backup camera
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Available direct current quick-charge port can recharge battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes
  • Small solar panel atop the SL's liftgate spoiler trickle-charges 12-volt battery
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 7-inch multimedia screen
  • Navigation system
Vehicle Overview

The Nissan Leaf is a pure battery-electric hatchback. It is available in three trim levels and competes against the likes of the Mitsubishi i and Ford Focus Electric.
New for 2016
SV and SL trim levels now have a 30-kilowatt-hour battery pack that increases the EPA-estimated driving range from 84 to 107 miles. The base S trim still uses a smaller 24-kwh battery pack and has an estimated range of 84 miles. A stereo with a 5-inch screen is now standard and includes Bluetooth streaming audio and iPod connectivity.
Significant Standard Features

  • 107-horsepower electric motor
  • Front-wheel drive
  • Locking and lighted charge port on car's nose
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Heated front seats
  • 60/40-split folding backseat 
  • 5-inch multimedia screen
  • Bluetooth streaming audio
  • Backup camera
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Available direct current quick-charge port can recharge battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes
  • Small solar panel atop the SL's liftgate spoiler trickle-charges 12-volt battery
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 7-inch multimedia screen
  • Navigation system

Consumer Reviews

What drivers are saying

4.8
9 reviews — Read All reviews
Exterior Styling
(3.8)
Performance
(4.6)
Interior Design
(4.6)
Comfort
(4.7)
Reliability
(5.0)
Value For The Money
(4.9)
(3.0)

Good for the buck.

by raysam on August 22, 2018

This car is a good option to buy used to save money on gas. But not a dream car as the design is disappointing in my option. The range as well isn't great. But it's a decent car that I won't mind ... Read full review

(5.0)

Best kept secret in vehicles

by rrleafev from PNW on July 9, 2018

Once you go electric, you'll never go back! Great value... Get your education about these vehicles--online, magazines, go to a dealer and test drive--they are the future, so start saving money NOW! Read full review

Safety

Recalls and crash tests

Recalls

The 2016 Nissan Leaf currently has 3 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2016 Nissan Leaf has not been tested.

Warranty

New car and certified pre-owned programs by Nissan

New Car Program Benefits

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 60,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    36 months / unlimited distance

Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits

  • Maximum Age/Mileage

    6 years/less than 80,000 miles

  • Basic Warranty Terms

    84 months/100,000 miles from original new-car in-service date

  • Powertrain

    84 months/100,000 miles (includes LEAF electric vehicle system and powertrain)

  • Dealer Certification Required

    167-point inspection

  • Roadside Assistance

    Yes

  • View All CPO Program Details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See warranty FAQs or visit the manufacturer's website

Latest 2016 Leaf Stories

See all 2016 Nissan Leaf articles

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Leaf received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker