2021 Nissan LEAF Review: Range, Charging Times, Pricing and Other Important Details

The Nissan LEAF is one of the most recognizable electric vehicles today. Since its debut, that is ten years ago, more than 500,000 models have been sold. It’s with these dynamics that the 2021 Nissan LEAF takes to the city. Here's a quick overview of what to expect if you're shopping for a new LEAF. *

2021 Nissan LEAF trim levels

The new LEAF comes in two versions: standard and extended LEAF PLUS. The standard LEAF comes in S or SV trim levels, while the LEAF PLUS comes in three trim levels: S, SV, and SL. There are four new optional packages in the line: S Charge Package, SV Technology Package, SV PLUS Technology Package and Cargo Cover Package.

Preformance and driving range

Although every Nissan LEAF is front-wheel drive, the transmission of the two versions is different.

Standard LEAF models come with a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 110 kW electric motor. The combination delivers 147 horsepower, 236 lb-ft of torque and an EPA-rated range of up to 149 miles. As the name suggests, LEAF PLUS provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 226 miles. The PLUS variant also has a more durable 62kWh lithium-ion battery and a 160kW motor that puts out 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft. torque.

Drivers can choose between three different modes: normal, economy and B-mode. The latter increases the amount of regenerative braking and is useful when going downhill. Every LEAF is also equipped as standard with the e-Pedal system, which allows the driver to steer the vehicle using only the accelerator. The video below explains how it works.

Charging time for Nissan LEAF in 2021

According to Nissan, both models will charge up to 80 percent in about 40-45 minutes when using the fast charging port. A portable charging cable (120V/240V EVSE) is also available, compatible with a 120V outlet or any 240V outlet. As with the vehicle's overall driving range, charging times may also vary depending on driving habits, weather conditions and battery age .

External features and options

The 2021 Nissan LEAF uses its aerodynamic body (0.28 drag coefficient) complete with rear spoiler and flat floor to improve efficiency. Standard exterior features include power door mirrors and a unique blue grille. Fog lights, LED headlights and LED daytime running lights are optional.

In terms of colors, the new LEAF offers eight different options: Sunset Drift ChromaFlair, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Pearl White Tricoat, Glacier White and Deep Blue Pearl. A pearl white jersey and a two tone super black option are also available.

Nissan LEAF 2021. Photo: Nissan North America.

Interior features and options

Nissan's "Gliding Wing" design makes another appearance, this time in the 2021 LEAF (fans may recognize the same look in other sedans like the Versa and Maxima). The idea is that it creates a stylish, driver-oriented cockpit where all controls are within easy reach. In this case, those controls include a standard eight-inch touchscreen display and a trip computer that shows charge status, instantaneous and average ranges, and outside temperature.

Black or light gray cloth seats are standard, although heated leather seats are optional. A driver's seat with a hexagonal manual transmission is standard, but an eight-way power option is available. The standard 60/40 rear seat drops down for a total of 30 cubic feet of cargo space.

Additional interior features for the 2021 Nissan LEAF include a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming interior mirror, HomeLink programmable garage door opener, and a seven-speaker premium Bose stereo.

The interior of the 2021 Nissan LEAF. Photo: Nissan North America.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2021 Nissan LEAF comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth audio streaming, and hands-free text messaging assistant. Additional features include SiriusXM, NissanConnect with door-to-door navigation, and the NissanConnect EV telematics system.

2021 Nissan LEAF Safety Specs

The Nissan Safety Shield 360 Kit is standard on every new LEAF. An advanced safety package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, high beam assist, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. Other advanced safety features available include Intelligent Driver Alert and Intelligent Cruise Control.

ProPILOT Assist, an optional practical driver assistance system, is standard on the SL PLUS and available on the SV PLUS. ProPILOT Assist combines intelligent cruise control and steering systems with a separate stop and hold function. Together, this allows the LEAF to come to a complete stop if and when it does. Once traffic starts moving again, LEAF will also start moving when ProPILOT Assist is turned on.

Other standard safety features include front airbags with seat belt sensors, optional side impact airbags in the front seats, side curtain airbags with a roof curtain to protect the head of passengers, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, and seat belt pretensioners in the rear seats. . The LATCH system (lower anchors and child restraints), rear door child locks, an energy-absorbing steering column (to reduce the force of a frontal impact), and a tire pressure monitoring system are also standard.

Photo: Nissan North America.

2021 Nissan LEAF Warranty

Every LEAF comes with a Lithium Ion Battery Limited Warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship for eight years or 100,000 miles. Nissan also provides a warranty against battery capacity loss below nine bars as shown on the vehicle's battery capacity gauge for the first eight years or 100,000 miles.

If you plan on driving more than average, an extended warranty might be helpful. For more information about the Nissan Factory Warranty and help determining if additional coverage is needed, see this free and helpful guide.

2021 Nissan LEAF Prices

Here is the starting suggested retail price for each trim level. The numbers below include destination and $925 shipping.

If you're looking for a new LEAF, check out this helpful search tool* or the form below the gallery. This will show you all the inventory in your area and show you which dealers offer you the best price.

Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of BlogAvto and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He is on the board of directors of the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, a former president of the Detroit Working Writers, and a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions.

2021 Nissan Leaf Gallery

Photo and source: Nissan North America.

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