2019 Nissan Leaf Review

The Nissan Leaf has captured the hearts and minds of eco-conscious drivers with its strong performance, striking design and cutting-edge technologies. The EV also offers long range and regenerative braking, making it the ideal hatchback in the market. The Nissan Leaf competes with the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Tesla Model 3.

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 240 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.

Powertrain

The 2019 Nissan Leaf is powered by a Nissan EM57 electric motor, which comes in two versions, the standard EM57-110kW and the optional EM57-160kW.

2019 Nissan Leaf grades

2019 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.

2019 Nissan Leaf G– This grade comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights and taillights, 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.

2019 Nissan Leaf XV Selection– This grade comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, body-coloured 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.

2019 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.

2019 Nissan Leaf Interior

The 2019 Nissan Leaf has a simple and straightforward interior, but it’s also comfortable and spacious, accommodating up to five passengers. In the first row, the seats are supportive and offer good legroom and headroom, even for taller drivers. The seats in the second row are also spacious, with enough legroom for two adults to sit comfortably. However, the centre seat is positioned over a hump in the floor, which limits legroom. Headroom is also limited for taller passengers. The rear seats have two sets of LATCH connectors for attaching child seats.

2019 Nissan Leaf Cargo space

The Leaf has a cargo capacity of 23.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 30 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This is more cargo space to accommodate groceries and other luggage.

2019 Nissan Leaf Exterior

The 2019 Leaf has a modern exterior design that is sure to turn heads on the road. The front end has been completely redesigned for a more contemporary and sleek look. The new headlights are more angular and sleeker and the grille is wider and more prominent. The Nissan emblem has been incorporated into the grille, while the lower fascia has been modified to include new fog lights and air intakes. The side profile of the 2019 Leaf is similar to the previous model, but there are some significant differences. The new wheels are more fashionable and the character line running down the side of the car has been changed. The rear of the Leaf has also been updated, with new taillights and a new bumper.

Safety features; Rear view 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 beams, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection.

Performance

The 2019 Leaf is available with two electric powertrains: the standard EM57-110 kW, which produces 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, and the optional EM57-160 kW, which produces 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.

The horsepower may not seem like much on paper, but the electric motor’s quick torque delivery means it accelerates quickly from a standstill and at motorway speeds. The 110kW motor accelerates from 0-100km in 7.5 seconds, while the 160kW motor accelerates in 6.5 seconds.

The 2019 Nissan Leaf also has a low center of gravity and light steering, which makes it composed and comfortable to drive on the road.

The Leaf’s e-pedal improves brake regeneration and allows one-pedal driving, where you can slow the car by simply taking your foot off the accelerator.

The Leaf also has a range of stability control features, including anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control.

2019 Nissan Leaf odometre

Reliability

The Nissan Leaf is widely regarded as a reliable EV. Many owners have reported satisfaction with the car’s performance and reasonable running costs, largely due to its all-electric nature, which requires less maintenance than standard petrol cars. However, some owners have raised concerns about malfunctioning Nissan Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), battery degradation, electrical issues and cooling system malfunctions.

If you are considering buying or currently own a Nissan Leaf, it is important that you read the Owner’s Manual and Buyer’s Guide for detailed information.

Pros

Long range
Smooth acceleration
Quiet driving experience

Cons

Rear legroom is a bit tight
Not as sporty as some other EVs

Verdict

The 2019 Nissan Leaf is a great all-round EV, making it a great choice for city dwellers. It offers strong performance on the road, long-range, and a comfortable driving experience. It may not be as sporty as other cars in the same class, but it is an EV worth considering.

2019 Nissan Leaf side profile