2022 Nissan Leaf

Way back in 2010, the Nissan Leaf was one of the first EVs to be launched to the US market, and as far as 'first times' go, this first experience with EVs was a very clear turning point. Back then, EVs were only for the wealthy, but suddenly a larger group of people could buy in on the concept. This tactic worked beautifully for Nissan, as the Leaf was the top-selling EV in the world - until Tesla launched the Model 3. That's really the main problem with EVs; the technology advances at such a rapid rate that the best EV is usually the latest one. It's like buying a smartphone, but only a lot more expensive. Nissan was smart to keep the Leaf as affordable as possible, choosing not to compete with the likes of the BMW i3 and Jaguar I-Pace. And for the 2022 model year, it's a lot cheaper still.

The Leaf is honest, affordable motoring at its best. It makes it possible for Joe Average to go electric. For proof, you need only look at the base price of a Leaf when it was launched in 2010, compared to the base price of the 2021 Leaf. Even though nearly 11 years have passed, the 2021 base Leaf retailed for $31,620 and offered a 110 kW AC synchronous electric motor developing 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.In 2010, the base Nissan Leaf had a cost of $32,780, before tax incentives. And now, the 2022 model starts at a mere $27,400. This is proof that as mass production steadily brings down the cost of EVs, Nissan is doing its best to transfer that saving on to its customers. Kudos for that, Nissan.

Two generations in and the Nissan Leaf is a car that has gone from one extreme to another. The first-generation car was an absolute abomination. We thought it would look better in the flesh, but then we saw it for the first time. Perhaps it would eventually grow on you? Nope. It was just a frog-eyed lump of a car. The second-generation car is much better, but also a bit dull. With its sharp edges and aggressive front grille, it does look contemporary, but we wonder whether that's what people are looking for? The skateboard underpinnings allow you to do virtually anything you want, so why do something normal? All of its main rivals, like the Kia Niro, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Bolt, and Tesla Model 3 are vastly superior when it comes to exterior design.

All models in the new Nissan Leaf lineup have automatic halogen lights, except for the SV Plus and SL Plus, which have a full LED setup with LED daytime running lights as standard. Power mirrors are standard across the range, while the SV Plus and SL Plus add heating. All Leaf models boast a CHAdeMO fast-charge port this year (50 kW with the 40-kWh battery and 100 kW with the 62-kWh battery) with lights and a locking feature, and UV-reducing solar glass. 16-inch steel wheels with covers are standard on the base model and 16-inch alloy wheels above that, upgrading to 17-inch alloys on top-end models.

Compared to other EV models on sale, the Leaf sits comfortably somewhere in the middle in terms of dimensions. Its total length of 176.4 inches means it has more than a ten-inch advantage over the Bolt, but the Tesla Model 3 is roughly eight inches longer. The Leaf has a width of 70.5 inches, and it sits 61.4 inches tall. The SV model is 0.2 inches taller, while the SL Plus is 62 inches in height. All of this is stretched over a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Base models have a curb weight of 3,516 pounds, increasing as you move up the trim levels and topping out at 3,934 lbs for the top-spec SL Plus.

The S and S Plus are available in five color options: Glacier White, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Deep Blue Pearl, and Super Black. The SV and SL trims drop the Glacier White hue but retain the rest of the color options at no additional cost. Upgrading to the SV specification does open up more extroverted exterior options such as Sunset Drift ChromaFlair, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Pearl White Tricoat, although these optional colors all add $395 to the price. The SV Plus and SL Plus grades add one more color option, retailing for $695. It's a two-tone paint job that consists of Super Black and Pearl White Tricoat. It's the coolest color option on offer, but it's a pity that it's only available on the two most expensive models.

Current EV owners will already know about the addictive performance characteristics of an electric vehicle. An EV delivers all of its power instantaneously, which makes for spirited acceleration. Independent testing has shown that it is possible to get a Leaf from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. That's not that brisk, but the way the power is delivered messes with your mind and tricks you into believing that it's faster. The great thing about the immediate acceleration is that you never have to wonder whether you have enough power to exploit a gap in the traffic. No need to wait for a turbo to spool, or to gear down. Just press on the throttle and presto - gap exploited. An impressive top speed is definitely not the aim here, but at least when the Leaf is hustling along on the highway, there's still enough power in reserve to pass slower-moving traffic. Keep in mind that regular exploitation of all the power will drain the batteries faster.

