2012 Nissan Leaf

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$35,200

starting MSRP

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Key specs

Base trim shown

Hatchback: Body style
73 mi.: EPA-est. range EPA-est. range
EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.
Related: Electric Cars With The Longest Range
7 hrs.: Level 2 charging Level 2 charging
Charge time estimates are based on using a 240-volt charging circuit charging from empty to 100% battery capacity. Level 2 is the fastest way to charge at home, though charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as the capabilities of the charging circuit, charging equipment and the vehicle’s onboard charger. Level 2 charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.
30 mins.: DC fast charging DC fast charging
DC fast charging is the fastest way to charge and only available at pay-for-use public charging stations, though some EVs come with complimentary charging for a limited time. Real-world DC fast charging times can vary greatly, even on the same vehicle, because of this type of charging’s sensitivities to ambient and battery conditions. DC fast charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.
24 kWh: Battery capacity Battery capacity
Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours, which is a measure of how much energy is used over time. A 70-kWh battery has more energy capacity than a 50-kWh battery and would result in a longer driving range if all other factors were equal. But more battery capacity doesn’t always mean longer range because of differences in energy consumption from vehicle to vehicle. Battery capacity provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.
5: Seating capacity
175.0” x 61.0”: Dimensions
Front-wheel drive: Drivetrain

View all 2012 Nissan Leaf specs .

Overview

(58 reviews)

The good:

Drives like a &quot
real car&quot
Sprightly acceleration
Zero tailpipe emissions
Low fuel cost
Many tax incentives
Remote charge control

The bad:

High floor in backseat
Range varies with temperature, terrain
Charger installation can be pricey
Slow rollout
Limited public charging infrastructure
Resale value a mystery

SV
$35,200
SL
$37,250

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2012 Nissan Leaf trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Hatchbacks for 2024

Pure battery-electric car
Five-seat compact hatchback
100-mile range (estimated)
95 mph top speed
Programmable charge time
Buy or lease

2012 Nissan Leaf review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Nissan Leaf is a purely battery-electric mass-market car. With no onboard range-extending generator like the Chevrolet Volt’s, the Leaf has a range of roughly 100 miles, period. A five-seat compact four-door hatchback, the Leaf is eligible for federal and state incentives.

Standard features include a 120-volt trickle charger, a navigation system, wireless connectivity and the ability to schedule charge times via web or smartphone. The uplevel SL trim level adds features like automatic headlights, fog lights, a solar panel, backup camera and a cargo cover.

New for 2012
The 2012 Leaf adds a standard battery heater, heated side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and heated front and rear seats. A quick-charge port is now part of the SL trim level’s features list.

Exterior
Among high-efficiency four-doors with aerodynamic shapes, the Leaf manages to look distinctive, mainly due to its curvy rear end and raised headlights, which are designed to deflect oncoming air around the side mirrors to reduce drag and noise. Exterior features include:

Standard 16-inch alloy wheels
Standard rear spoiler
Small solar panel atop the SL’s liftgate spoiler trickle-charges the regular 12-volt battery

Interior
The five-seat Leaf has a 60/40-split folding backseat that extends the cargo area forward. Though it’s a hatchback, the cargo volume behind the seats is closer to that of a sedan’s trunk. Interior features include:

Standard cloth upholstery
Standard navigation system, satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity
Dash screen can show a graphical range indicator on the map and provide multiple energy-readout screens to help gauge energy use and remaining range
Available backup camera

Under the Hood
The Leaf uses a 340-volt battery pack to power an electric drive motor, which drives the front wheels with 107 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. The charging port is in the car’s nose under a door. Mechanical features include:

Depleted battery can recharge in eight hours at 240 volts or in 20 hours at 120 volts
A public quick-charge station (where available) can charge a depleted battery to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, but it requires the available quick-charge port

Safety
The Leaf’s high-voltage battery pack is designed to disconnect in the event of an airbag deployment or water intrusion. At the behest of rescue workers, Nissan incorporated an access panel into the floor that has a kill switch for first responders. Standard safety features include:

Side-impact airbags for the front seats
Side curtain airbags
Antilock brakes
Electronic stability system
Traction control

Consumer reviews

(58 reviews)

77% of drivers recommend this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.1
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.2

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Most recent consumer reviews

Battery dies quickly,cost of replacement is 20000t.

