2018 Nissan Leaf review
Nissan Leaf highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Fully electric
- Quick acceleration
- Lots of standard driver-assist features
Cons
- Rear seats don't fold flat
- No telescoping steering wheel available
- Limited front-seat storage for items like phones and drinks
107 - 151 miles
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A compact electric hatchback reinvented.
Launched for the 2011 model year, the Nissan Leaf is one of the first fully electric cars that can accommodate a family. Thanks to its relatively conventional appearance both inside and out, the Leaf makes it easy to go electric. Nissan has continually improved on the Leaf, making the 2018 model incredibly appealing. The second-generation Leaf debuted in 2017, building on the strengths of its predecessor, but with more style, more technology, and a more practical range. The 2018 Nissan Leaf has an EPA-estimated range of 151 miles on a full charge, and with technology highlights like ProPilot Assist and e-Pedal driving systems, this model of the trailblazing electric compact hatchback goes farther in style. Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when a vehicle is 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.
All Nissan Leaf years
What is new for the 2018 Nissan Leaf?
- Leaf trims have been upgraded with Power Seat(s), Blind Spot Monitor, Android Auto, BOSE Sound System, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
- Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SV trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
2018 Nissan Leaf trims
S
Includes 16-inch steel wheels with trim covers, cruise control, digital meter cluster, remote-control-powered door mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and more.
SV
Adds 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, fog lights, a quick charge port, intelligent cruise control, seven-inch color LCD display NissanConnect with navigation radio system, and more.
SL
Unlocks heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED low beam headlights and daytime running lights, heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, leather trim, and more.
Nissan Leaf photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Nissan Leaf
1. Great range
The 2018 Nissan Leaf has a 40kWh battery, which is a significant upgrade from previous generation models. The 2018 Leaf can go farther on a single charge, so you don't have to stop as often for charging. You'll get an EPA-estimated range of 151 miles on a full charge.
2. One-pedal driving
The 2018 Nissan Leaf features the e-Pedal, which is essentially a one-pedal driving system. This means you can accelerate, decelerate, and stop by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the accelerator pedal itself. When the pedal is fully released, regenerative braking takes place (by slowing down the motor to regain some range) and the friction brakes are applied automatically, bringing the Leaf to a complete stop, even on a steep hill.
3. Instant acceleration
One of the best things about an electric car is instant access to its full torque, which gives you incredible acceleration—even on an unassuming hatchback. The 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque on the 2018 Nissan Leaf provide a pace that's perfect for busy urban traffic, whether you're on a grocery run or taking the kids to school.
4. Plenty of technology
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is loaded with technology, all designed to entertain or assist you as you drive. Bluetooth® streaming and SiriusXM® satellite radio are standard on all models, and entry-level S models have a five-inch color display radio/CD system. 2018 Nissan Leaf SV and SL models feature NissanConnect® with navigation and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, as well as a seven-inch color display. Automatic emergency braking is standard on all trims, with Nissan's ProPilot Assist driver-assistance system optional on SV and SL trims.
5. Fast and easy charging
A more powerful onboard charger means that the 2018 Nissan Leaf charge time for a full battery recharge is 7.5 hours on a 220V power connection. A rapid charging option is also available. The quick charge port on higher-trim Leafs allows charging to 80 percent battery capacity in only 40 minutes at a fast-charging station. A revised charge port location at the front makes 2018 Nissan Leaf charging easy, as does a standard charge port light and door lock.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2018 Nissan Leaf, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you are looking for a premium compact EV that feels like driving a normal car, check out the Volkswagen e-Golf. VW updated the powertrain of the e-Golf for 2017 to add a new 35.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that bumped range from an EPA-estimated 83 miles (2016 models) to 125 miles when fully charged.
The base e-Golf is well equipped with standard equipment for 2017-2019 model years, including:
Cloth upholstery
Automatic headlights
LED running lights
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated power-reclining front seats
Eight-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
The Kia Niro EV is based on the Niro compact crossover first launched in 2017. An EPA-estimated range of 239 miles from the 64kWh battery (on a full charge) makes the 2019 Kia Niro EV a practical family car for road trips.
