2017 Nissan Leaf review
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
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.
Nissan Leaf photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Nissan Leaf
1. Zero emissions
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.
2. Instant torque
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
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
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
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.
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.
19-inch alloy wheels
Keyless ignition and entry
Heated front seats
The 2017-2021 Chevrolet Bolt is a compact five-passenger hatchback that's ideal for commuting or running errands around town. 2020-2021 models use a high-capacity electric motor and a 66 kWh battery that returns an EPA-estimated driving range of 259 miles on a full charge.
LED taillamps
Heated power-adjustable manual-folding mirrors
Rearview monitor
The Tesla Model S is an electric luxury sedan with whip-fast acceleration and impressive range. 2021 Model S Long Range models boast an EPA-estimated 405-mile range on a full charge, while the Plaid trim can cover zero to 60 mph in two seconds (according to the manufacturer when new).
Heated seats
17-inch touchscreen with navigation
Blind-spot monitoring system
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.3 out of 5
9 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 4 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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 LeafNissan 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
79 - 107 miles
Est. range in 3 years
71 - 100 miles
Is this battery range helpful?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
No, the 2017 Nissan Leaf does not need to be plugged in all the time. Charging on a Level 2, 240V home charging system takes six hours with the 6.6 kW onboard charger. 2017 Nissan Leaf charge time with the available Quick Charge Port (standard on SV and SL, optional on S) can refresh the battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes using a CHAdeMO fast charger.
Yes, 2017 Nissan Leaf SV and SL models come equipped with NissanConnect EV functionality, which, when activated, provides a remote connection to the vehicle, allowing you to activate the heating and air conditioning system prior to entering the vehicle (activation with subscription required).
The 2017 Nissan Leaf comes standard with an 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor, 30 kWh lithium-ion battery, and 6.6 kW onboard charger that allows the EV to travel an EPA-estimated range of 107 miles on a full charge.
Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
More about the 2017 Nissan Leaf
Color options
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.
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.
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.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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