Cars

Test Drive: 2025 Nissan Leaf Review – Range and Features

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Test Drive: 2025 Nissan Leaf Review – Range and Features

The electric vehicle (EV) market continues to evolve rapidly, with automakers pushing the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and performance. One of the pioneers in this space, Nissan, has consistently improved its flagship EV—the Nissan Leaf. With the release of the 2025 Nissan Leaf, the company reaffirms its commitment to accessible, eco-friendly transportation. This comprehensive review dives deep into the range, features, design, performance, and technology of the 2025 Nissan Leaf, offering a full test drive experience to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

2025 Nissan Leaf Overview

The 2025 Nissan Leaf stands as a testament to Nissan’s decade-long leadership in mass-market electric vehicles. Since its debut in 2010, the Leaf has undergone several iterations, each refining its efficiency, comfort, and tech integration. The latest model builds upon that legacy, offering improved range, advanced driver assistance systems, and a sleeker design to compete with newer EVs from Tesla, Hyundai, and Chevrolet.

Available in two primary trim levels—S and SV Plus—the 2025 Leaf caters to a broad range of buyers, from budget-conscious commuters to tech-savvy urban drivers. Whether you're new to EVs or upgrading from an older model, the 2025 Leaf promises a seamless blend of practicality and innovation.

Range and Charging: What You Need to Know

One of the most critical factors for EV buyers is driving range. The 2025 Nissan Leaf delivers notable improvements over its predecessor, addressing previous concerns about limited mileage.

Battery Options and Real-World Range

The base S trim features a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering an EPA-estimated range of up to 150 miles on a full charge. While this may seem modest compared to long-range competitors, it’s ideal for city dwellers and daily commuters who travel under 50 miles per day on average.

The SV Plus trim steps things up with a 62 kWh battery, delivering an EPA-estimated range of up to 226 miles. This makes the Leaf competitive with mid-range EVs in its class and suitable for longer weekend trips or extended commutes without frequent charging stops.

During our test drive in mixed conditions—city traffic, highway cruising, and suburban roads—the SV Plus consistently achieved around 210–220 miles of real-world range. Factors such as driving style, temperature, and use of climate control had a moderate impact, but regenerative braking helped recover energy during deceleration, extending efficiency.

Charging Capabilities

The 2025 Leaf supports multiple charging options:

While Nissan continues to support CHAdeMO, it's worth noting that the industry is shifting toward CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors. However, CHAdeMO stations remain widely available in urban areas and along major corridors, especially in the United States and Japan.

Exterior Design and Aerodynamics

The 2025 Nissan Leaf features a refreshed exterior that blends modern aesthetics with functional aerodynamics. Nissan has refined the front fascia with a more defined V-motion grille, sleek LED headlights, and a lower, wider stance that improves airflow and reduces drag.

The body lines are sculpted to enhance efficiency, with a drag coefficient of just 0.28 Cd, contributing to improved range. The SV Plus trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels with a dynamic design, while the base S trim features 16-inch steel wheels with full covers to further optimize aerodynamics.

Signature LED lighting—both front and rear—provides excellent visibility and a distinctive look at night. Available colors include Pearl White, Glacier White, Scarlet Ember, and Deep Blue Pearl, giving buyers options to match their personal style.

Overall, the Leaf maintains a compact footprint (176 inches long), making it easy to maneuver in tight city streets and park in small spaces—ideal for urban environments.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2025 Nissan Leaf, and you’ll find a cabin that balances comfort, utility, and tech-forward features. The interior has been updated with higher-quality materials, reduced noise insulation, and improved ergonomics.

Seating and Space

The Leaf seats five comfortably, with supportive front seats and ample legroom in the rear. The SV Plus trim offers heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing comfort during colder months. Cargo space remains consistent with previous models—14.9 cubic feet in the trunk, which is competitive for a compact hatchback. There’s no frunk (front trunk), as the battery is located beneath the cabin floor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The centerpiece of the Leaf’s interior is the 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, standard on both trims. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. Navigation, Bluetooth, and voice recognition are also included.

The SV Plus adds a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, offering customizable displays for speed, battery level, energy consumption, and navigation directions. A 9-speaker Bose audio system is optional, delivering crisp sound quality for audiophiles.

Nissan has also enhanced its wireless connectivity, with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. These features ensure the vehicle stays current with the latest software improvements and security patches.

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2025 Nissan Leaf is powered by an electric motor mounted on the front axle. The base S trim produces 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Plus ups the ante with 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Both versions deliver responsive acceleration, with the SV Plus capable of 0–60 mph in around 6.8 seconds—respectable for an economy EV.

During our test drive, the Leaf demonstrated smooth, quiet operation with instant torque delivery. The low center of gravity, thanks to the underfloor battery, results in stable cornering and minimal body roll. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to handle in stop-and-go traffic.

Driving Modes and e-Pedal

The Leaf continues to feature multiple driving modes:

The standout feature is Nissan’s e-Pedal, which allows one-pedal driving. By modulating the accelerator, drivers can accelerate, decelerate, and come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal in most situations. This reduces driver fatigue in city traffic and improves overall efficiency.

Ride Quality and Noise Levels

The suspension has been tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively, providing a comfortable ride even on uneven pavement. Road and wind noise are minimized compared to earlier models, though highway speeds above 70 mph introduce some tire noise, especially with the alloy wheels.

Overall, the driving experience is calm, composed, and intuitive—perfect for daily commutes and urban errands.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority in the 2025 Nissan Leaf, which comes equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard on both trims. This suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) includes:

The SV Plus trim adds ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s semi-autonomous driving system. This feature combines adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and traffic jam assist to reduce driver workload on highways. During our test, ProPILOT Assist maintained a safe following distance and kept the vehicle centered in its lane with minimal correction.

The 2025 Leaf is expected to earn top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, building on the strong safety record of previous models. It also features six standard airbags, traction control, and electronic stability control.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

As a zero-emission vehicle, the 2025 Nissan Leaf produces no tailpipe emissions, reducing its carbon footprint significantly compared to gasoline-powered cars. Nissan has also emphasized sustainability in production, using recycled materials for carpeting, seat fabrics, and interior trim.

The battery is designed for longevity and can be repurposed for energy storage after its automotive life. Nissan participates in battery recycling programs and has partnered with energy companies to explore second-life applications for used EV batteries.

For eco-conscious consumers, the Leaf offers not just lower operating costs but a genuine commitment to a greener future.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The 2025 Nissan Leaf remains one of the most affordable new EVs on the market:

After applying the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 (subject to eligibility), the effective price drops significantly, making the SV Plus trim accessible under $30,000 in many cases. Some states offer additional rebates, further improving affordability.

Compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt EV (discontinued) and the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Leaf offers competitive pricing with strong brand reliability and dealer support. While Tesla’s Model 3 offers more range and performance, it comes at a much higher price point, making the Leaf an attractive entry-level option.

Ownership Costs and Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of owning an EV is lower maintenance costs. The 2025 Nissan Leaf benefits from:

Estimated annual maintenance costs are around $400–$500, significantly lower than the average gasoline car. Nissan also offers an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery, providing peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Electricity costs vary by region, but on average, charging the Leaf costs about $0.04 per mile. For a driver covering 12,000 miles annually, that translates to roughly $480 in “fuel” costs—compared to over $1,500 for a gas-powered car averaging 25 mpg at $3.50 per gallon.

Pros and Cons of the 2025 Nissan Leaf

After extensive testing and analysis, here’s a balanced look at the strengths and weaknesses of the 2025 Nissan Leaf:

Pros

Cons