Base and SV models are powered by a 110 kW AC synchronous electric motor developing 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery. The Leaf is front-wheel-drive only, and the power is sent to the front axle via a single-speed transmission. Another brilliant feature is the e-Pedal, which has two regenerative braking modes. The first allows for coasting without any interference, while the second uses the motor's resistance to slow the car down. Once you're familiar with the second, you can easily drive about without touching the brakes.

Plus models are equipped with a 160 kW unit that offers 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a bigger 62 kWh battery. Both range and acceleration are improved. These models feel properly hot hatch fast. Nissan includes a 120-/240-volt portable charger on all trims from this year. This can be plugged into any 240-volt wall outlet with no need for a charging box. Cars with the 40-kWh battery get a 50-kW quick-charge port and Plus cars with the 62-kWh battery get a 100-kW charge port that charges faster.

As is expected from an electric car, the Leaf offers a tranquil driving experience. There's no engine noise from the front, no gears interrupting the flow of power, and no soundtrack coming from the exhaust, mostly because it doesn't have one. The problem with the lack of vibration and noise is that there's nothing to drown out the road and wind noise. Luckily, the Leaf is adequately insulated, which means only a little bit of tire roar finds its way into the cabin.

While the Plus models might feel fast in a straight line, Nissan hasn't bothered giving the Leaf a sporty feel. It's tuned to be comfortable, especially once you engage comfort mode. It's far from feeling like an elephant through the corners, but it will quickly remind you that it was not designed for anything other than spirited driving in a straight line. Steering is extremely light and perfectly suited for city driving, which is just another reminder that it's not a sporty car. If sporty is what you seek, we'd suggest the Tesla Model 3.

Although some electric vehicles are managing to inch their way closer to the range offered by traditional internal combustion cars, the Leaf is not one of them. In standard guise, it has EPA-estimated mileage figures of 123/99/111 MPGe for city/highway/combined cycles. The mid-spec model does 118/97/108 MPGe, while the 62 kWh-battery-equipped top-end Plus trims are the least frugal at 114/94/104 MPGe. The Plus model does have a longer range thanks to its larger battery, though, and the EPA estimates it will go up to 226 miles on a single charge. Models with the 40 kWh battery will do 149 miles. Real-world driving usually leads to a drop in these figures, and there are several things that you have no control over that can drop the range even further, such as cold weather.

While this range is useful and should suit most city-bound folk, it's disappointing when measured against the Tesla 3 Long Range, which offers 353 miles between recharges.

Charging at a Quick Charging station will see the larger 62-kWh battery back at 80% within 45 minutes at the new 100-kW fast-charging rate - or an hour at 50 kW - but filling it back up at home with a standard charger is an overnight affair. It's worth keeping in mind that an electric automobile like the Leaf is not meant to be driven in the same way as fossil-fueled cars. You don't drive an EV until it's drained and then charge it back up. It's more like a smartphone. You use it for a day and plug it back in when you get home. In a perfect world, it means you always start the day with a fully charged car.

The interior offers more of the exterior's under-the-radar design. It's logical, utilitarian, spacious, well-equipped, well-built - and underwhelming. It's perfectly fine until you start comparing it to the elegant, minimalist interior of the Model 3. Once again we ask the question, if you have a flat skateboard floor to work with, why build something traditional?

The standard specification is, however, very generous. As standard across the whole range, you get automatic climate control and keyless entry with push-button start. The driver's seat is six-way manually adjustable on all trims up to S Plus. The SV Plus and SL Plus have an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. All trim levels get a four-way manually adjustable front passenger seat, and an impressive collection of advanced safety features.

The Leaf is perfectly suitable for five people. The driver and front passenger have loads of space, with legroom measuring in at 42.1 inches and headroom at 41.2 inches. Things are a bit tighter in the back, with only 33.5 inches of legroom. Headroom for those in the rear is 37.3 inches. Adults wouldn't want to sit in the back for too long without taking a break, but luckily the Leaf can't do more than 226 miles without also taking an hour-long break. Both the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Model 3 offer more legroom for the rear passengers.

To offer the Leaf at such a low price, Nissan had to cut costs somewhere. This is where it's most noticeable. It's plastic as far as the eye can see, but it's worth pointing out that it is solidly bolted together. Nothing reveals a squeak quicker than an EV, and the Leaf has none. All trim levels up to the SV Plus are adorned with quality black cloth upholstery. The SL Plus comes standard with a leather interior which you can have in light gray or black. SV models and upwards all get a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Nissan Leaf is one of the most practical EV offerings out there. While the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt may offer more room for rear passengers, the Leaf has both of them beat when it comes to cargo space with all seats in use. With the rear seats in place, the Leaf offers 23.6 cubic feet of space. The Tesla only had 15 cubic feet, while the Bolt has a slightly roomier 16.9 cubic feet. The rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 split, offering up to 30 cubic feet of space if you need it - which is, unfortunately, worse than all its rivals.

