Skip to main content

The Nissan Leaf just became the cheapest electric car on the market. The electric vehicle is over a decade old and has constantly been improving. The Nissan Leaf is affordable and reliable, but which trim provides the best value for consumers?

The best Nissan Leaf trim

An orange Nissan Leaf.
The Nissan Leaf | Nissan

The Nissan Leaf has earned a place among the best new electric cars on the market. It has proved itself to be a great used EV as well. Which Nissan Leaf trim is right for you?

The Nissan Leaf S Plus starts at $32,400. After federal and local tax incentives, this price could be discounted to $25,400. This price is amazing for a new electric car. The Leaf S Plus makes 214 horsepower compared to the 147 horsepower of the base model.

The Nissan Leaf S Plus model gets 226 miles of range on a single charge. The base model only gets 149 miles on a single charge. The Nissan Leaf S Plus is the best Nissan Leaf trim because it provides better range and horsepower than all other trims. It still doesn’t compete with more popular new EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, but it is much cheaper to purchase in comparison.

The second-best Leaf trim

A white Nissan Leaf.
The Nissan Leaf | Nissan

The second-best Nissan Leaf trim is the Leaf SL Plus at $37,400. After federal and local tax incentives, the SL Plus could cost under $30,400. The SL Plus makes 214 horsepower. It can go 215 miles on a single charge. It has slightly less range than the S Plus but comes with a Bose Energy Efficient Audio System and leather-appointed seats. It also includes exterior mirrors with LED turn signal indicators.

The Nissan Leaf SL Plus trim is the next best option for consumers because it brings comfort and style to the otherwise bland Nissan Leaf. The Leaf’s interior has been noted as drab by consumers and reviews alike. The Bose Energy Efficient Audio system and leather-appointed seats provide some much-needed character and personality to the Nissan Leaf. Despite being the Leaf’s highest trim model, the SL Plus is still less expensive than the average new compact car, even without tax incentives.

The Nissan Leaf is a reliable vehicle, so when choosing trims, you might as well chose the coziest. The Leaf S Plus provides slightly better range, but if you are committing to the Leaf’s low battery range, then frequent trips to a charger should be expected.

Is the Nissan Leaf the right EV for you?

The Nissan Leaf | Stanislav Kogiku/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Nissan Leaf is perfect for those who are curious about electric vehicles. It is a great entry-level EV because, according to Electrek, it is the most affordable electric car on the market. Unfortunately, the Leaf is far from the most exciting EV on the market today.

The Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Ford Mustang Mach-E are more exciting EVs than the Nissan leaf because of battery range and horsepower. The Leaf, however, is a part of EV history and the perfect car for those who want a compact EV that can travel short distances. The base model Nissan Leaf may not be the right choice for you, but the Nissan Leaf S Plus and SL Plus are worth looking into.

Related

Is the Nissan Leaf Plus Worth Its Big Price Tag?