2014 Nissan Leaf review

1. Bypass fuel stops 

With an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles with a fully charged 24 kWh battery pack, the Leaf covers many people’s daily driving habits. The regenerative braking system recharges the battery when you slow to a stop, helping eke out more mileage from every charge. Your driving habits will also play a role in how much actual range you get from each charge. If you can recharge at home or have a reliable charger nearby, the Leaf can handle your in-town driving. 

2. Flexible charging options 

The Leaf offers various ways to charge the car, from 30 minutes to 20 hours. A 3.6 kW onboard charger is standard for eight-hour charging time on a 240-volt circuit. A 6.6 kW charger is optional on the S model and standard on the SV and SL, which supports charging in five hours. The optional Fast Charge receptacle—standard on the SL—can charge the Leaf to 80% in 30 minutes. In comparison, plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet can take as long as 20 hours to recharge. 

3. Roomy and comfortable 

Because the Leaf was designed as an EV from the ground up, Nissan located the battery pack underneath the floor, leaving room for passengers and cargo. Technically, the Leaf seats five, but four people will be more comfortable. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 24 cu-ft and expands to 30 cu-ft when the rear seats are folded. The 60/40 split rear seats offer versatility for carrying people and your stuff on weekend errands. 

4. New driving experience 

The first thing you’ll notice is a small orb instead of a shift lever. Nudge it up for reverse, down for drive, and to the side for neutral. As you press the pedal, the Leaf responds with brisk acceleration, barely making a whisper. With a low center of gravity, the Leaf maneuvers well in parking lots and on the highway. Use the standard Eco mode to gain extra mileage by increasing regenerative braking and reducing the climate system and motor output. On SV and SL trims, the B mode enhances the aggressiveness of the regenerative braking system, using the car’s momentum to recharge the battery. 

5. Plentiful features 

The 2014 Nissan Leaf has three trims: S, SV, and SL. In the base S model, standard features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth^® wireless connectivity communication, heated front and rear seats, and a four-inch display. The midlevel SV upgrades to a seven-inch display, navigation, and cruise control. The top SL trim includes leather, 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a solar panel on the rear spoiler to support the 12-volt system. Options are few, including a 6.6 kW charger for the S model and, for the SL, a quick-charge port for use with special high-speed chargers.