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2017 Nissan Leaf review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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Nissan Leaf highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Comfortable, family-friendly interior
  • Lots of cargo space
  • Quiet ride

Cons

  • Not comfortable for taller drivers
  • Slow acceleration for an electric vehicle
  • Infotainment controls can be confusing

107 - 150 miles

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An electrifying ride

Feel the freedom of zero-emissions performance with the 2017 Nissan Leaf. This plug-in hatchback has all the ingredients to lead a greener lifestyle, including an electric motor, battery, and onboard charger that delivers an EPA-estimated 107-mile range on a full charge.1 You can kiss the gas station goodbye! The interior also includes unique features, like bio-suede seats in the SV trim, to add further to the green-conscious feel. With two charging options—including a standard Level-2, 240V system and an available Quick Charge Port—you'll enjoy convenient charging at home and on the go. A comfortable cabin with plenty of space and tech features makes the 2017 Nissan Leaf a great buy.

All Nissan Leaf years

What is new for the 2017 Nissan Leaf?

  • Leaf trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
  • The S trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.

2017 Nissan Leaf trims

Curious how Nissan Leaf trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S: 

  • Includes a six-way manual driver's seat, four-way manual front passenger's seat, automatic temperature control, rearview monitor, power windows with driver's window one-touch auto up/down, and more.

SV: 

  • Adds NissanConnect with Navigation, seven-inch color display with multi-touch control, six-speaker audio system, hybrid heater system, heated outside mirrors and steering wheel, and more.

SL: 

  • Adds fog lights, photovoltaic solar panel spoiler, LED low beam auto on/off headlights, cargo cover, leather-appointed seats, heated rear seat, and more.

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Nissan Leaf photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Nissan Leaf

1. Zero emissions

2017 Nissan Leaf Review: Battery | CarMax

The 2017 Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback with a standard 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor that pairs to a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 6.6 kW onboard charger that fulfills its mission of zero-emission performance. With the electric powertrain, the 2017 Nissan Leaf's range is an EPA-estimated 107 miles on a full charge, which is ideal for commuting to the office or running errands around town.

 When it's time to juice up the 2017 Nissan Leaf battery, you'll be up and running in six hours using a Level 2, 240V home charging system. The available Quick Charge Port (standard on SV and SL, optional on S) and a CHAdeMO fast charger are even faster, recharging the battery to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes.

2. Instant torque

2017 Nissan Leaf Review: Speedometer | CarMax

The 2017 Nissan Leaf is a strong and silent type with whisper-quiet operation courtesy of its 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor that delivers 107 hp and 187 lb-ft of twist to the front wheels. A single-speed transmission also provides instant torque for powerful acceleration, enabling the EV to travel from zero to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). This zesty performance is matched with an agile and comfortable ride, whether weaving through traffic or navigating busy city streets.

3. Commute-worthy cabin

2017 Nissan Leaf Review: Front seats | CarMax

The five-passenger 2017 Nissan Leaf interior is roomy and airy, with supportive front seats that make long drives feel manageable. All 2017 trims include heated front seats to cut the morning's chill, and your passengers will enjoy heated rear seats on the SL grade. The 2017 Leaf's hatchback body style makes for generous rear head- and legroom with 37.3 inches and 33.3 inches, respectively. Power windows with driver's window one-touch auto up/down and automatic temperature control are standard on the 2017 Nissan Leaf for your comfort and convenience.

4. Generous cargo room

2017 Nissan Leaf Review: Cargo | CarMax

Another bonus of the Nissan Leaf's hatchback body style is the EV's abundant cargo capacity. With the standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat in place, the 2017 Leaf provides 24 cu-ft of trunk space to carry groceries or luggage for business trips. With the rear seat folded, cargo volume expands to 30 cu-ft to transport oversized items, like golf clubs or sporting equipment. Since the EV's compact lithium-ion battery is located in the floor, the 2017 Leaf doesn't have to compromise roominess or cargo space.

5. User-friendly tech

2017 Nissan Leaf Review: Entertainment screen | CarMax

The 2017 Nissan Leaf provides an appealing assortment of tech features across its three trims. All base models start with a rearview monitor to aid in reverse moves, a text messaging assistant, and Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free communication. A five-inch color display is also found on all 2017 base models, but you'll gain a larger seven-inch touchscreen monitor on SV and higher trims. NissanConnect® with voice-activated navigation on SV and SL models helps you find your way without taking your eyes off the road. Finally, the 2017 Leaf SV delivers crisp sound from a Bose® seven-speaker audio system, and you'll also enjoy an Around View® monitor on this premium trim.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2017 Nissan Leaf, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of BMW i3

The BMW i3 is a city-friendly four-passenger hatchback that comes standard with an electric motor and a 42 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated 153-mile range.

