Nissan Leaf 60 kWh

Overview

The 2025 Nissan Leaf marks the end of an era for one of the original mass-market EVs. This 60 kWh model, often badged as the Leaf SV Plus, represents the top-tier configuration, offering more punch and a longer leash than the base version. While production has now ceased, it presents a compelling value on the pre-owned market, with typical prices around $11,500. It’s a proven, no-frills electric hatchback that’s perfect for city commuting and daily driving, even if its tech is showing its age.

What's New for 2025?

For its final model year, the 2025 Nissan Leaf is essentially a swan song, carrying over unchanged from the previous version. Nissan has put its development focus on the next generation of EVs, meaning this familiar hatchback doesn't receive any significant updates to its features, powertrain, or styling. Think of it as a final production run of a well-known quantity. The biggest news is that this is the last call for the Leaf in its current form before it's replaced by an entirely new model.

Design & Exterior

The Leaf's design is familiar and approachable, a five-door hatchback built for practicality. The 60 kWh models typically feature 17-inch alloy wheels and a sleek, closed-off front grille that subtly hints at its electric nature. It’s not a head-turner, but its compact dimensions of 176.4 inches long, 70.5 inches wide, and 61.7 inches tall make it a champ in tight city streets and parking spots. The look is conservative and aerodynamic, prioritizing efficiency over aggressive styling, a hallmark of the Leaf's identity.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Leaf offers a surprisingly spacious and airy cabin for five, with a straightforward layout. While some materials feel a bit dated, the focus is on usability. Tech is handled by an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the system feels a generation behind rivals. Cargo space is a strong suit for a compact hatch, boasting a generous 23.6 cubic feet in the trunk. Fold the rear seats down and that expands to 30 cubic feet, but don't look for a frunk—there isn't one.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the eco-friendly image fool you; this Leaf has some poke! The front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) dishing out a healthy 160 kW (about 215 hp) and 251 lb-ft of instant torque. That's enough to zip from 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.8 seconds, making it feel quick off the line. It offers a comfortable and quiet ride, perfect for urban driving. Nissan’s e-Pedal allows for one-pedal driving, which is brilliant for navigating stop-and-go traffic.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 60 kWh model packs a 59 kWh usable battery, delivering a real-world range estimated at 209 miles by Green Cars Compare, with an efficiency of 3.54 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 6.6 kW on-board charger will top it up overnight. The crucial point is DC fast charging: while it can accept up to 100 kW, it uses the increasingly rare CHAdeMO port in the US, not the common CCS standard. This is a major consideration for road trips, as CHAdeMO chargers are becoming much harder to find.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a strong point for the Leaf, which earned a top 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 60 kWh SV Plus trim comes well-equipped with Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite as standard. This includes essential features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It also boasts ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on system that combines adaptive cruise control with steering assist, taking some of the stress out of highway driving and traffic jams.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Nissan provides a solid warranty package for the Leaf. This 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. Critically, the lithium-ion battery is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, which also protects against significant capacity loss. Unlike some rivals, Nissan does not typically offer complimentary scheduled maintenance. However, with fewer moving parts than a gas car, long-term running costs are expected to be low, contributing to its excellent value proposition.