2021 Nissan Leaf review
Nissan Leaf highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Availability of semi-autonomous driving features
- Accelerates quickly
- Quiet cabin
Cons
- Base model could have more standard features
- Tight second-row seats
- Limited cargo space
149 - 215 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Fully electric with lots of cargo space
Are you trying to minimize your footprint, without compromising on cargo space and features? If so, consider the 2021 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf has seating for five and lots of cargo space due to its hatchback design. That means it can fit strollers, beach supplies, or golf clubs with ease. The 2021 Nissan Leaf also comes standard with many driver-assistance features, which can give you peace of mind behind the wheel. The 2021 Leaf is a great hatchback, and the fact that it's fully electric just gives it extra appeal. While we currently do not have many 2021 Nissan Leafs on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Nissan Leaf with similar features.
All Nissan Leaf years
What is new for the 2021 Nissan Leaf?
- The SV Plus trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Heated Steering Wheel, Front Seat Heaters, and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Rear Spoiler, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The SV trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Heated Steering Wheel, and Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment.
2021 Nissan Leaf trims
S:
Includes 40kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 147 hp via the electric motor, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, push-button start, driver aids, and more.
SV:
Adds 50kW quick charge port, adaptive cruise control, heated mirrors, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, six-speaker audio system, and more.
S Plus:
Includes all features of the S trim, with a 62kWh lithium-ion battery that increases horsepower to 214, plus a 100kW quick charge port.
SV Plus:
Includes all features of the SV trim, with a 62kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 214 hp.
SL Plus:
Unlocks 62kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 214 hp, ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, leather seats, Bose® audio, and more.
Nissan Leaf photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Nissan Leaf
1. Fully electric
Electric is a great choice when it comes to future-proofing your vehicle. With the 2021 Leaf, that future is here. It's a fully electric hatchback with a striking design and a range of battery size choices. And, while the Leaf's electric credentials might have caught your interest, it's the great features that will make you consider it for your next used car.
2. Lots of cargo room
Space can be a precious commodity, especially if you live a busy lifestyle where you regularly need to transport passengers and cargo. The 2021 Nissan Leaf stands out, with nearly 24 cu-ft of cargo space. You can load up your band equipment or go camping without thinking twice. Plus, the back seat is spacious enough for your friends to tag along.
3. Many driver aids
You'll love the long list of standard driver-assistance features on the 2021 Nissan Leaf. It's equipped with blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, and lane-keep assist, plus newer features including a rear seat reminder. If you want more driver aids, shop for a model with the available ProPilot Assist, a partly autonomous driving system that will do some of the braking, accelerating, and steering for you in certain conditions.
4. Straightforward tech
The 2021 Leaf comes standard with tech features to keep you connected on the road. You'll get an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, and three USB ports. Since the Leaf makes it easy to connect wirelessly or with a cord, you'll never have to be without your favorite podcasts or music. This makes it a great choice if you love weekend getaways or simply have a long commute.
5. Peppy acceleration
Since the Nissan Leaf is electric, it delivers instant acceleration. With the standard 147-hp electric motor and 40kWh battery pack, the 2021 Leaf accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). With that power, your daily commute can become a little livelier.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Nissan Leaf, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Mini Cooper SE Electric was introduced in 2020. 2020-2022 models come standard with a 32.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor that produces 181 hp. The Mini Cooper SE Electric is ideal if you want a compact car and don't need much rear legroom or cargo space.
Here's what you'll find standard on the 2020-2022 Mini Cooper SE Electric:
Synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats
Apple CarPlay connectivity
Navigation and 6.5-inch display screen
The Kia Niro is a hybrid or fully electric SUV that's great if you want to reduce your impact but also need to maximize your space. The fully electric option was introduced with the 2019 model. Electric models from 2019 have a 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a motor that produces 201 hp.
Here's what you'll find standard on 2019-2022 Kia Niro electric models:
Heated front seats
Seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
The Chevy Bolt is an electric hatchback that was introduced in 2017. 2017-2021 models come standard with a 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack and motor that produces 200 hp. The hatchback design gives the Bolt 16.3 cu-ft of cargo space, so it's a great option if you need some extra room.
Here's what else you'll find standard on the 2017-2021 Chevrolet Bolt:
10.2-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Six-speaker audio system
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 Nissan Leaf is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
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
SV 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
- Cloth Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Navigation System
- 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
- Power Seat(s)
Battery details Size
62.0 kWh
Range when new (EPA estimate)
215 miles
Estimated range today
187 - 236 miles
Est. range in 3 years
168 - 217 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
62"
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
2021 Nissan Leaf FAQ
With the standard 147-hp electric motor and 40kWh battery pack, the 2021 Nissan Leaf has an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles on a single charge. With the optional 62kWh lithium-ion battery that boosts the horsepower to 214, the 2021 Nissan Leaf has an EPA-estimated range of 215 miles (SV Plus and SL Plus) or 226 miles (S Plus) on a single 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.
The 2021 Nissan Leaf with the standard 40kWh battery pack and 147-hp electric motor has a top speed of 90 miles per hour when new.
The 2021 Nissan Leaf has a battery life icon near the other instruments. It will show you the remaining battery range, similar to how a gas gauge shows the fuel level for internal combustion engine vehicles. You can also check the health of the battery through the car's menu.
More about the 2021 Nissan Leaf
Color options
Exterior colors:
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Deep Blue Pearl
Glacier White
Gun Metallic
Pearl Gray Tricoat
Scarlet Ember Tricoat
Sunset Drift ChromaFlair
Super Black
Two-Tone Pearl White Tricoat/Super Black
Interior colors:
Black
Light Gray
Interior details
The 2021 Nissan Leaf comes standard with cloth seating, though leather seating is available on the SL Plus trim. The 2021 Leaf has 41.2 inches of legroom in the front seats and 33.5 inches in the rear seats, which is fairly roomy for a hatchback. If you live in a cold climate, opt for the SV or SV Plus trims, which give you heated front seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Child seat details
The 2021 Nissan Leaf has LATCH anchors on each of the rear outboard seats. Two car seats can fit in the Leaf. However, if you're installing rear-facing seats, you might find that the front passenger or driver could feel a bit cramped.
Performance
Because it has an electric motor, the 2021 Nissan Leaf has snappy acceleration that makes driving away from stoplights or merging onto the highway exciting. All 2021 Nissan Leafs have the same motor; the battery pack determines their horsepower. With the standard 40kWh lithium-ion battery, the 2021 Leaf produces 147 hp and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 90 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new). With that battery, the 2021 Leaf has an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles on a full charge.
Year comparison
2011-2017 Nissan Leaf (first generation)
The first generation of the Nissan Leaf debuted in 2011. The 2011 model has a 24kWh lithium-ion battery and a motor that produces 107 hp. In 2016, a 30kWh battery was introduced, and it came standard in 2017. With that battery, the Leaf still produced 107 hp. Until the 2015 model, heated seats and steering wheel were standard, but they became an available option in 2016.
2018-present Nissan Leaf (second generation)
The second-generation Leaf is larger and has more cargo space. It also has more power, with a 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack that produces 147 hp. In 2019 a more powerful 62kWh lithium-ion battery pack was introduced, which resulted in 214 hp and a longer EPA-estimated range.
Research other vehicles
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.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.