If you’re looking for a car that provides a great balance of safety, efficiency, and affordability, the Nissan LEAF should be at the top of your list. As a family of four, we recently purchased the Nissan LEAF and have been incredibly pleased with the car. In this blog post, we’ll provide our review from a family’s perspective, discussing the features that make the Nissan LEAF such an excellent choice for families.
The Basics of the Nissan Leaf
As we look into the Nissan Leaf review, let’s start with the basics. The Nissan Leaf is a fully electric car, meaning it is powered entirely by an electric motor and battery pack. This means it produces zero emissions while driving, making it an eco-friendly choice for families who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Leaf is available in several different trim levels, each with its own set of features. The base S trim comes with a 40 kWh battery pack and a range of up to 149 miles, while the SV and SL trims come with a larger 62 kWh battery pack and a range of up to 226 miles. All trims come with a 147-horsepower electric motor and front-wheel drive.
In terms of pricing, the base S trim starts at around $32,000, while the SV and SL trims start at around $35,000 and $39,000, respectively. While this may seem like a higher upfront cost compared to traditional gas-powered cars, the Leaf’s low cost of ownership and fuel savings make it an attractive option for families who want to save money in the long run.
Overall, the Nissan Leaf is a solid choice for families who want an eco-friendly car with plenty of features and a comfortable ride. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the Leaf’s safety features, interior comfort and space, range and charging, performance and handling, eco-friendly features, and cost of ownership.
Nissan Leaf Review : Safety Features
When it comes to choosing a family car, safety is always a top priority. The Nissan Leaf is no exception, and its safety features are worth a closer look.
One of the most notable safety features of the Nissan Leaf is its e-Pedal technology. This feature allows drivers to use just one pedal to accelerate and brake, reducing the risk of accidental acceleration or sudden braking. The e-Pedal also automatically engages the brake lights when decelerating, making it easier for drivers behind you to know when you’re slowing down.
Another safety feature of the Nissan Leaf is its ProPILOT Assist system, which helps with steering, braking, and accelerating in heavy traffic or on the highway. This feature can make driving in heavy traffic less stressful and safer.
The Nissan Leaf also has several passive safety features, including airbags and a reinforced body structure. It also has a rearview camera and parking sensors, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Nissan Leaf received a five-star overall safety rating, the highest possible score. Overall, the Nissan Leaf is a safe and reliable choice for families looking for an eco-friendly car.
Interior Comfort and Space
When it comes to choosing a car for your family, one of the most important things to consider is the interior comfort and space. After all, you want everyone to be comfortable during long trips or daily commutes. So, let’s take a closer look at the interior of the Nissan Leaf and see how it measures up.
First, it’s important to note that the Nissan Leaf is classified as a compact car, so you might think that the interior would feel cramped. However, this is not the case. In fact, the Leaf actually offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and there’s enough headroom and legroom for even taller passengers. In terms of cargo space, there’s a total of 30 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
In addition to the space, the Leaf also offers a stylish and modern interior design. The dashboard and center console are intuitive and easy to use, and the overall design feels sleek and futuristic. There are also plenty of features to keep everyone entertained, such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
One thing to note is that the rear visibility in the Leaf can be a bit limited due to the sloping roofline and small rear window. However, this is a common issue in many modern cars and can be remedied with the use of backup cameras and parking sensors.
Overall, the interior comfort and space in the Nissan Leaf is impressive for a compact car. The modern design and ample features make it a great choice for families who want an eco-friendly vehicle without sacrificing comfort or style.
Range and Charging
As a family, one of the main concerns we had when considering purchasing an electric vehicle was the range and charging time. Fortunately, the Nissan Leaf did not disappoint in this aspect.
The 2019 Nissan Leaf has a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge, which is perfect for our daily commuting needs. However, on longer road trips, we did have to plan ahead and map out charging stations along our route. We found that there are plenty of public charging stations available, and the NissanConnect EV app made it easy to find and navigate to them.
When it comes to charging time, we were pleasantly surprised by the quick charge feature, which allows the Leaf to charge up to 80% in just 40 minutes at a DC fast charging station. For a full charge using a standard 240-volt charger, it takes around 8 hours. We found this to be convenient, as we could easily charge the vehicle overnight while we slept.
Overall, we were impressed with the Nissan Leaf’s range and charging capabilities. It allowed us to confidently go about our daily activities and even embark on longer road trips without any range anxiety. The quick charge feature and easy access to public charging stations made charging a breeze. If you’re looking for an electric vehicle with reliable range and charging, we highly recommend the Nissan Leaf.
Nissan Leaf Review : Performance and Handling
When it comes to the Nissan Leaf, its performance and handling are definitely worth mentioning. This electric vehicle is not only eco-friendly but also packs a punch with its quick acceleration and smooth handling.
In our review, we were impressed with how effortlessly the Leaf handled turns and twists on the road. It also offers a comfortable ride with minimal noise and vibrations. The regenerative braking system is another standout feature, providing a smooth and seamless transition from acceleration to deceleration.
One thing to note is that the Leaf’s range and performance may decrease in extreme weather conditions, such as very hot or very cold temperatures. However, this is a common issue among electric vehicles, and overall the Leaf still performs exceptionally well.
Overall, the Nissan Leaf’s performance and handling make it a great option for families who prioritize a smooth and comfortable ride without sacrificing speed or agility.
Nissan Leaf Review : Eco-Friendly Features
The Nissan Leaf is not just a car that is good for the environment, but it is designed with a variety of eco-friendly features that make it a standout in the electric vehicle market.
One of the most impressive features is the Leaf’s regenerative braking system. When you step on the brake, the car captures the energy from the brakes and sends it back to the battery. This not only extends the range of the car, but also reduces wear and tear on the brakes, saving you money on repairs.
Another eco-friendly feature of the Nissan Leaf is the use of recycled materials in the construction of the car. From the seats to the dash, many of the materials used are recycled, reducing the amount of waste in landfills.
The Leaf is also equipped with a “B-Mode” which allows you to increase the regenerative braking, allowing you to capture even more energy from braking. This feature can be especially useful in stop-and-go traffic or on hilly roads.
Finally, the Nissan Leaf has a unique feature called “Eco Mode”. When this mode is activated, the car adjusts the power output of the motor and air conditioning to maximize efficiency and extend the range of the car. This is a great feature for families who are concerned about their carbon footprint and want to reduce their impact on the environment.
In summary, the Nissan Leaf is a car that not only offers great performance and comfort, but is also designed with a variety of eco-friendly features that make it a smart choice for families who want to do their part for the planet. From the regenerative braking to the use of recycled materials, the Leaf sets the standard for environmentally conscious cars.
Cost of Ownership
When considering purchasing an electric vehicle like the Nissan Leaf, one important factor to keep in mind is the cost of ownership. While the upfront price tag of the Leaf may be slightly higher than some gas-powered vehicles in its class, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs make it a worthwhile investment.
The Leaf requires less maintenance than traditional gas-powered vehicles due to the absence of an engine and other mechanical components. With fewer parts to wear out or break down, the cost of repairs and upkeep is significantly reduced. Additionally, electric vehicles generally have lower fuel and electricity costs compared to gasoline, especially if charging at home or taking advantage of public charging stations.
Another benefit of owning a Leaf is the potential tax incentives and rebates that may be available depending on your location and circumstances. Many states and municipalities offer tax credits, rebates, or other incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, which can help offset the initial purchase cost.
Overall, while the initial investment may be higher than a gas-powered vehicle, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs, combined with potential tax incentives and rebates, make the Nissan Leaf an affordable and sustainable choice for families.
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