Nissan Leaf 52 kWh

Overview

The pioneering Nissan Leaf is ditching its hatchback roots for 2025, reinventing itself as a sleek, modern crossover SUV! This all-new generation aims to reclaim its spot in the mainstream EV market. This 52 kWh model is positioned as the accessible, value-packed choice, blending practical range with sharp new looks. With an anticipated starting price around $35,000, it's gunning for the heart of the electric crossover segment, offering a compelling package for families and first-time EV buyers looking for style, substance, and a trusted nameplate. It's a massive glow-up for the original EV icon!

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Leaf is completely transformed. The biggest news is the switch from a familiar hatchback to a sharp new crossover SUV body, borrowing design cues from its bigger sibling, the Ariya. This isn't just a facelift; it's a ground-up redesign on a new platform. You get a totally new interior, a much-needed infotainment upgrade, and a massive jump in charging speed. Ditching the old CHAdeMO port, the new Leaf boasts significantly faster 150 kW DC charging, making it a far more capable long-distance companion than ever before.

Design & Exterior

The new Leaf sports a seriously stylish, coupe-SUV design inspired by the Ariya. It features a clean, closed-off front grille, slim LED headlights, and a sloping roofline that gives it a dynamic, futuristic stance. This 52 kWh model looks sharp and contemporary, a world away from its predecessor. Measuring 173.4 inches long, 71.3 inches wide, and 61.3 inches tall, its compact crossover dimensions make it perfect for navigating city streets while still having a strong road presence. It's a modern and aerodynamic look that finally brings the Leaf's styling into the future.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and the 2025 Leaf feels airy and modern, taking heavy inspiration from the Ariya's minimalist cabin. Expect a clean dashboard dominated by large digital screens for the driver's display and central infotainment, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The five-seat layout offers comfortable passenger space. Practicality is strong, with 20 cubic feet of trunk space for your gear, expanding to a generous 55.5 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats down. While there's no frunk for extra storage, the main cargo area is well-shaped and highly usable.

Performance & Driving Experience

Powering the front wheels, a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivers a healthy 130 kW and 254 lb-ft of instant torque. This setup is good for a brisk 0-60 mph sprint in just 7.2 seconds, making it feel quick and responsive around town. While it's not a performance monster, it has more than enough punch for confident merging and highway cruising up to its 90 mph top speed. Expect a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride, prioritizing daily driving comfort. Nissan's e-Pedal system will likely return, offering convenient one-pedal driving.

Range, Battery & Charging

This model packs a 49.4 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare real-world range estimate of 237 miles on a full charge. Its impressive efficiency of 4.8 mi/kWh helps maximize every electron. At home, the standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger can top up the battery overnight. For road trips, it's a whole new ballgame. The new Leaf can now accept up to 150 kW at a DC fast-charger, using the modern NACS port. This means you can add significant range in under 30 minutes, a massive improvement.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official NHTSA safety ratings for the new crossover body are still pending, expect the 2025 Leaf to come loaded with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 will likely be standard, including essentials like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Higher trims will almost certainly feature Nissan’s advanced ProPILOT Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering for a more relaxed and confident highway driving experience.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

The 2025 Nissan Leaf is expected to be backed by Nissan's standard EV warranty package. This typically includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty covering the electric motor and related components. Crucially, the lithium-ion battery is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, which also protects against significant capacity loss, giving you long-term peace of mind. As with all EVs, maintenance is minimal, with no oil changes to worry about, leading to lower running costs over the life of the vehicle.