In terms of interior storage spaces, the front passengers can store smaller items in front of the shift knob, the glove box, and center console storage bin. There are two cupholders for the front passengers, and four bottle holders throughout the cabin.

Nissan must have been in an extremely generous mood when deciding the various spec-levels for the Leaf, because it is considerably packed from the base model upward. The base model comes with active ride control, halogen headlights, and 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers. It's on the inside where you really get bang for your buck, though. The base model has cruise control, automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and driver assistance features like auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Move up to the SV and you get alloy wheels, navigation, fog lights, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. S and SV models have a 50-kW quick-charge port. S Plus models come with the larger 62 kWh battery, a more powerful motor, and a 100-kW quick charger. SV Plus cars also add an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a power driver's seat, a surround-view monitor, and intelligent driver awareness assistance, while the top-spec SL Plus comes with leather seats, LED turn signals in the exterior mirrors, and a cargo cover.

In cars with no engine noise or vibration to hum along to, an infotainment system becomes all the more important. Sadly, the base sound system comprises only four speakers, with two added in the mid-spec versions, with neither option offering anything to write home about. The Bose Energy-Efficient premium sound system has seven speakers, but is only available on the SL Plus; it does a much better job of playing tunes loud enough to drown out any awkward silences. All trims have a SiriusXM Radio with a three-month subscription included, at least.

Infotainment is managed from an eight-inch color touchscreen across the range. It runs an operating system called NissanConnect, which is very user-friendly, intuitive, and comes with all the modern connectivity necessities. It has Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sirius XM. SV and SL trims have standard navigation.

The last review for the Nissan Leaf from J.D.Power was in 2019, where it received a rating of 79 out of 100 for quality and reliability. In terms of recalls, there's nothing to report for the 2021 model or the 2022 model - so far. In 2020, 6,157 cars were recalled because the rearview camera did not display on the infotainment system, which increased the risk of having an accident. There was also a recall for the rear window that may separate from the car. Only 150 cars were potentially affected by this recall.

The Leaf has a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile warranty for the drivetrain. The electric components are covered by a five-year/60,000-mile warranty.

The NHTSA finally got around to testing the Leaf for the 2022 model year, and the resulting comprehensive safety report was positive. Both the standard Leaf and the Leaf Plus were tested, and both received five stars for overall safety. The IIHS reviewed the 2021 Leaf and awarded it a top rating of Good in all three categories it has been tested in.

The 2022 Nissan Leaf comes with a comprehensive list of safety features as standard. All Nissan Leaf models have 10 airbags, intelligent forward collision warning, auto-forward braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent lane intervention, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear auto braking, and high beam assist. SV, SV Plus, and SL Plus specifications get added adaptive cruise control.

The SV Plus and SL Plus add Nissan's ProPilot Assist, which comes with semi-autonomous technology, a surround-view camera, and intelligent driver awareness.

It's easy to forget what the Nissan Leaf did for electric cars. Many see the Tesla Model S as the turning point for EVs, and it's hard to disagree with that, but it's worth remembering that Nissan built the first EV aimed at normal people, and it worked. In the 11 years since it was first launched, a bunch of new EVs has entered the market. With the exception of the Mini SE and Chevy Bolt, all of them come with a premium price tag. All of them are more interesting than the Leaf, for various reasons, be that a nicer interior, funky exterior, sporty handling, or a giant touchscreen interface. But the Leaf remains the people's EV, retailing at a price a large portion of the population can afford, especially in a post-COVID world.

The Leaf doesn't pretend to be anything other than a no-nonsense practical hatch with space for five and a big trunk. It's comfortable rather than sporty, even though it has the ability to be brisk in a straight line. It's also generously equipped across the range, and not just with luxury items, but safety kit as well. The Leaf's main problem, even after the 2022 price reductions, is the retail price of the high-end models. The SL Plus, with all of the features and a range of 226 miles now has an MSRP of $37,400. That's already more expensive than the $34,190 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, which is a better all-around car, and it has a range of 262 miles. For $44,190, you can have a Tesla Model 3 Long Range, good for 353 miles. That's without mentioning the seven-seat Model Y Long Range with an MSRP of $48,190.

