2018 Nissan Leaf Front end and side view.

2018 Nissan Leaf Review

The Nissan Leaf is the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle (EV) and the world’s best-selling electric car, and for good reason. It is popular for its affordable price, good range, advanced standard equipment and drivability. The Nissan competes with the Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona Electric, Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model 3.

2018 Nissan Leaf Front end and side view.

2018 Nissan Leaf Front end and side view.

Introduction

The Nissan Leaf is a battery-electric compact hatchback that was introduced in 2010 and has been in production for two generations. The first generation, known as the ZE0/AZE0, was produced from 2010 to 2016 and the second generation, known as the ZE1, has been in production from 2017 to the present.

Mechanically, the second generation Leaf is comparable to the first generation, although it has better range and performance. In terms of style, it is a significant departure from the previous model.
The second-generation Leaf has a range of up to 24o kilometres, more than most other electric cars at the time. The Leaf can be charged from a standard household socket, but can also be quickly recharged using a CHAdeMO fast charger.

Engines

The 2018 Nissan Leaf does not use an engine, instead, it is powered by a Nissan EM57 electric motor which comes in two versions, the EM57-110kW which is standard, and the EM57-160kW which is optional.

2018 Nissan Leaf Grades

  1. 2018 Nissan Leaf X– This is the base grade that comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, rearview camera, cloth seats, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, keyless entry and push-button start, cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
  2. 2018 Nissan Leaf G– This grade comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights and taillights, a black grille, black side mirrors and black rear spoiler, cloth seats, manually adjustable front seats, manual air conditioning, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, four-speaker sound system, and cruise control.
  3. 2018 Nissan Leaf XV Selection– This grade comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, body-colored rear spoiler, electric heated mirrors, privacy glass, heated cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, reversing camera.
  4. 2018 Nissan Leaf Nismo– This is the top grade that comes with a unique front and rear bumpers with red accents, side skirts, black 18-inch alloy wheels, Nismo badge on the front grille, rear bumper and side skirts, Nismo sports steering wheel, red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gear knob, Nismo logo on the seats and floor mats and Unique Nismo Drive Mode.

2018 Nissan Leaf Interior

The 2018 Leaf seats up to five passengers. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long journeys. The driver’s seat has a height adjustment, but the front passenger seat does not. The rear seats are a little cramped and best suited for children or small adults. Taller adults will find it difficult to sit comfortably in the back. The 2018 Nissan Leaf also has two full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on the rear outer seats and an upper tether on the rear center seat to help fit child seats.

2018 Nissan Leaf Cargo Space

The 2018 Leaf offers 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, larger than most compact cars. With the rear seats folded, the cargo space increases to 30 cubic feet. However, the rear seats do not fold completely flat.

2018 Nissan Leaf Exterior

The 2018 Nissan Leaf has been significantly redesigned from its predecessor, with a more conventional and mainstream look. Nissan’s V-Motion grille dominates the front end, flanked by boomerang-shaped headlights. The side profile has a ‘floating roof’ design with a blacked-out C-pillar that gives the appearance of a separate roof section. The rear lights are boomerang-shaped, mirroring the headlights.
Safety features; Rearview Camera, Automatic Emergency Braking, ProPilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Around View Monitor (360-degree parking camera), Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Drowsiness Monitor, Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Detection

Performance

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is no sports car, but it still offers solid performance on the road. It is powered by a 110-kilowatt electric motor that produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The engine’s torque is available immediately, making the Leaf quick and responsive off the line.
The 2018 Leaf has a well-tuned suspension that keeps it stable on the road. It feels planted in corners and is easy to control even on bumpy roads.
The brakes are responsive and offer plenty of stopping power. The Leaf also has regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery when you slow down. The 2018 Leaf also has good acceleration with a 0-100km/h time of around 7.6 seconds.

2018 Nissan Leaf interior

Reliability

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is generally considered to be a reliable electric car, with most owners reporting trouble-free driving experiences. However, just like any other car, the Nissan Leaf can have problems. Some of the most commonly reported issues include slow fast charge times, battery degradation, and thermal throttling, especially in hot weather. It is important to note that these problems are not widespread and most owners do not experience them.
It is advisable to service your Nissan Leaf regularly to mitigate any issues that may arise. If you are planning to buy or currently own a Nissan Leaf, it is important that you read the Owner’s Manual and Buyer’s Guide for detailed information.

Pros

  • Quiet driving experience
  • Smooth acceleration
  • Plenty of cargo space

Cons

  • The rear seats don’t fold flat

Verdict

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is a good option for buyers looking for an affordable, reliable, and practical electric car. It has a good range, a comfortable interior and a wide range of standard equipment. It’s also a good choice for buyers who are new to electric vehicles, as it’s relatively easy to live with.
2018 Nissan Leaf rear and side profile.

2018 Nissan Leaf rear and side profile.