2019 Nissan LEAF Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

New Leaf Plus model with a larger battery pack and more powerful motorPart of the second Leaf generation introduced for 2018

　　The first-generation Nissan Leaf's low price, highway-safe top speed and nationwide availability made it the first mass-market electric vehicle. It debuted with 73 miles of range, and over the years Nissan brought out bigger batteries and increased range that allowed the Leaf to keep in step with newer rivals. That is, until the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt launched recently, each boasting more than 200 miles of range on a single charge.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

2019 Nissan LEAF EV Insights

Trim:LEAF S

　　S 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) - $29,990 MSRPSV 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) (Most Popular) - $32,600 MSRPSL 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) - $36,300 MSRPS PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) - $36,550 MSRPSV PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) - $38,510 MSRPSL PLUS 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) - $42,550 MSRP

　　

Estimated Range Based on Age

　　136 milesThe range for a used 2019 Nissan LEAF is estimated to be 136 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 136 miles.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

EV Battery Warranty

　　8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.

　　Estimated battery warranty remaining is 3 years or 30,000 miles for this car.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.

　　

Charging at Home

　　8 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$4,000

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Federal Credit

　　$4,000

　　Restrictions: Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer.

　　For the vehicle to qualify: Price cannot exceed $25,000. Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased. Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted. Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.

　　For individuals to qualify: Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status. Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle. Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle. Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$64/mo

　　LEAF

　　vs

　　$161/mo

　　Car Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　

Am I Ready for an EV?

　　EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.

　　If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.

　　Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

　　The regular 2019 Leaf offers 150 miles of range on a charge, which is far less than the Bolt's 238 miles or the Model 3's 310 miles. The new Hyundai Kona Electric should be another strong pick this year thanks to its 258 miles of range. Nissan will be fighting back, however. A Leaf Plus model, which has a larger battery pack, debuts midway through the model year and provides 226 miles of range.

　　Even if you can't wait for the Plus version, there are still very good reasons to consider the regular Leaf. First of all, 150 miles is still plenty of range and can meet the demands of most commutes and daily errands. Another big selling point is its price: The Leaf undercuts the Bolt and Model 3 by thousands of dollars. We also like its refined driver assistance features and quiet, upscale interior.

　　The one thing for sure is that there are more choices than ever for an electric vehicle. If you're shopping for an EV, the Leaf is a strong contender.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Nissan Leaf as one of zzdcar' Recurrent and Recurrent and Recurrent for this year.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar owned a Nissan Leaf for one year and drove it almost 10,000 miles. To learn more about our experiences, visit the long-term page for our Recurrent. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world electric range. We found the low maintenance costs and competitive pricing attractive, though its interior gave us an economy-car vibe. Please note that while the 2019 Nissan Leaf is not significantly different than our long-term Leaf, the available Plus trim now has a larger battery for more range. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Nissan Leaf SL.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.5

　　

Driving

8.0

　　With its more powerful electric motor, the second-generation Nissan Leaf feels far more at home when jockeying for position in traffic than the original car, which was a bit of a slug. Its general smoothness, competent chassis demeanor and steering feel will be utterly familiar to Leaf veterans.

　　

Acceleration

8.0

　　The original was a tortoise, but this second-gen Leaf is more of a hare. Acceleration is brisk, and it's gutsy enough to hold its own in traffic. We can't call it a speed demon, but our measured 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds is far better than the 10.2-second performance of the original.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　The brakes feel smooth, but most routine braking can be handled by easing off the accelerator if you engage the fantastic new e-pedal mode, which adds control and a bit of fun to the daily drive. In our panic-stop test, the Leaf posted a stopping distance of 128 feet, which is average.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　The steering isn't particularly intuitive. The Leaf goes where it's pointed, but the resistance doesn't naturally increase to match the car's turning.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　The low-slung battery helps the Leaf hug the road, and it has the balance and coordination necessary to inspire confidence. But the Leaf's economy-minded tires don't produce enough grip to satisfy those who seek performance and an engaging driving experience.

