For 2023, the Nissan Leaf EV gets a few styling tweaks and a reduced lineup, leaving the lesser-range base S model and longer-range, better equipped SV Plus as the only two offerings. As EVs go, the Leaf was one of the first on the scene, yet its popularity isn’t as great as some competitors, which might benefit anyone looking to get into an electric car without a long wait time.
The Leaf’s roomy interior, versatile hatchback design, and pleasant styling go a long way to making it an easy electric vehicle to own. The base S is one of the most affordable ways to get into a new EV, although its 149-mile range will probably only satisfy urban commuters who don’t travel far. The better (and more expensive) option is the SV Plus, with a larger battery pack that allows it to travel up to 215 miles.
The Leaf also qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
2023 Nissan Leaf S
(starting at $27,800)
The entry-level 2023 Nissan Leaf S offers buyers an inexpensive way to get into an electric vehicle with basic features and a somewhat limited range. The Leaf S comes equipped with a 40-kWh (kilowatt) battery and a 110-kWh electric motor delivering 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides around 149 miles of range.
One innovative Leaf feature is the e-Pedal, which allows this Nissan electric car to decelerate once the driver removes their foot from the accelerator. Using the electric motors to slow the vehicle, this type of one-pedal driving helps lessen fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
The Leaf S comes with 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, an aerodynamic rear spoiler, auto on/off halogen headlights, aerodynamic power side mirrors, variable intermittent front wipers, an intermittent rear wiper with washer, a charge port with light and lock, and UV-reducing solar glass. A new illuminated front Nissan badge gives the Leaf a neat appearance at night.
The Leaf S cabin is basic but not barren. Black cloth covers the seats, with hard plastic and vinyl covering the door panels, and gray plastic trim surrounds the power window switches, gear selector, and vents. A 6-way manual driver’s seat comes standard, as does a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Leaf’s gauge cluster consists of a 7-inch digital information display beside an analog speedometer.
Standard convenience features include power windows with driver one-touch up/down, power door locks with auto-locking feature, single-zone automatic climate control, and Nissan’s Intelligent Key proximity key fob with push-button start.
Other features include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise, Bluetooth, and audio controls. Little touches like sliding extension sun visors with vanity mirrors are appreciated, although the visors don’t slide far enough to cover the entire window.
The Leaf S comes with an 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment system that includes voice recognition software, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth streaming, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Also standard is an AM/FM radio with four speakers, three USB ports, and one USB-C port.
On the safety scene, the Leaf includes all government-mandated safety systems, including traction and stability control, front side-impact and side curtain airbags, a rearview monitor, and a tire-pressure monitor.
Nissan equips the Leaf with a generous portion of standard driver-assist systems, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.
Other assist features include reverse automatic braking, rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, hill-start assist, and Nissan’s Rear Door Alert that reminds the driver to check the back seat for people or pets.
There are no factory options for the Leaf S, although you can add numerous dealer add-ons such as all-weather floor mats, an emergency first aid kit, and body-protection components.
With the $1,095 destination charge, the 2023 Nissan Leaf S has an estimated cost of $28,425. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the estimated monthly payment comes to around $519. See 2023 Nissan Leaf S models for sale.
2023 Nissan Leaf S includes:
- Intelligent Key – With the key fob in your pocket or purse, you can unlock the Leaf by simply touching a button on the door handle. Once inside, a push of a button is all that is needed to activate the electric motor.
- Automatic climate control – This allows you to maintain a set temperature inside the cabin without constantly needing to adjust the climate control knob.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – These provide access to your smartphone’s apps, navigation, message, and music, all via the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
- Driver-assist features – From the automatic front and rear braking to headlights that automatically dim when sensing approaching traffic, the Leaf’s impressive list of standard driver assists helps make for a safer drive.
2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus
(starting at $35,800)
The 2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus starts at an estimated $35,800.
The SV Plus trim is the one to get if you’re looking for more features and the ability to travel further on a single charge. Although still behind competitors like the Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Bolt, and Kia EV6, the SV Plus’ 215-mile range should satisfy most suburban buyers.
The SV Plus gets a 62 kWh battery and 160-kWh electric motor that bump output to 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The SV Plus also gains a 100 kWh quick-charge port.
The SV Plus adds $8,000 to the price of a Leaf, buying more equipment and features and an extended range.
The SV Plus adds heated side mirrors, new 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with signature LED DRLs (daytime running lights), and fog lights.
Additional amenities include a hybrid heating system that uses a heat pump to warm the cabin quickly, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The infotainment system gets upgraded to include navigation and NissanConnect EV services, which allow you to monitor and operate certain features via a smartphone-based app. Also standard is a 3-month trial to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link and a 6-speaker audio system.
Lastly, the SV Plus gains Nissan’s ProPilot Assist that adds adaptive cruise control. Other driver safety systems include a 360-degree Around View monitor and a driver alertness monitor.
There are no additional package upgrades, meaning if you’re looking for features like leather seating, a power sunroof, or a premium audio system, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
With the $1,095 destination charge, the 2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus has an estimated cost of $36,895. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the estimated monthly payment comes to around $663. See the 2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus models for sale.
2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus includes:
- LED headlights – These provide brighter illumination while consuming less power.
- Heated front seats – Front-seat occupants can stay warm when temperatures outside get chilly.
- ProPilot Assist – Nissan’s name for a driver-assist suite that combines lane-keep assist with adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance between the Leaf and the car ahead. The Leaf will automatically slow or accelerate as traffic dictates.
- Heated side mirrors – A boon in wintry climates, these mirrors prevent the buildup of frost and snow.
