Nissan presents two trim choices for the 2025 Leaf: the basic S and the upgraded SV Plus. Both have a front-wheel drivetrain, but their powertrains are different. The S has a 40-kWh battery and a 110-kW electric motor that puts out 147 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. The SV Plus is upgraded to a 60-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor that makes 214 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque.
The two versions’ range may be the deciding factor for most drivers. Those who don’t often take long drives will appreciate the lower cost of the S trim, which will take them up to 150 miles on a fully charged battery (translating to 123 MPGe around town and 99 MPGe on the highway). The larger battery in the SV Plus ramps up the range factor to 212 miles (121 MPGe city/98 MPGe highway). Either trim will add slightly to its range when regenerative braking is engaged; this technology harvests the kinetic energy formed as the vehicle slows and stores it in the battery.
When the S is plugged in to a 50-kW DC fast charger, it will need about 40 minutes to get to 80 percent of the battery capacity. The SV Plus will get to 80 percent in approximately 45 minutes. With a 240V home outlet, the S will need around 8 hours to charge fully, while the SV Plus requires 11 hours.
The S mixes basic features like manually adjustable seats upholstered in fabric with conveniences such as proximity keyless entry. It also has push-button start, automatic climate control (one zone), four USB ports, a 7-inch information display with multiple functions, a 60/40-split folding second-row seatback, automatic on/off halogen headlights, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, and 16-inch steel wheels with covers. The SV Plus earns its name with heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlights, fog lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The proprietary Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology grouping is standard on both trims. It consists of High Beam Assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking. As the more loaded trim, the SV Plus is also given adaptive cruise control with ProPilot Assist (Nissan’s semi-autonomous highway driving system with Active Lane Centering), the Intelligent Around-View Monitor, and Intelligent Driver Alertness (driver attention monitor).
Both trims have an infotainment system that can be managed via an 8-inch touchscreen or voice recognition. The standard components are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth (for hands-free phone and audio streaming), and a sound system. The S trim gets four speakers, but the SV Plus is upgraded to six speakers, along with NissanConnect remote vehicle services.
