2017 Nissan Leaf Electric

The 2017 Leaf comes in three trim levels: S, SL, and SV. Starting from $ the entry-level Leaf S comes with standard equipment including basic essentials such as Bluetooth and cruise control, along with desired heated front seats and automatic climate control.

The SV adds the Charge package and navigation as standard. The top-level SL adds leather seats, LED headlights, and a host of comfort features that might edge out the S if you'd like a pampered electrified ride.

Trim	S	SL	SV
MSRP(FWD)	$30,780	$34,200	$36,790
Key Feature	LED headlights	Steel wheels	Alloy wheels
	Foglights	80-kW AC synchronous motor (produces 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque)	Charge package
	Heated rear seats (heated front seats are standard for all trims)	Front heated seats	7-inch touchscreen
	Leather upholstery	60/40-split folding rear seat	Navigation and NissanConnect
		Rearview camera	Nissan's web-connectivity system
		5-inch central display	Suede-like cloth upholstery

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Comparing all the three trim levels carefully, we find the basic S trim level of the Nissan Leaf as the most valuable choice. At $30680, the Leaf S EV isn't too expensive and gets you the most basic equipment for the price. 

The 2017 Leaf's new battery gets an EPA-estimated range of 107 miles, better than the outgoing Leaf with a 24 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated range of 84 miles. The base Leaf S comes with a 3.6 kW onboard charger that can fully charge the battery in 7 hours with a 220-volt outlet or 26 hours with a 110-volt outlet.

Model	2017 Nissan Leaf	2017 Tesla Model 3	2017 BMW i3	2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
MPG (city)	101	120	106	110
MPG (highway)	124	131	129	128
MPG (combined)	112	126	118	119

The higher SV and SL trims gain a standard 6.6 kW onboard chargers that can charge in 6 hours or 26 hours, respectively, or can charge the battery to 80 percent in 30 minutes with a Fast Charge. By comparison, Tesla offers the best in segment combined range of 126 miles. Most of the EVs offer better range and faster charging than the Leaf.

Easy to enter and spacious once seated, but the driving position isn't great for folks taller than average height. Clumsy shifter, navigation and climate system controls, and the cargo compartment's ultimate utility is compromised by an intrusive chassis component and a poor seat-folding design. - Edmunds

2017 Leaf Seating and Comfort

The Leaf hatchback offers a roomy interior to set five people. The doors open wide and front seats offer comfortable seating. The standard heated front seats are pleasant but the driver's seat is too high. Leaf gets high marks for rear legroom and the rear seat can reasonably accommodate tall passengers. On the downside are the far placed tilt-only steering wheel, clumsy shifter, and climate controls.

The interior materials do not justify the starting price. The EV components compromise the utility factor in the leaf, leaving less room for the cargo. However, the outward visibility is good, thanks to ample glass housing and a low hood. 

Model	2017 Nissan Leaf	2017 Tesla Model 3	2017 BMW i3	2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Passenger capacity	5	5	4	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	41.2/54.3/42.1	39.6/56.3/42.7	39.6/53.6/40.5	39.7/54.6/41.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.3/52.5/33.3	37.7/54.0/35.2	37.2/49.2/31.9	37.9/52.8/36.5

Interior Features

Some of the cool features on the inside of the Nissan Leaf are listed below.

• 60/40 split-folding seats.
• 5-inch center display.
• Front heated seats.
• NissanConnect EV telematics system (available with SV and SL trim levels only).
• Automatic climate control.
• Optional Bose audio system.
• Seats are made of environment-friendly, sustainable materials.

2017 Leaf Infotainment System

The 2017 Leaf comes with a standard 5-inch central display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port for streaming audio. With SV and SL trims upgrade the infotainment system to a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, and NissanConnect, Nissan's web-connectivity system. Both the interfaces are easy to use. Also, the higher trims can be had with a Premium package, which includes a Bose audio system and a 360-degree camera system.

2017 Leaf Cargo Capacity

The Leaf offers 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, which is generous in the hatchback class. However, the split-folding seating expands the space up to 30 cubic feet which is less in the class. 

