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2015 Nissan Leaf

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$29,010

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Hatchback

Body style

114
Combined MPGe Combined MPGe

Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
84 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
4-8 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” x 61”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(49 reviews)

The good:

  • Drives like a real car
  • 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
  • Limited public charging infrastructure

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • S

    $29,010

  • SV

    $32,000

  • SL

    $35,120

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2015 Nissan Leaf trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Hatchbacks for 2024

Notable features

  • Backup camera
  • 6.6-kW onboard charger option for faster charging available
  • Pure battery-electric car
  • Five-seat compact hatchback

2015 Nissan Leaf review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Nissan Leaf is a purely battery-electric mass-market car. With no onboard range-extending generator like the Chevrolet Volt’s, the Leaf has an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles before it needs to be recharged. A five-seat compact four-door hatchback, the Leaf is eligible for federal and state tax incentives. Competitors include the Ford Focus Electric and Mitsubishi i.
New for 2015
The base model gains Nissan’s B-Mode, which applies the regenerative braking more aggressively. SV and SL grades receive hands-free text messaging and voice destination entry as well.

Below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Highlights

  • 16-inch steel wheels with covers
  • 17-inch alloy wheels available
  • Rear spoiler
  • Locking and lighted charge port on car’s nose
  • Heated door mirrors
  • LED taillights; available LED headlamps
  • Available fog lamps
  • Small solar panel atop the SL’s liftgate spoiler trickle-charges 12-volt battery

Interior Highlights

  • Seats five
  • Cloth upholstery; leather-trimmed seats available
  • 60/40-split folding backseat
  • Front and rear heated seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • CD stereo with MP3 jack and iPod connectivity
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Dash screen shows range and energy usage
  • Available auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Available Pandora integration for iPhone
  • Available navigation system has an Eco Route mode that suggests energy-saving routes

Under the Hood

  • 107-horsepower electric motor
  • Front-wheel drive
  • 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack
  • 3.6-kilowatt onboard charger recharges car in seven hours on 240 volts or 21 hours on 120 volts
  • Available 6.6-kW onboard charger cuts charging time to four hours at 240 volts
  • Available direct current quick-charge port can recharge battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes
  • Three drive modes: Normal, Eco-Mode and B-Mode

Safety Features

  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Brake assist
  • Traction control
  • Backup camera
  • Lithium-ion battery pack disconnects upon airbag deployment, water intrusion

 

Consumer reviews

(49 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.2
  • Reliability 4.7
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Electric car that will amaze

Ok so don't let the miles or lack of engin noise scare you and you'll be fine! Electric vehicles are different from a 2015 chevy spark that cost $300 per tire, $70 oil change and $15 gas in week to $3-5 to fill up if want to pay at walmart. Charges from normal 110v socket over night. Its a trade higher insurance avg 23% and plate cost vs oil and gas costs. It should balance out plus way more fun to drive knowing gas is not a factor and your wall plug is always in trunk!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
37 people out of 41 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Value and solidly built

I use it for local use and it is PERFECT for that, heated steering wheel, seats are a nice touch, maps, navigation work great, phone interface phenomenal. If it weren't so nimble, I would think it was a luxury car! LA is finding this out, they are disappearing and the prices are going up! So is the range!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great Little Electric Car that seats 5

This car doesn't have an engine, transmission, or gas tank and doesn't need oil changes! Little to no maintenance required. It is a fully electric vehicle and at five years old, missing one battery bar, it has an estimated 81 miles per charge. You can charge it many places for free, or you can get a subscription and charge as much as you want for $20 at certain public chargers. You can plug it into any regular outlet at home, or use special chargers that charge it a lot faster. You can install a Level 2 charger at home too (some utilities have discount programs), and it costs a lot less to own this EV than a gas car. It's a great little car with a lot of pep! It is best for driving around town, but it does have a fast charge port (Level 3) so that you can use the fast chargers up and down the interstate. Driving at high speeds for a long time and using the fast charger a lot can cause the batter to get too hot, which makes it less efficient and may even delay your trip if you aren't mindful of it - not really a problem if you keep an eye on it for big road trips, but it does take a long time to go a long distance because of stopping to charge. It is one of the safest EVs on the road too.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
24 people out of 24 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 49 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2015 Nissan Leaf base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
3
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
3
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
4
Overall side crash rating
4
Risk of rollover
10.9%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
4
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
3
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Nissan Certified Select
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/unlimited distance
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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