Standard features on the 2019 Kia Niro EV include:
Xenon headlights
Adaptive cruise control
CCS fast-charging as standard
The Hyundai IONIQ is a hybrid hatchback with seating for five that was introduced in 2017. It has a solid cargo hold, offering 26.5 cu-ft of cargo space on the 2022 model, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The IONIQ comes standard with a 139-hp engine in model years 2018–2022 and is only available in front-wheel drive. Here's what you'll find on the 2018–2022 IONIQ:
Standard Keyless entry
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Available heated leather seats
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
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
SL 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Automated Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
Battery details Size
40.0 kWh
Range when new (EPA estimate)
150 - 151 miles
Estimated range today
115 - 155 miles
Est. range in 3 years
104 - 143 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
176.4"
Width
70.5"
Height
61.6"
Leg room
F 42.1"/R 33.5"
Head room
F 41.2"/R 37.3"
Front tires
P215/50VR17
Rear tires
P215/50VR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Nissan Leaf FAQ
Yes, you can plug a 2018 Nissan Leaf into a regular outlet, like the one you might have at your home or workplace. A portable trickle charge cable for 110V EV charging was included as standard when the car was new.
The EPA-estimated range for the 2018 Nissan Leaf is 151 miles on a full charge. Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when a vehicle is 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.
The 40kWh lithium-ion battery on the 2018 Nissan Leaf should last for 8 to 10 years. The battery is guaranteed for 8 years or 100,000 miles against defects and excessive capacity loss.
More about the 2018 Nissan Leaf
Color options
Exterior colors:
Brilliant Silver
Deep Blue Pearl
Glacier White
Gun Metallic
Jade Frost
Pearl White
Pearl White Two-Tone/Super Black
Scarlet Ember
Super Black
Interior colors:
Black (All trims)
Light Gray (SL only)
Interior details
The 2018 Nissan Leaf interior can seat five passengers in two rows. Both the entry-level S and mid-range SV models have cloth interior trim, with leather standard on the SL trim. The standard trim color is black, with light gray optional on the SL. The Leaf has plenty of storage spaces around the cabin, including four bottle holders and two cup holders.
Suitable for small families and groups, the 2018 Nissan Leaf has 23.6 cu-ft of trunk space with the rear seats in place, increasing to 30 cu-ft when folded down. The 42.1 inches of front-seat legroom and 33.5 inches of rear-seat legroom mean you and your passengers can travel in comfort.
Child seat details
You can fit two child car seats in the rear row of the 2018 Nissan Leaf, including LATCH car seats, infant rear seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors on the rear outboard seats, along with a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.
Performance
All models of the 2018 Nissan Leaf have the same 147-hp powertrain and 40kWh battery. The Leaf's get-up-and-go is more akin to a family car than a Ferrari—despite that instant torque—but it reaches zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The range for all models is an EPA-estimated 151 miles on a full charge.
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is a front-wheel-drive hatchback, with power fed through a single-speed reducer transmission, controlled by a shift-by-wire drive selector. Three driving modes allow you to tailor the driving style of the car to preserve range. "Normal" is the default setting. "Eco" mode brings increased regenerative braking and limits the 110kW electric motor's output, which also reduces the air conditioning system's operation. "B" mode provides even more aggressive regenerative braking when slowing down.
Year comparison
2011-2017 Nissan Leaf (first generation)
The Nissan Leaf debuted for the 2011 model year. Initially, only a 24kWh battery was available, with an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles on a full charge for 2011 models.
2018-present Nissan Leaf (second generation)
The second-generation Nissan Leaf arrived in 2018. Under the bigger and sharper-looking body, all 2018 Leaf trim levels were fitted with a 40kWh battery, bringing a significant range upgrade. The 2018 Leaf has an EPA-estimated range of 151 miles when fully charged.
In 2019, the range was increased further with the arrival of the Nissan Leaf e+ (renamed Leaf Plus in 2021). A 62kWh battery and 160kW/214-hp electric motor increased the single-charge driving distance to an EPA-estimated 226 miles, and charging was boosted with a new 70kW (100kW peak) quick-charging system.
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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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