2016 Nissan Leaf

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$29,010

starting MSRP

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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
84-107 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
5-8 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.
24-30 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

View all 2016 Nissan Leaf specs .

Overview

(18 reviews)

The good:

Drives like a real car
Sprightly acceleration
Zero tailpipe emissions
Low fuel cost
Remote charge control

The bad:

High floor in backseat
Range varies with temperature, terrain
Charger installation can be pricey
Limited public charging infrastructure

S
$29,010
SV
$34,200
SL
$36,790

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2016 Nissan Leaf trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Hatchbacks for 2024

Longer driving range for SV and SL trims
Pure battery-electric car
Five-seat compact hatchback
Stereo with 5-inch screen standard
Backup camera standard
6.6-kilowatt onboard charger for faster charging available

2016 Nissan Leaf review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Nissan Leaf is a pure battery-electric hatchback. It is available in three trim levels and competes against the likes of the Mitsubishi i and Ford Focus Electric.
New for 2016
SV and SL trim levels now have a 30-kilowatt-hour battery pack that increases the EPA-estimated driving range from 84 to 107 miles. The base S trim still uses a smaller 24-kwh battery pack and has an estimated range of 84 miles. A stereo with a 5-inch screen is now standard and includes Bluetooth streaming audio and iPod connectivity.
Significant Standard Features

107-horsepower electric motor
Front-wheel drive
Locking and lighted charge port on car’s nose
Heated side mirrors
Heated front seats
60/40-split folding backseat
5-inch multimedia screen
Bluetooth streaming audio
Backup camera
Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

Available direct current quick-charge port can recharge battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes
Small solar panel atop the SL’s liftgate spoiler trickle-charges 12-volt battery
Heated steering wheel
7-inch multimedia screen
Navigation system

Consumer reviews

(18 reviews)

100% of drivers recommend this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.6
Value 4.8
Exterior 3.9
Reliability 4.9

Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

My first EV: Nissan Leaf

February 14, 2021

By Jw’s electric from Harlingen, Texas

Owns this car

I didn’t expect such a nice and Comfortable car. The trunk area has as much space as our Liberty. For all our town driving it fits our needs. We have the same range as a model 3 Tesla for one third the price. Love the quit and smooth ride!

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

15 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

Love the savings!!

May 29, 2020

By D.Wise from Bourbon, Mo.

Owns this car

The Leaf is a commuter car for me, saves me $4.50 per day. It's comfortable, nice to drive, and very cheap to own and operate.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 3.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a Used car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

Love it so far

February 1, 2020

By JN from Mesa

Owns this car

We have been looking for a nissan leaf a while and finally found one we loved and the price we wanted and it's so much fun to drive

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 New car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

See all 18 consumer reviews

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

Based on the 2016 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

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/36,000 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