As we just mentioned, the ‘23 LEAF is an all-electric hatchback offered in two trims: S and SV Plus. The S comes with a single electric motor that generates 147 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, but the SV Plus gets a stronger electric motor that produces 214 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. The S is capable of traveling up to 149 miles on a single charge and gets an EPA-estimated 123 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway. In contrast, the SV Plus boasts a total driving range of 212 miles and returns 121 city/98 highway.
As far as charging, both trims can be plugged in to 120-volt and 240-volt outlets. Using a 240-volt connection, the S can be fully replenished in a little over 7 hours. This changes to 11 hours with the SV Plus. For an even quicker charge, the two are compatible with DC fast chargers.
As mentioned in the previous section, the S gets the base motor, which makes 147 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Its standard features are highlighted by Nissan Intelligent Key proximity entry, automatic headlights, automatic temperature control, and an 8-inch infotainment system that can be controlled via its touchscreen or voice command. The system’s other components are smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth for hands-free phone use and streaming audio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, and an audio system with four speakers. This base-level LEAF also has a 7-inch gauge cluster, an illuminated Nissan logo on the grille, a 12-volt power outlet, three USB-A ports and one USB-C port, and a 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes standard. This well-rounded array of advanced safety technologies equips the LEAF S with automatic high beams, intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent lane intervention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and rear parking sensors.
As the more expensive trim, the SV Plus gets considerably more, starting with the larger motor, which puts out 214 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. The exterior lighting situation is upgraded with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and fog lamps. For more pleasant wintertime driving, Nissan adds heated front seats (the driver’s seat is power-adjustable), a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. It also gets an auto-dimming rearview mirror and some improvements to the infotainment setup with the addition of navigation, another pair of speakers, and a three-month trial of SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. Nissan’s excellent adaptive cruise control system, ProPILOT Assist, is added to the safety suite along with the Around-View Monitor and driver attention alert.
