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2019 Nissan Leaf review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Nissan Leaf highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Driving range on par with rivals
  • Spacious interior
  • Highly-effective driver-assistance features

Cons

  • Interior materials could use some refinement
  • Some might find the driving experience not exciting enough
  • Limited rear-seat room for adult passengers

150 - 226 miles

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Year

Terrific EV power in a compact package.

The first-generation LEAF was released in 2009, and the second generation came of age in 2017 with an increased EV range and sportier look. If it's an electric vehicle you're looking for, then read more in our review of the 2019 Nissan LEAF here.

All Nissan Leaf years

What is new for the 2019 Nissan Leaf?

  • The Leaf is available in a variety of new trims, including the S Plus, SL PLUS, and SV Plus.
  • Leaf trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.

2019 Nissan Leaf trims

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

S:

S Plus:

  • Includes all features available on the S
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto

SV:

SV Plus:

SL:

  • Includes all features available on the SV Plus
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • BOSE Sound System
  • View our Nissan Leaf SL inventory

SL PLUS:

Nissan Leaf photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Nissan Leaf

1. All the comforts in an all-electric package

Nissan Leaf Review: Frontseat | CarMax

The LEAF will check all of your boxes if you're seeking a vehicle that can be comfortable and roomy, with a peppy electric motor that easily propels it down highways and country roads alike. In the second generation (2017–present), Nissan has continued to improve the LEAF in meaningful ways to its customers.

2. Room to move

Nissan Leaf Review: Trunk | CarMax

With 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space when the second-row seats are up and 30 cubic feet with the seats down, there is plenty of room. Nissan says the cargo space fits four golf bags or an adult-sized bicycle when the seats are tucked in. With a 60/40 split option, you can use your LEAF in a variety of ways.

Nissan Leaf Review: Backseat | CarMax

3. Torque and power

A zippy electric vehicle, the LEAF delivers low-end torque, which propels the car forward quickly and smoothly. That instant power gives you satisfaction as you get a jump on every drive you make from the start. A low center of gravity adds stability and enjoyable handling to the ride in your LEAF.

4. Three distinct operational modes

Nissan Leaf Review: Dash | CarMax

Normal drive mode is the de facto setting. Eco mode reduces power output and increases regenerative braking to give you back a little range. B-mode, the most unique of the three, engages regenerative braking during deceleration.

5. Pro-Pilot Assist

Nissan Leaf Review | CarMax

Nissan's ProPILOT Assist feature is available on the 2019 LEAF SV trim and above, adding driver-assist technology to the mix. This innovative system combines smart cruise control and lane-keeping, gently reducing stress and fatigue by helping the driver steer even as their hands are on the wheel. By minimizing driver tiredness, ProPILOT Assist is making driving more fun, allowing for longer road trips and adventures.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2019 Nissan Leaf, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of 2019 Tesla Model 3

Need an entry-level Tesla? The five-passenger Model 3 is an electrifying sedan worth considering. 2017–2019 Long Range models gain their power from a single electric motor and a long-range lithium battery that can travel an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles on a full charge.

On the road, you'll love how sporty the Model 3 drives with strong acceleration, agile handling, and responsive steering. It matches this dynamic performance with a comfortable and quiet cabin that's great for short and long trips. All 2017–2019 Tesla Model 3s come well-equipped with these standard features:

  • 18-inch wheels

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control

  • 60/40-split folding rear seats

  • 15-inch touchscreen display

  • Navigation system

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

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

SL PLUS 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • 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
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
Battery details

Size

62.0 kWh

Range when new (EPA estimate)

215 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

172 - 226 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

155 - 208 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

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

2019 Nissan Leaf FAQ

More about the 2019 Nissan Leaf

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Brilliant Silver Metallic (all trims)

  • Deep Blue Pearl (all trims)

  • Gun Metallic (all trims)

  • Jade Frost Metallic (SV and higher trims)

  • Pearl White Tricoat (all trims)

  • Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (SV and higher trims)

  • Super Black (all trims)

  • Two-Tone Pearl White/Super Black (SV and higher trims)

Interior colors:

  • Black cloth (S, SV, SV Plus, and S Plus trims)

  • Black leather (SL and SL Plus)

  • Light gray leather (SL and SL Plus)

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

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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