　　

Drivability

9.0

　　As with most EVs, smooth, instant power and a total absence of shifting make the Nissan Leaf ridiculously easy to drive. It's a good choice if you want to impress your passengers with your chauffeuring skills.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　It's hard to find fault with the Leaf's basic comfort. It delivers a smooth ride, and the front seats are genuinely comfortable. It's a very serene place to spend time thanks to the inherent quietness of its electric propulsion system.

　　

Seat comfort

8.5

　　We like the Leaf's front seats. They're well-shaped and supportive, yet they still have a nice level of give. They're not overly confining, and they look as if they're well made. Our test driver found them comfortable throughout a four-hour suburban test loop.

　　

Ride comfort

7.5

　　The Leaf's ride is smooth and nicely controlled — it's neither too rigid nor too buoyant. It's good at swallowing large and small bumps alike, but a little road texture feel and intermittent jiggliness do come through.

　　

Noise & vibration

9.0

　　The Leaf's electric drive components don't make any noise and lack the commotion that a non-EV car makes when it changes gears. Wind and road noise is the remaining potential noise source, but it isn't overly prominent.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　The climate control system is reasonably effective, and you don't have to wait through an engine warm-up phase to get heat because of its electric nature. Liberal use will eat into your range, but this is less of an issue with this big battery. Use the seat heaters instead if you want to conserve.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　Those who have owned the last-generation Leaf will find this one familiar but improved. It features a traditionally located speedometer and improved radio controls. Seating spaciousness and ease of entry are strong points, but the driving position still suffers from the lack of a telescoping wheel.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　Basic controls such as window switches and steering stalks are simple and effective. The infotainment system is straightforward, and even though the climate controls look dated, their use is self-evident. Our main gripe pertains to the shifter, which is so odd it includes its own user diagram.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　The long doors open wide, and the doorsills are pretty short. The seat height is good for ease of entry, and the roof isn't so low that you have to duck. The rear door openings are generous, and the flattish roofline helps aid entry there, too.

　　

Driving position

6.0

　　Some drivers might find it hard to settle into their ideal position. The driver's seat is mounted somewhat high and may not adjust down far enough to suit the tallest pilots. But the bigger issue could be the tilt-only steering wheel. Without a telescoping function, the wheel can seem far away for some drivers.

　　

Roominess

7.5

　　We found plenty of front and rear legroom, and headroom is generous as well. The Leaf's cabin isn't terribly wide, but it feels appropriate for its size.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　It's easy to see out thanks to the generously sized windows. Cornering sight lines are aided by peekaboo windows ahead of the front windows, but the rear roof pillars produce a bigger blind spot. The bottom edge of the rear glass is nice and low.

　　

Quality

7.5

　　The interior materials in the Nissan Leaf look a grade better than those of its predecessor and appropriate for the price point. The leather seats in the SL are downright handsome, in fact. Though technically not a quality issue, the interior uses some materials carried over from the previous-generation Leaf, which stand out compared to the newer elements.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　The Leaf offers an impressive amount of cargo space when the seats are in use. Maximum capacity isn't that easy to use because the seats come nowhere near to folding flat. Small-item storage up front could be better.

　　

Small-item storage

6.5

　　You'll want to put most of your things in the cargo area because the pickings are slim up front. The center console box is tight, and the glove compartment is average. You get slender door pockets with molded-in bottle holders and two cupholders in the center console.

　　

Cargo space

8.0

　　The Leaf's standard cargo space is impressive when the rear seats are in the normal position due to a very low floor. Fold them flat, however, and the picture worsens because the overly simplistic folding mechanism merely piles the seatbacks atop the bottom cushions to create a 10-inch tall barrier.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

　　The wide doors and near-horizontal roofline ease access to strapped-in children, and the fairly generous amount of backseat room helps to accommodate rear-facing seats. The three top anchors are easy to use, but the lower LATCH anchors are somewhat buried in a gap in the seat cushions.

