Nissan LEAF Review: The Vertu VERDICT
“Much like the original - a true pioneer of the electric vehicle movement - the latest Nissan LEAF moves the EV game along once more. The invaluable experience of developing electric cars long before it rivals really shows in this third generation model. Every detail is well-judged, from the efficient design to the frugal batteries to the spacious and airy interior, making the LEAF a truly excellent electric family car "
Video Review of the Nissan LEAF
.
.
Nissan LEAF: The Key Features
- The original Nissan LEAF - launched in 2010 - set an early benchmark for electric cars long before other manufacturers followed suit
- For this third generation iteration, the LEAF has evolved from a conventional small hatchback into a trendy fastback-style SUV
- Offered with the choice of a 52kWh battery or 75kWh battery, with the larger variant capable of up to 386-miles of range (depending on the trim)
- Prices start at £28,849* for the 52kWh version, which includes the £3,750 Electric Car Grant discount from the UK government
- Standard 3-year/60,000-mile warranty with the option to extend for up to 6-years/100,000-miles
- Features to highlight include a panoramic glass roof with electronic tint technology, Google-based infotainment built-in and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load)
- Built in the UK at Nissan's plant in Sunderland
Who is the Nissan LEAF Best Suited To?
- Daily drivers who commute, visit the shops or complete the school run who'd benefit from the extended range because they can't charge overnight
- Small families with young children who can make use of the LEAF's generous interior and boot space
- Those seeking an electric car to reduce costs and need the long range for extended journeys or infrequent charging
.
Nissan LEAF Trim Levels & Equipment
Nissan LEAF Trims | Powertrain Options | Standard Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.3 TFT driver display, 12.3-inch infotainment display, 6 speakers, Full ADAS safety suite, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, NissanConnect Services, dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, USB-C charging, V2L, electric door mirrors, electric mirrors LED day time running lights | |
| 18-inch diamond cut alloy whels, white ambient lighting on dashboard, auto dimming mirror, 14.3-inch TFT driver display, 14.3-inch infotainment display, Google built-in, wireless phone charger, heated seats, heated steering wheel (in addition to Engage) | |
| Dimming panoramic roof, illuminated Nissan badge in front, 3D rear lamps, LED headlights with adaptive driving beam, electric tailgate, black roof rails, rear privacy glass, part synthetic leather seating, 64-colour ambient lighting, head-up display (in addition to Engage+) | |
| 19-inch alloy wheels, two-tone metallic paint, black synthetic leather seats, 8-way electrically adjustable front seats, driver seat with massage, I-Key+ approach unlock, Bose sound system with 9 speakers, V2L connector (in addition to Advance) |
Nissan LEAF Technical Specifications
Nissan LEAF Technical Specifications | 52kWh | 75kWh |
|---|---|---|
Type | Family Coupe SUV | Family SUV Coupe |
Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats |
Trims | Engage, Advance | Engage, Engage+, Advance, Evolve |
Powertrain | Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) | Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Power | 174bhp | 215bhp |
0-62mph | 8.3secs | 7.6secs |
EV Range (WLTP) | 280-miles | 361 - 386-miles |
CO2 Emissions | 0g/km | 0g/km |
Boot Space (5 Seats) | 437-litres | 437-litres |
Insurance Group | TBC | 31E - 33E |
EuroNCAP Safety Rating | Not yet tested* | Not yet tested* |
What We Like About the Nissan LEAF
- Stylish and distinctive, the new Nissan LEAF cuts a dash on the road, as though it is at last proud to show off its electric underpinnings
- Well-packaged interior feels airy, offers family-friendly levels of practicality and is brimming with clever storage touches
- It is excellent value-for-money even before you factor in the full £3,750 ECG discount that lowers the price further
- 75kWh battery models get remarkably close to the 400-mile range mark
- As with all Nissans, the LEAF is refined to drive and feels like a quality (UK built) product
- It's far removed from its successor but that model's excellent reliability record bodes well for the new LEAF's aftersales prospects
- With this in mind, the Nissan LEAF makes an excellent - and bargainous - used car prospect
- Overall, you'll struggle to find a more accomplished, well-equipped or frugal electric car for under £30k (52kWh) than the Nissan LEAF
.
.
Electric Family Cars To Also Consider...
Kia EV4 Fastback
Available as a conventional hatchback or as the coupe-esque fastback we're featuring here, the Kia EV4 is arguably the most distinctive of the Korean firm's rapidly growing line-up of EV-prefixed electric models. Space-age styling aside, however, the EV4 makes a good case for simply being a conventional family car that just happens to be electric by being practical (490-litre boot) and efficient (362-mile range).
.
.
Skoda Elroq
Having hit on a big success with its first electric effort, the Enyaq, Skoda has carried its momentum through to the excellent Elroq electric family SUV. Capable of up to 373-miles of range, the Elroq complements its durability with handsome styling, a high-quality and comfortable interior, and a refined driving experience. Better yet, it comes with a host of 'Simply Clever' features that help to make the Elroq an appealing electric car to live with.
.
.
Toyota C-HR+
Building on the success of the C-HR compact SUV, the larger Toyota C-HR+ is bigger than its namesake in all directions and adopts electric running gear. Certainly one of Toyota's more visually arresting efforts, the C-HR+ showcases the best of the Japanese marque's reputation - strong build quality, comfortable drive and plenty of space - while the electric powertrain is good for up to 377-miles of WLTP range.
.
.
* Details correct at the time of publication (September 2026)
Review Published: September 2026
Updated: September 2026
- Nissan
- Electric
- New Cars