Nissan Leaf 40 kWh

Overview

As a true pioneer of the electric age, the 2025 Nissan Leaf 40 kWh is the final act for this iconic hatchback. It stands as one of the most affordable and proven entry points into the EV world. While it may not have the headline-grabbing range of newer rivals, it’s a brilliant, no-nonsense daily driver that nails the essentials. Its biggest selling point is sheer value, especially on the pre-owned market where it can be snagged for around $9,999, making it an incredibly smart buy for city dwellers or as a second car.

What's New for 2025?

For its final model year, Nissan is giving the Leaf a quiet send-off. The 2025 model is essentially a carryover from the previous year, with no major feature updates or design changes. The big news is that this is the last call for the Leaf in its current hatchback form factor before an all-new crossover-style EV takes its place. Think of it as a last chance to grab a piece of EV history, packed with the refinements of its final production run, before the nameplate is completely reimagined.

Design & Exterior

The Leaf sports a sharp, modern hatchback design that's far more conventional than its quirky first-generation predecessor. It blends in neatly with its confident lines, signature V-motion front-end, and sleek boomerang-style lights. This 40 kWh version keeps things clean and simple. Dimensionally, it’s a perfectly city-sized package, measuring 176.4 inches long, 70.5 inches wide, and 61.5 inches tall. It’s a practical and approachable design that prioritizes aerodynamics and usability over flashy gimmicks, making it a familiar and friendly face on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Leaf offers a straightforward and user-friendly cabin. While the design isn’t cutting-edge, the layout is logical, and the materials are built for durability. Passenger space is solid for a compact car, offering a comfortable environment for daily commutes. On the tech front, you get a central touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected. For your gear, there's a respectable 23.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which expands to 30.0 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats down. There's no frunk, but the main cargo area is practical.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don’t let its eco-friendly credentials fool you; the Leaf is properly nippy for city driving! Its single front-mounted motor delivers 147 horsepower and a healthy 236 lb-ft of instant torque, getting you from 0-60 mph in a brisk 7.7 seconds. The front-wheel-drive setup provides confident and predictable handling. The real party trick is Nissan's e-Pedal, which allows for one-pedal driving by blending acceleration and strong regenerative braking, making stop-and-go traffic a breeze. The ride is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps to deliver a smooth and quiet journey.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 40 kWh model is equipped with a 39 kWh usable battery pack. According to Green Cars Compare's calculations, this delivers a real-world range estimate of 148 miles, with an excellent efficiency of 3.79 mi/kWh. For charging at home, the standard 6.6 kW on-board AC charger can top up the battery in about 6 hours. For road trips, it uses a CHAdeMO port for DC fast charging, peaking at 50 kW, which can get you topped up in under an hour. While not the fastest, it’s perfectly adequate for its intended use as a city-focused EV.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a huge win for the Leaf, boasting an impressive 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Nissan doesn't skimp on the standard tech, either. This trim comes equipped with the Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes essentials like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. While the more advanced ProPILOT Assist system is typically reserved for higher trims, the standard package provides a fantastic layer of protection and awareness for everyday driving, making the Leaf a secure and confident choice.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Nissan backs the Leaf with a solid warranty package. You get a basic limited warranty covering 3 years or 36,000 miles, along with a powertrain and EV system warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Critically, the battery pack is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles against significant capacity degradation, providing excellent long-term peace of mind. While Nissan doesn't typically offer complimentary maintenance, the inherent reliability and low service requirements of an EV mean your running costs will be minimal compared to a traditional gas-powered car.