 The 2019–2021 i3 also offers a 0.6L two-cylinder gasoline range extender, delivering an EPA-estimated range of 200 miles with a full charge and a full tank of gas.
 All 2017-2021 i3 models include these standard features:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels

  • Keyless ignition and entry

  • Heated front seats

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

9 customer reviews
Based on customer reviews, the 2017 Nissan Leaf is a great starter EV. It is comfortable and roomy for a smaller car. It is excellent for fuel savings.
4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Nissan Leaf an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Nissan Leaf 1st out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicles.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf features and specs

S 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats
Battery details

Size

30.0 kWh

Range when new (EPA estimate)

107 miles

Estimated range today

Powered by Recurrent

The stated battery range data is from Recurrent, who develops vehicle battery range estimates based upon observed range data from thousands of EV owners. Actual battery range will vary depending on a number of factors, including the use, age, condition, trim level, wheel/tire size, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Recurrent estimates are provided by Recurrent and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Estimates based on Recurrent data as of July 3, 2023. Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings.  Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings

79 - 107 miles

Est. range in 3 years

Powered by Recurrent

The stated battery range data is from Recurrent, who develops vehicle battery range estimates based upon observed range data from thousands of EV owners. Actual battery range will vary depending on a number of factors, including the use, age, condition, trim level, wheel/tire size, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Recurrent estimates are provided by Recurrent and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Estimates based on Recurrent data as of July 3, 2023. Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings.  Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings

71 - 100 miles

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Other specifications

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

0.0L

Engine type

Electric

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

175"

Width

69.7"

Height

61"

Leg room

F 42.1"/R 33.3"

Head room

F 41.2"/R 37.3"

Front tires

P205/55HR16

Rear tires

P205/55HR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Nissan Leaf FAQ

More about the 2017 Nissan Leaf

Color options

2017 Nissan Leaf Review: Color options | CarMax

Exterior colors:

  • Brilliant Silver

  • Coulis Red

  • Deep Blue Pearl

  • Forged Bronze

  • Glacier White

  • Gun Metallic

  • Pearl White

  • Super Black

Interior colors:

  • Black

  • Light Gray

Interior details

The 2017 Nissan Leaf interior seats five passengers and includes heated front seats on all trims and heated rear seats on the SL grade. Cloth upholstery comes standard on 2017 Nissan Leaf S models, while bio-suede seats are included with the SV, and leather upholstery is found in the SL. In addition, the 2017 Nissan Leaf boasts 24 cu-ft of cargo space with the rear row in place but folding the standard 60/40-split rear seat reveals 30 cubes. The Leaf's hatchback body style also provides generous headroom with 41.2 inches in the front row and 37.3 inches in the rear.

Child Seat Details

The 2017 Nissan Leaf can fit two car seats in the rear row with two full sets of LATCH lower anchors and three tether anchors. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. However, the Leaf's rear row does not include a head restraint for the center seat, making it unusable for children riding in backless booster car seats.

Performance

The 2017 Nissan Leaf comes standard with a 107 hp 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor, 30 kWh lithium-ion battery, and 6.6 kW onboard charger, allowing the EV to travel an EPA-estimated range of 107 miles on a full charge.

 A single-speed transmission provides instant torque, which translates into zippy acceleration that can cover zero to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The 2017 Nissan Leaf takes about six hours to refresh with a Level 2, 240V home charging system when the battery requires charging. The available Quick Charge Port (standard on SV and SL, optional on S) can juice up the battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes with a CHAdeMO fast charger.

Year comparison

2011–2017 Nissan Leaf (First Generation)

The first-generation Leaf debuted for its 2011 model year as an electric hatchback with SV and SL trims and an EPA-estimated 100-mile range on a full charge.

 In 2013, the more affordable S trim joined the line-up, and an available 6.6-kW onboard charger was added for faster charging. The 2014 model received a standard rearview monitor on all trims. Two years later, the 2016 Nissan Leaf received a bigger battery pack (SV and SL trims) for an EPA-estimated 107-mile range on a full charge, along with a 5-inch color touchscreen on the S and a standard quick-charge port on the SV.
 Finally, in 2017, the Leaf S came standard with a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing all trims with an EPA-estimated 107-mile range on a full charge.

2018–Present Nissan Leaf (Second Generation)

The 2018 Nissan Leaf received a full redesign for its second generation with new styling and available Nissan ProPilot Assist, which provides lane-keeping assistance. The 2018 Leaf also featured a larger 110 kW electric motor with 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, along with an e-Pedal one-pedal driving system as standard. The following year, a new Plus version was launched with an EPA-estimated 226 miles of range on a full charge.

 Rear Door Alert also became standard. In 2020, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto capabilities were included on all trims.

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