Overview

When the second-generation Nissan Leaf was launched back in 2017, Nissan pretty much had the electric family hatchback market to itself. However, the world has moved on, and this is now a much more competitive part of the electric car marketplace.

So while the Leaf does benefit from Nissan’s comparatively lengthy EV (electric vehicle) experience – the original Leaf was one of the very first mass-production electric cars – there are certainly more modern alternatives and a far wider choice of plug-in power than there used to be. And though this current Leaf is keenly priced, comfortable and has an official maximum driving range of more than 200 miles per charge, its uninvolving driving experience, lacklustre infotainment system and low-speed charging technology feel decidedly out of date.

Making the Leaf’s shortcomings less easy to overlook, buyers now have the option to instead shop for rivals that include the steadfast Volkswagen ID.3, fancy-pants Cupra Born (an ID.3 in funky trousers), the spacious and stylish Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the exceptionally good value MG4. Not to mention a number of similarly sized electric SUVs.

In an attempt to keep it fresh, Nissan launched an updated version of the Leaf in early 2022, with the aim of giving this aging EV a little more kerb appeal. Tweaks include redesigned alloy wheels, new logos and some fresh paint finishes, while the ProPilot driving assistant features and e-Pedal ‘one-pedal’ driving mode continue as before.

Powertrain options also remain the same. Cheaper models come with a 150hp electric motor and a 39kWh battery pack, which offers a maximum range of 168 miles, while more expensive Leaf e+ variants come with a more powerful 217hp motor and larger 59kWh battery pack, increasing maximum range to 239 (both range figures according to WLTP).

Charging speeds are barely adequate, unfortunately, when compared with the competition. The fastest type of charger the Leaf can use is a 50kW DC unit, which can top it up from 20 to 80% capacity in around 90 minutes. It also fails to incorporate the most common rapid-charging connector type, meaning the Leaf can’t even be connected to large numbers of modern fast chargers on the public network, let alone take advantage of their fastest charging speeds.

For reference, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 can complete its 20-80% charging cycle in around 20 minutes.

Still, the Leaf is quite a practical choice, being relatively compact yet feeling more spacious inside than your average petrol-powered family hatchback – especially in the rear. The flat floor gives rear-seat occupants some extra legroom, and also means you can comfortably get three passengers on the rear bench.

Over the next few pages we’ll review every aspect of the Nissan Leaf, discussing our findings on how easy it is to live with, how well the cabin is screwed together, how expensive it is to run and how it drives, before giving our overall verdict. Click through our review to find out whether the Nissan Leaf could suit your lifestyle.