Nissan Leaf Review | Can It Still Cut It?

Today on Buckle Up, Rob reviews the second generation Nissan Leaf. It's been on sale a while now and has gone from being in a class of one, to having a new rival unveiled every week.

Rivals include the VW ID.3, MG 4, ORA Funky Cat, Mini Electric, Fiat 500e, Honda e.
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[lenny]

I have that Nissan have kept the design and interior pretty much the same. In todays world it’s refreshing to have a car that has been tried and tested and it just works as a car

[tonyspencer]

I have had a 2023 Leaf since March, Drive it on epedal all the time and love it. Most of my driving is local but I watch regional non-league football and often have 150-mile round trips and home charge up to 80, 90 or 100% to allow me a 40-mile margin and finding the range much as expected with no surprises. Even with the hike in electricity prices I am getting around at less than 8p/mile and the miles/kw has extended from the 3.1 in the first week to 3.7 currently (after 3000 miles), so delighted with everything so far.

[salibaba]

I’ve had our 40kWh as our only family car for 3 years. Got it when we were carting a toddler round in a massive buggy. Boot is brilliant. It does the whole family duty. Lugging crap about. Multiple house moves, 300 mile journeys.
I’m just back from a 580 mile week trip for work. Was about 280 to get home, left full, charged twice on the way, got work stuff done while charging, conference calls and some lunch.
The larger battery model can actually charge faster btw if you find a faster 100kW Chademo (most new gridserve) it gets to about 62kW I remember hearing, and cos it’s split over a larger pack, doesn’t heat as much.

[decimal]

I hope they make a Leaf V3 with CCS, LFP battery, liquid cooling for the battery, and bigger range. The car itself just needs a minor refresh. Most people are happy with the design.

[mikeandersonwa]

That navigation demo though 8:30.... brilliant

[glennjgroves]

I love ePedal! I leave it on permanently! (I think it does use physical braking at low speeds, regen does not work well at low speeds, but it makes driving easier and more restful regardless of that.)

[ibeam]

We have a 2022 40 kWh LEAF next to our EV6. We use it strictly for city driving and it's perfect. I wouldn't get the bigger battery and use the car for long trips unless you're adventurous and very patient. The LEAF in my opinion is the worst EV for road trips.

[glennjgroves]

I love my 2018 LEAF… but I bought a second hand one, at the time it was nearly 40% lower in price than any other EV. The LEAF is great in every way except: the fast charging is slowish (averages 25 to 30 kWh, not the theoretical 50 kWh), the battery gets too hot in hot weather on long drives, and CHAdeMO is going to die out eventually.

Still a beautiful car that is lovely to drive, I love driving it, but if I was willing to spend more I could get another EV without those limitations.

[lonelyp]

I have a 2019 Leaf and the range from a full charge was (approx.) 160 miles and was never a problem for me. If all I needed to do was go back and forth to work, I could probably do two weeks. I don't understand turning your nose up at 160 miles? Granted you would want all you could get if you want to be an UBER driver, but who wants to. I would like to see a nice fresh model that doesn't seat 5 - 8 adults. 2 is more than enough most of the time.

[wesleyvelroij]

1:12 actually this charging port, is one of the best designs out there. It shows the difference between a Japanse brand as Nissan, and a Korean brand. Those charging ports from other brands, tend to break within their warranty period. And the manufacturer don't always fix it.

With Nissan, this charging port is super sturdy and for sure won't break. Unless you mistreat it?

[JasperBruceWright]

Seems the Leaf is just about clinging on at the moment. I suspect in a year (if not heavily refreshed) it will be sorely outdated.

[ronniewilliams]

My 2025 sv+ is my road dog! I go on road trips all the time. I charge it at my dealership for free, and out my kitche from 10pm-6 am for CHEAP! I stay to 85 percent, tops! I prepay for "fast" charging, too. Two months, 2000 miles. Igoogled should do 20 years, 250, 000 miles lifespan!

[markatkinson-frcn]

The point now is that they're a decent 2nd hand buy. No electric car makes sense new. They're way too expensive

[nunyabeeswax]

Leaf is a good commuter car and not overly costly.

[WisperingD]

Great review Rob. Can you use Nissans proprietary charging port at any public chargers?

[clivebaker]

I love my 2019 LEAF, especially single pedal driving, I just wish it had CCS rather than Chademo. A Chademo to CCS adapter would be great.

[Tamil.o.Official]

Hello Sir, when the charging cable connected the charge indicator light illuminate in sequence and then stop, what we need to do to bring it in charging mode

[amunarjoh]

I kind of view the Nissan LEAF as a familiar relative to the VW Bug. It will fulfill your daily requirements, with confidence.
It´s not quite up to the most modern cars. But, it´s still a strong contender within its category.
Not particularly good looking, still having a contemporary charm.
The weaknesses are being outnumbered by its strengths. Availability, price, quality, comfort and range.

Good luck finding a better contender.

[dronephobiatomdrones]

coming next thursday weeks time cant wait as we currently driving a 207 pud 09 plat, ,

[jesusisking]

What about charging this at home if you are on a pre-pay meter? Will it use alot of electric when charging?