Nissan Leaf 40 kWh

Overview

The 2025 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh continues its reign as one of the O.G. affordable electric hatchbacks, perfect for zipping around town or as a first EV. This specific trim, often badged as the Leaf S, is all about no-nonsense electric motoring, offering a proven package without breaking the bank. With a new price tag around $29,280 and used examples dipping near $9,999 according to Green Cars Compare data, it’s a seriously tempting entry point into the EV world. It’s a solid, dependable choice for eco-conscious drivers prioritizing value.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh rolls in as a familiar face, largely carrying over its winning formula from the previous year. Don't expect a massive overhaul; Nissan's focusing on its next-gen EVs. This means you still get the same dependable tech and wallet-friendly electric performance that has made the Leaf a popular choice. While major updates are sparse, it continues to offer Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 as standard on all trims, ensuring peace of mind. Think of it as the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach before its eventual successor arrives.

Design & Exterior

The 2025 Leaf 40 kWh keeps its distinctive, slightly smoothed-off jellybean shape that’s become a familiar sight. It’s not trying to be a spaceship, but its V-motion grille and aerodynamic lines are pleasingly modern. This trim usually rides on practical 16-inch steel wheels with covers, keeping costs down. Dimension-wise, it’s a tidy package: 176.4 inches long, 70.5 inches wide (sans mirrors), and 61.5 inches tall, making it a doddle to park in tight city spots. It's a functional design that prioritizes practicality for daily urban adventures.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Leaf 40 kWh, and you’ll find a straightforward, user-friendly cabin. Materials are built for durability rather than outright luxury, fitting its price point. There’s seating for five, and passenger space is decent for a compact. For your stuff, you get a generous 23.6 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 30 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. No frunk here, though. Tech-wise, expect an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, keeping you connected on the go. It’s practical and gets the job done efficiently.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the hood (well, floor), the Leaf 40 kWh packs a 110 kW (around 147 hp) PMSM electric motor driving the front wheels. It delivers a healthy 236 lb-ft of instant torque, making it feel zippy off the line and perfect for city sprints, hitting 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.7 seconds. The ride is generally comfortable, soaking up bumps well. Nissan’s e-Pedal mode allows for one-pedal driving, which is ace for stop-and-go traffic, maximizing regeneration. It’s an easy, peppy, and refined drive for daily duties.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Leaf 40 kWh uses a 39 kWh (usable) battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of about 148 miles – solid for daily commutes. Efficiency is rated at a decent 3.79 mi/kWh. For charging, its standard 6.6 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up fully in around 6-7 hours at home using a Type 1 (J1772) port. On the DC fast charging front, it maxes out at 50 kW using a CHAdeMO port, which can get you from 10-80% in about 40-50 minutes. Note: CHAdeMO is less common than CCS or NACS in the US now.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Nissan doesn't skimp on safety with the Leaf 40 kWh, which boasts an impressive 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. It comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite. This typically bundles goodies like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. While ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s more advanced adaptive cruise and lane-keeping system, is usually reserved for higher trims, the standard kit on this 40 kWh model is still pretty comprehensive for enhanced peace of mind on the road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Nissan backs the 2025 Leaf with a fairly standard warranty package. You'll typically get a 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty covering the electric motor and related bits. Critically, the EV battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles against significant capacity loss (usually defined as dropping below 9 out of 12 bars of capacity). While Nissan doesn't usually offer extensive complimentary maintenance, the inherent reliability and lower upkeep needs of an EV mean fewer trips to the shop anyway, keeping running costs down.