2020 Nissan Leaf

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$31,600

starting MSRP

2020 Nissan Leaf
2020 Nissan Leaf

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Driving range
  • Feels light and nimble
  • Performance in Normal driving mode
  • Brake pedal feel
  • Useful e-Pedal system
  • Effective ProPilot Assist technology

The bad:

  • Ride harshness
  • Performance in Eco driving mode
  • Steering wheel doesn't telescope, only tilts
  • Rear-seat comfort for adult passengers
  • Huge ledge where cargo floor and folded backseat meet
  • Too much hard plastic in cabin

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 Nissan Leaf trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • Nissan Safety Shield 360 now standard
  • All-electric, five-seat compact hatchback
  • EPA-estimated 150-mile driving range standard
  • Plus version with around 226 miles of range
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
  • ProPilot Assist driver-assist safety system available

2020 Nissan Leaf review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Nissan Leaf?

The Nissan Leaf hatchback — one of the earliest mainstream electric cars, debuting for the 2011 model year — was redesigned for 2018 and features an EPA-estimated driving range of 150 miles on a full charge. 

The five-seat Leaf is powered by a standard 147-horsepower electric motor and has a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged in about eight hours at 240 volts. The Leaf Plus has a bigger battery pack and a more powerful electric motor. The front-wheel-drive Leaf competes with EVs such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Ioniq EV and Volkswagen e-Golf.

What’s New on the 2020 Nissan Leaf?

New standard active safety features include rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist. Standard front-seat knee airbags and rear-seat side impact airbags have also been added. An 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is also standard. 

What Features in the 2020 Nissan Leaf Are Most Important?

With an estimated range of 150 miles standard, the regular Leaf trails the Bolt EV’s 259-mile range (as well as the Tesla Model 3’s 220-mile standard range). The Leaf Plus brings the hatchback’s range closer to the Bolt EV’s and should help dampen most range-anxiety concerns. A quick-charge port (optional on the base, S trim level and standard on other trims) can charge the battery to 80 percent of its capacity in about 45 minutes at a fast-charging station.

All Leafs have an e-Pedal, which can initiate gradual braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator. The optional ProPilot Assist system can steer the car in its lane and maintain a set distance from traffic directly ahead all the way to a complete stop.

Should I Buy the 2020 Nissan Leaf?

Buying an electric car requires a commitment to managing your electric range and living with its limitations. The Model 3 is more expensive, so the Leaf’s real rivals are EVs such as the Bolt EV and Ioniq EV. Both competitors have longer standard driving ranges, but we recommend trying all three before deciding which best suits your needs.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior design 4.0
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value for the money 4.4
  • Exterior styling 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0

Most recent consumer reviews

4.6

Great value as commuter car, EV must be the future

Safety and value. Was looking for an EV for a new teen driver. Safety, ease of use, visibility, features (ePedal and 360 camera specific to LEAF), and VALUE (with dealer discounts before the auto market heated up and credits), was the easiest car buying decision I have ever made. Dealer experience so so. They all hedged around the $7500 Fed Tax incentive, so, recommend you figure this out at time of purchase. The customer service at the dealership I bought the car was mixed. Note: I have NOT owned the car long enough to determine its reliability. Now problems so far. Time to power the electric grid with sustainable sources.

4.6

Great Intro to EVs without breaking the Bank

I purchased a Certified Pre-owned 2020 Nissan Leaf from Bronco Motors. With the current high demand for EVs, I felt I received a very fair price. The primary reason I purchased the LEAF is to transport my 90-year old mother to church and her other appointments. The LEAF is one of very few hatchbacks that allows her walker to store upright in the cargo area. Although I wasn't originally looking at the SL Plus the leather seats make entry and exit much easier. There are a ton of features in this car that make life a little more pleasant. First, the adaptive cruise control is much appreciated for both in town and highway jaunts. The heated steering wheel and seats make cold winter days a little more bearable. The Bose stereo is the nicest car radio I've ever owned. Charging times are programmable so you never have to worry about charging a hot battery. Just set your charging time for an hour or so after you get home and the battery will fully charge by morning. The seats are very comfortable and the steering wheel now tilts and telescopes. Finally, although I never felt like I was a snob, I do appreciate driving past gas stations with their insanely high prices. This car/EV is a keeper and does what I need it to do.

4.6

Just about perfect.

I only have 3 nit-pics with this vehicle. - There is no way to monitor the charge level (while plugged in) without turning on the power. - The rear window wiper has no "park" position. In order to clean the glass, you have to hold the wiper blade with on hand and clean with the other. - There is no "mute" function for the audio. You have to turn the power off completely.

See all 8 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
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 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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