Model	2017 Nissan Leaf	2017 Tesla Model 3	2017 BMW i3	2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Trunk Volume	23.6 ft.3	15.0 ft.3	15.1 ft.3	16.9 ft.3

Also, Nissan Leaf does not offer much space in the door pockets and center console box. Most EVs suffer from this lack of utility due to more EV components placed. By comparison, the 2017 LEaf leads the with most space behind the back seat. 

The 2017 Nissan Leaf's squat 5-door hatchback design looks sleek and futuristic despite its age, and if anything is something of a familiar presence. While not particularly exciting, it stands out thanks to its lighting treatments. The headlights sweep way into the body, and the taillights form part of the entire rear design of the car, standing tall against the hatch. - Kelley Blue Book

2017 Leaf Dimensions and Weight

Certainly, the Nissan Leaf has a unique and distinctive design, that looks polarising to most shoppers. Nissan has done a good job as the five-door hatchback is a more practical package the other EVs on the market. On the outside, the sloping hood offers a rectangular electric charging port instead of a grille. The front LED headlight runs almost up to the front pillars. At the rear, the LED taillights flank the tailgate.

The base Leaf S rides on 16-inch steel wheels while the SV gains alloy wheels. The SL, meanwhile, adds LED headlights, and fog lights.

Model	2017 Nissan Leaf	2017 Tesla  Model 3	2017 BMW i3	2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Curb weight	3323 lbs.	3549 lbs.	2961 lbs.	3563 lbs.
Length	175.0"	184.8"	157.0"	164.0"
Width	69.7"	72.8"	70.0"	69.5"
Height	61.0"	56.8"	62.0"	62.8"
Ground clearance	6.3"	5.5"	5.5"	6.0"
Wheelbase	106.3"	113.2"	101.0"	102.4"

Exterior Features

Some of the cool features on the outside of the Nissan Leaf are listed below.

• Steel wheels.
• Rearview camera.
• LED headlights. (Available with the SL trim level only).

The 2017 Leaf earned top scores in four IIHS crash-test but received a Poor grade for its performance in the driver’s side small overlap front category. The NHTSA rated the 2017 Leaf in only two categories (frontal crash and rollover), giving it four out of five stars in each.

The Leaf lacks most of the advanced safety features. A rearview camera comes standard, and some models may have a 360-degree parking camera. The Leaf isn't available with a front crash warning system.

Safety Features

Some of the safety features of the Nissan Leaf are listed below.

• Lane Departure Warning
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Blind Spot Sensor
• Forward Collision and Rear Collision
• Left Side Camera
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag
• Power Rear Child Safety Locks
• Back-Up Camera
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Front Camera
• Side Impact Beams
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors

2017 Nissan Leaf vs 2017 BMW i3

The BMW i3 and Nissan LEaf share some similarities, especially the power ratings and the acceleration times. However, the BMW's EV hatch offers better driving dynamics with a slightly more electric driving range than the Leaf.  The Nissan, on the other hand, is more spacious, can carry 5 passengers, one more than the BMW.

In terms of practicality, Nissan is an overall better package but the i3 is more luxurious inside with more tech and multimedia features. In terms of starting prices, the BMW i3 costs $14450 more than the Nissan Leaf. 

2017 Nissan Leaf vs 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

The Chevy boasts 238 miles from its Bolt EV, and certainly eclipse the Leaf for a slightly more starting price. Until the Chevrolet released Bolt EV, LEaf was a sensible choice but there is a better alternative to it.  The Chevy not only makes more power but offers more space inside the cabin.

On the flip side, the Nissan offers a larger trunk and costs about $6000 less than the Nissan, If you can stretch your budget by $6000 then you should definitely go for the Chevy Bolt. If not, the Leaf is also a good proposition.

The Nissan Leaf came into the market as a futuristic car. One of the best-selling EVs in the market, the name of the Nissan Leaf instantly pops into your mind when you think of EVs. Such is the impact of the car which can be considered as the first true electric vehicle.

The current version of the Leaf is still based on the 2011 platform which is slowly aging. More players have made their way into the market that offers better features and are equipped with advanced technology. In spite of being based on an older platform, the Leaf still gives a tough competition to these newer cars. The Leaf desperately needs an upgrade and it will be interesting to see what Nissan would do to help the Leaf regain the spot of the best-selling electric vehicle.