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2020 Nissan Leaf

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$31,600

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Hatchback

Body style

111
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
150-226 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
8-11 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.

45 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.

40-62 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

176.4” x 61.4”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(9 reviews)

The good:

  • Driving range
  • Feels light and nimble
  • Performance in Normal driving mode
  • Brake pedal feel
  • Useful e-Pedal system
  • Effective ProPilot Assist technology

The bad:

  • Ride harshness
  • Performance in Eco driving mode
  • Steering wheel doesn't telescope, only tilts
  • Rear-seat comfort for adult passengers
  • Huge ledge where cargo floor and folded backseat meet
  • Too much hard plastic in cabin

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 Nissan Leaf trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Hatchbacks for 2024

Notable features

  • Nissan Safety Shield 360 now standard
  • All-electric, five-seat compact hatchback
  • EPA-estimated 150-mile driving range standard
  • Plus version with around 226 miles of range
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
  • ProPilot Assist driver-assist safety system available
See also: How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2020 Nissan Leaf?

2020 Nissan Leaf review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Nissan Leaf?

The Nissan Leaf hatchback — one of the earliest mainstream electric cars, debuting for the 2011 model year — was redesigned for 2018 and features an EPA-estimated driving range of 150 miles on a full charge. 

The five-seat Leaf is powered by a standard 147-horsepower electric motor and has a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged in about eight hours at 240 volts. The Leaf Plus has a bigger battery pack and a more powerful electric motor. The front-wheel-drive Leaf competes with EVs such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Ioniq EV and Volkswagen e-Golf.

What’s New on the 2020 Nissan Leaf?

New standard active safety features include rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist. Standard front-seat knee airbags and rear-seat side impact airbags have also been added. An 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is also standard. 

What Features in the 2020 Nissan Leaf Are Most Important?

With an estimated range of 150 miles standard, the regular Leaf trails the Bolt EV’s 259-mile range (as well as the Tesla Model 3’s 220-mile standard range). The Leaf Plus brings the hatchback’s range closer to the Bolt EV’s and should help dampen most range-anxiety concerns. A quick-charge port (optional on the base, S trim level and standard on other trims) can charge the battery to 80 percent of its capacity in about 45 minutes at a fast-charging station.

All Leafs have an e-Pedal, which can initiate gradual braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator. The optional ProPilot Assist system can steer the car in its lane and maintain a set distance from traffic directly ahead all the way to a complete stop.

Should I Buy the 2020 Nissan Leaf?

Buying an electric car requires a commitment to managing your electric range and living with its limitations. The Model 3 is more expensive, so the Leaf’s real rivals are EVs such as the Bolt EV and Ioniq EV. Both competitors have longer standard driving ranges, but we recommend trying all three before deciding which best suits your needs.

Consumer reviews

(9 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

EV FOR EVERYONE

WITH THE HIGH GAS PRICES GOING UP I WAS REALLY THINKING ABOUT A EV.IM RETIRED AND CANT REALLY WORK ANYMORE.I GOT THE PREOWNED CAR FROM NISSAN GALLATIN IN TENN.ITS A SV MODEL AND HAS ALL THE EXTRAS IN IT LIKE HEATED SEATS AND STEERING WHEEL ANS EPEDAL AND SMART CRUISE.ITS SUPER BLACK AND SEATS ARE REALLY COMFORTABLE.IM GETTING WINDOWS TINTED THIS MONTH TO GIVE A MORE AGGRESIVE LOOK.THE CAR IS AWESOME.NO MORE SPENDING MY RETIREMENT MONEY ON THE HIGH GAS PRICES.IVE HAD MY CAR FOR A SHORT WHILE BUT ENJOY DRIVING IT.A FUL CHARGE LAST ME ALL WK.I DONT GO ON LONG DRIVES WITH IT.MY GRANDKIDS LOVE IT WHEN I PICK THEM UP FROM SCHOOL.FOR GETTING AROUND TOWN AND JUST DOING SOME DAILY ROUTINES WITH IS IS AWESOME.MY DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE WAS AWESOME.TOOK REALLY QUICK AND VERY NICE.IVE HAD MY SHARE OF DEALERSHIPS BEFORE AND SOME OF THEM DONT REALLY CARE ABOUT YOU LIKE NISSAN DOES.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great value as commuter car, EV must be the future

Safety and value. Was looking for an EV for a new teen driver. Safety, ease of use, visibility, features (ePedal and 360 camera specific to LEAF), and VALUE (with dealer discounts before the auto market heated up and credits), was the easiest car buying decision I have ever made. Dealer experience so so. They all hedged around the $7500 Fed Tax incentive, so, recommend you figure this out at time of purchase. The customer service at the dealership I bought the car was mixed. Note: I have NOT owned the car long enough to determine its reliability. Now problems so far. Time to power the electric grid with sustainable sources.

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 New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great Intro to EVs without breaking the Bank

I purchased a Certified Pre-owned 2020 Nissan Leaf from Bronco Motors. With the current high demand for EVs, I felt I received a very fair price. The primary reason I purchased the LEAF is to transport my 90-year old mother to church and her other appointments. The LEAF is one of very few hatchbacks that allows her walker to store upright in the cargo area. Although I wasn't originally looking at the SL Plus the leather seats make entry and exit much easier. There are a ton of features in this car that make life a little more pleasant. First, the adaptive cruise control is much appreciated for both in town and highway jaunts. The heated steering wheel and seats make cold winter days a little more bearable. The Bose stereo is the nicest car radio I've ever owned. Charging times are programmable so you never have to worry about charging a hot battery. Just set your charging time for an hour or so after you get home and the battery will fully charge by morning. The seats are very comfortable and the steering wheel now tilts and telescopes. Finally, although I never felt like I was a snob, I do appreciate driving past gas stations with their insanely high prices. This car/EV is a keeper and does what I need it to do.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 9 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2020 Nissan Leaf base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
10.7%
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
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
Hybrid electric
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
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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Latest 2020 Leaf stories

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