Nissan Leaf 2025: A Matter of Experience
The Nissan Leaf was around long before electric cars became the new trend. In fact, the Japanese compact was once the best-selling electric car in the world of all time before being dethroned by the Tesla Model 3. It must be said that the Leaf arrived on the market well before the latter, in 2010 to be exact. At that time, electric cars were seen as UFOs. Nevertheless, things have changed over time. The Leaf has continued to improve and is still one of the best electric cars you can get today, in my opinion. I weigh my words very carefully in this statement.
There are no major new features planned for the Leaf in 2025, as the Japanese automaker’s car still enjoys a lot of success in its current form. Moreover, its popularity continues to grow year after year. It must be said that it is now one of the only affordable small electric cars available on the market.
Range and Price
One of the best selling points of the Nissan Leaf is its price, as the small car from the Japanese manufacturer is among the most affordable electric models on the market. Its base price is $44,584, and this does not even include the subsidies from various governments that currently allow for another $12,000 deduction. This is a considerable sum and makes the Leaf devilishly affordable. The small Japanese car is available in two versions, SV and SV Plus. In the case of the SV Plus version, the range is better, which explains its starting price of $50,334.
Category and Competition
As I mentioned earlier, the competition for the Nissan Leaf is mainly composed of SUVs, as small electric cars are becoming increasingly rare on the market. This is unfortunate because this type of vehicle is more accessible, even if it is less profitable for the manufacturer. Fortunately, the Leaf is still around, and this is one of the many reasons why you should consider it if you are interested in the electric vehicle market. It is also one of the most reliable cars in its segment.
Rivals: Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, Mazda MX-30, Mini Cooper SE
Design and Technology
The second-generation Nissan Leaf has not changed much since its introduction to the market, but it remains a pretty car even today. It doesn’t look like any other car on the market, but it doesn’t differ too much from others, and that is something to appreciate. Some manufacturers tend to offer electric cars with overly bold designs. Nissan decided to do otherwise for the second-generation Leaf, and it was definitely the right thing to do.
The car’s interior is perhaps the only thing that betrays its age, as it is clearly no longer up to date. At the same time, everything remains very functional, and the small Japanese electric car lacks nothing in terms of equipment. It is also a very comfortable and spacious car.
The Nissan Leaf offers several advanced technologies. Its multimedia system is simple and fluid. The driving assistance technologies are precise and not too intrusive. It is also one of the only cars to offer one-pedal driving. This technology allows you to accelerate or brake based on the pressure you apply to the accelerator pedal. I must admit that it doesn’t feel natural at first, but you get used to it quickly, and it’s something interesting for city driving.
Performance
Mechanically, the Nissan Leaf 2025 offers two options, starting with the regular version, which offers an average range of 240 kilometers on a full charge. This version has a motor with 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Then there’s the SV Plus version, with a range of 349 kilometers, which is more interesting. Certainly, it’s a bit below average, but it’s more than sufficient for most buyers. Additionally, the SV Plus version has 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, making it a bit more fun to drive. Between you and me, given the price difference, I would opt for the SV Plus version without hesitation.
Weak Points
The range of the regular version is simply insufficient, especially during the cold season. The interior design could certainly use an update.
Strong Points
It’s a practical, affordable, and pleasant small car to drive. The 2025 Nissan Leaf is also very reliable and offers an excellent quality/price ratio. It has been well thought out, and that is something to appreciate.
Signature Element
The Nissan Leaf is one of the last affordable and serious electric cars on the market.
Final Word
Nissan is a reference in electric vehicles, even if the Leaf is no longer as competitive in terms of range and its interior design could benefit from an update. What is important here is that the car has built a solid reputation over the years and, most importantly, that Nissan has decided not to replace it.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier