Used 2022 Nissan LEAF

The 2022 Nissan Leaf is the cheapest new electric car on sale in the United States. And it’s still eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, as well as other state incentives.

The regular Leaf compact hatchback has a maximum range of 149 miles. The Leaf Plus is the same car with additional power and range — up to 226 miles. This year, there’s a smaller price difference. The Plus in S trim starts $5,000 more than the regular S model. Last year, that gap was $6,600.

As tempting as a new Leaf Plus might sound, its range and cost put it in contention with other electric vehicles like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and the Tesla Model S. All these rivals can travel further on a single charge.

For errands around town, school runs, short-to-medium commutes, and the like, the regular Leaf has its attractions. The Leaf is also a known quantity, as it’s now in its second generation that debuted for the 2018 model year.

For 2022, the entire Leaf lineup gains a CHAdeMO quick charger with a portable 240-volt cable as standard (there’s a reason for the odd name, it’s derived from a Japanese saying). This addition is a good thing in general, but it’s hardly at the cutting edge of EV charging. A Leaf still takes about seven hours for a full battery replenishment from this source. A DC fast charger can supply 80 percent in around 45 minutes.

No need to worry about reliability and maintenance. Electric vehicles have fewer components that need regular replacement or servicing. As a first-ever electric vehicle (EV) purchase and/or perhaps as a second car, the Leaf retains a definite appeal.

A pleasing push off the line and silent operation typify the EV driving experience, and the 2022 Leaf delivers exactly that, along with a pedestrian-warning noise when moving at slow city speeds. That 236 lb-ft of torque provides decent thrust.

The ride is comfortable on freeways, yet the Leaf is still nicely responsive in town. The only real learning curve is getting into the habit of connecting to a charger.

There’s more power in the Leaf Plus, but it isn’t especially noticeable. People who live on hills will probably appreciate the extra muscle when driving home, though.

The instrument panel shows your average and immediate energy consumption, along with how much charge is remaining. Drivers can also choose between different levels of brake regeneration, from mild to strong.

Locating the battery pack under the floor means a slightly raised ride height compared with a regular hatchback, which is good news for those who prefer an elevated driving position. It’s the smartest way to do it, because it optimizes interior space.

There’s plenty of room up front, aided by a tilt/telescope steering wheel. Rear legroom of 33.5 inches is adequate for a small hatchback. As is a maximum cargo area of 30 cubic feet with both 60/40-split rear seats folded. If this is an important aspect, though, the Chevy Bolt EV has more space than the Leaf.

Most of the range has a black interior color scheme, the exception being the top SL Plus model, with a few areas of light grey. This model also has leather seating surfaces. The rest have a suede-like material.

Despite a heavy reliance on plastic, the Leaf’s cabin is still quite bearable, and everything has been put together well. A tiny transmission selector takes a little getting used to, but it adds to the Leaf’s future-is-now vibe.

Whereas the first-generation Leaf definitely had a distinctive look, this model is more mainstream in its appearance. The obligatory corporate grille is deployed, even though it’s not technically a grille (no combustion engine means no requirement for a radiator). The rear pillars also have that “floating roof” optical trick that Nissan applies to other vehicles in its portfolio.

At the lowest parts of the front and back are blue strips, which is car-designer code for an electric or hybrid vehicle, while “zero emissions” badges adorn the sides and tail. The charging socket is front and center, just above the Nissan badge on the nose. That means it’s not far from either side.

E-PEDAL MODE
Engaging this mode enhances brake regeneration so that taking the foot off the accelerator slows the car rather than just allowing it to coast. It’s essentially one-pedal driving, saving the driver from the extra effort of switching between the pedals during the stop/go nature of city traffic.

NissanConnect EV
Standard at the SV level, this feature allows drivers to use a smartphone app that displays battery status, schedules charging, and pre-heats or cools the cabin before setting off.

Trim levels for the 2022 Leaf are S and SV. The Leaf Plus also has an SL version.

In S trim, a new Leaf comes with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic climate control, power windows/locks, manually adjustable front seats, rear-door alert, and a new-for-2022 quick charge port.

The infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen, AM/FM radio, MP3 player, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 4-speaker audio setup.

Generous standard driver aids include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.

As well as the extra power and range, the Leaf Plus in S trim also has 16-inch alloy wheels.

The standard Nissan new car warranty is three years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Other manufacturers are offering better coverage. On the plus side, the Leaf also comes with a battery warranty of eight years/100,000 miles.

S versions of the 2022 Leaf aren’t eligible for many options. To acquire more features means heading for a higher trim. SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, fog lights, heated front seats, a more efficient heating system, two more speakers, NissanConnect EV, navigation, and adaptive cruise control.

This trim is also eligible for the SV Technology package with ProPilot Assist (see the Safety Technology section below), LED headlights, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, self-dimming rearview mirror with garage door opener, 360-degree camera system, and driver attention monitoring. This package is now standard in the SV Plus.

The SL Plus model has leather seating surfaces and a Bose 7-speaker audio system.

Other options include premium paint finishes and a cargo cover.

The regular 2022 Leaf has an electric motor energized by a lithium-ion battery. So does the Leaf Plus, but this variant has a more powerful motor and a battery with greater capacity.

Output is 147 horsepower in the Leaf, 214 in the Leaf Plus. This goes solely to the front wheels through an automatic transmission.

The non-Plus Leaf can cover a maximum of 149 miles on a full charge. The Leaf Plus in S trim is capable of 226 miles. The two higher Leaf Plus trims are rated at 215 miles. They have more equipment, resulting in greater weight.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a method of working out the energy used over the distance covered to create miles-per-gallon equivalent figures (MPGe). These range figures are also from the EPA. Various factors will have an impact, however, such as driving style, weather conditions, traffic, and topography.

110-kW AC synchronous electric motor (Leaf)
40-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
147 horsepower
236 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy equivalent: 123/99 MPGe
EPA-estimated range per full charge: 149 miles

160-kW AC synchronous electric motor (Leaf Plus)
62-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
214 horsepower
250 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy equivalent: 118/97 MPGe (S Plus), 114/94 MPGe (SV/SL Plus)
EPA-estimated range per full charge: 226 miles (S Plus), 215 miles (SV/SL Plus)