The cheapest model is the base S, with an MSRP of $27,400. Next in line is the SV, costing $28,800. After that, the range moves on the Plus models, which include the 160-kW motor, 62 kWh battery and 226-mile claimed range. The S Plus retails for $32,400, and the SV Plus goes for $35,400. The top-of-the-line SL Plus costs $37,400. An additional $975 is charged for destination and delivery fees.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt has a starting price of $31,000, while the pricing for the Kia Soul EV has not been announced yet, nor has it been confirmed for arrival in the US at the time of writing. The latter has a claimed range of 243 miles. The Leaf's biggest problem is Tesla, as mentioned earlier. The price of the top-spec Nissan Leaf puts it directly against the Tesla Model 3 - a Standard Range Plus if you want to spend less, and a Long Range if you're willing to spend more. Tesla's class-leading sales figures clearly speak for themselves.

The 2022 Nissan Leaf lineup comprises five trims: S, SV, S Plus, SV Plus, and SL Plus. S and SV models have a 147-hp electric motor, 40-kWh battery, 50-kW fast charger, and a range of 149 miles. S Plus, SV Plus, and SL Plus models have a 214-hp electric motor, 62-kWh battery, 100-kW fast charger, and a range of 226 miles. All models are also equipped with Nissan's e-Pedal regenerative braking system with two settings and NissanConnect EV with its services.

The S comes with a generous equipment level in terms of luxury, safety, and driver-assistance features. It has automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry and start, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM Radio, and a four-speaker audio system. Ten airbags and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology are standard. To this, SV adds fog lights, alloy wheels, navigation, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system.

SV Plus trim adds to the SV trim an eight-way power driver's seat, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, intelligent driver awareness assistance, and a surround-view monitor. The flagship SL Plus additionally gets leather upholstery, a cargo cover, LED turn signals integrated into the exterior mirrors, and a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system.

There are no packages available for the base S trim but it can be kitted out with a number of standalone options such as cargo solutions, carpets, and trim items. The SV model can be equipped with the Technology Package ($1,490), which includes ProPilot Assist and Intelligent Driver Alertness, which lets you know if it thinks you might need a break. On the SV Plus, this package is included as standard from this year. The SL Plus also doesn't have any optional packages, but rather a number of standalone options.

The Leaf remains the budget alternative in the EV segment, with the entry-level S retailing for significantly less than the Tesla Model 3. That's why we'd recommend either the S if you want the most bang for your buck, or, if you can afford to stretch to the SV, it would be a worthwhile investment. The SV uses the same 110 kW electric motor and 40 kWh battery so the range isn't spectacular, but it should suffice for most city dwellers. The SV shares the already comprehensive standard features list with the S, but adds adaptive cruise control, navigation, alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a six-speaker audio system. The top-spec models are simply too expensive, as the competition is too strong at close to the $40,000 price point.

The Chevrolet Bolt is also a five-door hatchback with space for five. It's not as practical as the Leaf, however. The Bolt range consists of the $31,000 base 1LT and the $35,195 2LT. That means it also has the same problem as the Leaf, which is the existence of the Tesla Model 3.

Having said that, it is an interesting alternative for many reasons. First and foremost, both models are equipped with a 200-hp and 266-lb-ft EV powertrain that Chevrolet claims is capable of doing 259 miles on a full charge. It's a fast little tyke and can sprint to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Like the Leaf, it was also built for comfort rather than speed. It does extremely well in the city and is perfectly happy on the highway.

The Bolt doesn't have quite the same generous standard specification as the Leaf, missing blind-spot monitoring, for example. But most of the other safety features are there, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, auto high beams, and following-distance indication. The Leaf SV is only $3,600 cheaper than the entry-level Bolt and we think the Bolt's high-value 2022 price, superior performance and range, and better interior space clinches it for the Chevy.

The Nissan Leaf carried the torch for affordable electric motoring for nearly a decade, and, in a way, it still does. The 2022 Leaf is now the cheapest EV in the land. Last year Nissan had to hand over the torch to the Tesla Model 3. Sales of Tesla's entry-level EV are booming, and for a few days in 2021, it made Elon Musk the richest man on earth. With Model 3 prices starting at just over $40,000, it completely dominates the $40,000 to $50,000 space in the market. It delivers a Mjolnir-like blow to all of its competitors.

And, it's easy to see why. The Tesla is powered by a single electric motor that produces between 258 hp and 450 hp, depending on the trim. The base model does 262 miles on a charge, while long-range models will do over 350 miles. The build quality has been questionable, but there's no doubt that Tesla sets the standard when it comes to interiors. It's an elegant minimalist space that most luxury car manufacturers are now copying and implementing in their fossil-fueled cars. It's also good to drive in the city, good on the highway, and delivers an engaging drive overall. At not much more than the top-spec Leaf SL Plus, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is a no-brainer.