October 12, 2024

By Loli from Phoenix, Az

Owns this car

Battery dies quickly,cost of replacement is 20000t. we were also told by Nissan dealer that the litium battery is not available or manufactured by Nissan anymore. We made the big mistake to get a used Nissan leaf with 80 000 miles! Sadly it not not like the regular engine, that can be fix or refurbished. So put your money in a gas or petroleum vehicle and not a NIssan. They made this car just to last 10 year and then is garbage

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 3.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 2.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 2.0
Reliability 3.0

Purchased a Used car
Used for Commuting
Does not recommend this car

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Battery Degrading

April 11, 2021

By Jimmy from Clovis

Owns this car

It's a great car. The only problem is that the battery is dying. The range for driving the used Leaf was 50 miles. Now, it's between 26 to 32 miles. But, it's such a great car, I'll drive it until the battery dies. I've saved thousands of dollars by not buying gasoline,. Unfortunately, a new battery costs $5,000 and a used one costs $3,000. And I can't afford that. And Nissan doesn't care. But I love this little car. I've had no mechanical problems at all. But, I wouldn't recommend an electric car if you drive all over the state. A hybrid would be better if you travel a lot. But new electric cars can go further now. But they cost a fortune. My used car cost $6900. And it's paid off after two years. And I'm happy with it even if the battery is dying.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 3.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a Used car
Used for Transporting family
Does not recommend this car

76 people out of 78 found this review helpful. Did you?

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Horrible experience with no response from Anthony

October 27, 2020

By Ronnie Montgomery from Arlington Tx

Owns this car

We purchased a 2012 Nissan Leaf, was unable to drive from FtWorth to Arlington without having to charge it twice and then have it towed home, we paid $6700 cash. Called immediately was asked to take it to A certified Nissan dealer see what was wrong with it. We paid $100 for a diagnostic only to find out that the battery was completely bad and would cost $6000 to replace including parts and labor, was told to check with a third-party website to see what they would offer us and if it was not close enough they would work with us on getting another vehicle. The website they asked us to check was offering $3500. We have tried to reach out multiple times to get this situated, we have sent text and left vm with no response. The car has not been driven since we got it about 3 months ago as we can only go maybe 15 miles before it dies. We really had high hopes after speaking with the owner that this could be rectified, We offered to get a cheaper vehicle from the lot and not receive any money Back, was told That they would not do it that way as they did not want to keep additional money if a cheaper car was taken. We just want a running vehicle. Unfortunately we don’t see that, unfortunately we would not recommend this place.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 1.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 1.0

Purchased a Used car
Used for Commuting
Does not recommend this car

41 people out of 45 found this review helpful. Did you?

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See all 58 consumer reviews

NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings (scores out of 5)

Based on the 2012 Nissan Leaf base trim.

Combined side rating front seat: 5
Combined side rating rear seat: 5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver: 4
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger: 4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating: 4
Overall rating: 5
Overall side crash rating: 5
Risk of rollover: 11.0%
Rollover rating: 4
Side barrier rating: 5
Side barrier rating driver: 5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat: 5
Side pole rating driver front seat: 4

New car program benefits

Bumper-to-bumper: 36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion: 60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain: 60 months/60,000 miles
Hybrid electric: 96 months/100,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Maximum age/mileage: Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Powertrain: 6 months/6,000 miles from date of sale
Dealer certification required: 84-point inspection
Roadside assistance: Yes

View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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All model years for the Nissan Leaf

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2012 Nissan Leaf

Key specs

Overview

2 trims

Notable features

2012 Nissan Leaf review: Our expert's take