　　

Technology

8.5

　　This is where the original Leaf fell flat, but the second-generation version has made huge strides. We like the new audio system and its support of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And ProPilot Assist, while not a hands-free automated driving system, is effective at easing the driver's workload in freeway traffic.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The SV and SL versions of the Leaf come with a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system that supports AM/FM, HD radio and satellite radio with real-time traffic information. Two knobs provide volume and tune control, and there are easily understood hard buttons for more complex adjustments.

　　

Smartphone integration

9.0

　　The Leaf has a USB port that allows a smartphone to be connected, and the upgraded 7-inch touchscreen audio system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Alternatively, you can stream music with Bluetooth audio, and those who prefer to go old school can use the aux jack.

　　

Driver aids

9.0

　　Automatic emergency braking is standard on all models; the SL and SV offer standard adaptive cruise control. Optional ProPilot Assist adds a more advanced system that includes a more sophisticated lane keeping assist function to help the driver in freeway commuting.

　　

Voice control

7.5

　　All Leafs have voice controls for Bluetooth-connected phones, and those with the 7-inch touchscreen also have voice controls for audio and navigation functions. The menus are fairly straightforward, but certain phrasing is necessary to get your point across.

　　

Which LEAF does zzdcar recommend?

　　The base S model packs a ton of value, but the lack of a Level 3 charging system rules out road trips. You can add one via the Charge package, but the price is high for a single option. That's why we'd go with the mid-tier SV, which adds the Charge package, along with a few other goodies. Chief among these is a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. You'll have to upgrade to the SV anyway if you want your Leaf with the ProPilot Assist suite of driving aids.

　　

2019 Nissan LEAF models

　　The 2019 Nissan Leaf is a compact electric hatchback available in two versions: the regular Leaf and the Leaf Plus. The two differ mainly in their battery. The regular Leaf has a 40-kWh battery that's good for about 150 miles of range. Nissan upgrades the Leaf Plus with a 60-kWh battery that provides 226 miles of range. The Plus also has a more powerful 214-horsepower electric motor compared to the regular model's 147-hp motor.

　　Each is available in one of three trim levels: S, SV and SL. The S starts out with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, LED taillights, a rear spoiler, keyless entry and start, a rearview camera, a tilt-only steering wheel, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split rear seats, a 5-inch central display, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and satellite radio. Forward collision warning with automatic braking is also standard.

　　The optional Charge package (standard on the Leaf Plus S) includes a DC fast-charger port (CHAdeMO standard) and a portable charge cable capable of connecting to 120- and 240-volt sources.

　　The SV comes with the Charge package, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, adaptive cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, NissanConnect (Nissan's web connectivity and remote-access system) and a six-speaker audio system with HD radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

　　Optional for the SV is the SV Technology package. It adds a power-adjustable driver's seat (with two-way power lumbar), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED headlights and running lights, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and the ProPilot Assist suite of driving aids (automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities, lane departure warning and intervention, pedestrian detection for the automatic braking function, and an electronic parking brake).

　　Also optional for the S and the SV is an All Weather package with heated side mirrors, heated front seats and steering wheel, rear heater vents and a heat-pump cabin heater (SV only).

　　As the top model, the SL adds the All Weather package and the SV Technology package (minus ProPilot Assist for the regular Leaf). Also standard are a 360-degree parking camera, leather upholstery, a Bose seven-speaker sound system and a cargo cover. The only option for this trim is the regular Leaf's SL Technology package, which adds the ProPilot Assist driving aids.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 LEAF articles

　　

2019 LEAF Highlights

Trim: SSVSLS PLUSSV PLUSSL PLUSS

　　

Base MSRP	$29,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,000
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	150 miles
Cost to Drive	$64/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	8.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles