2022 Nissan Leaf Electric

 The SV Plus model is definitely value for money as it now comes standard with the Technology package which was previously optional. Besides this, you also get an 8-way power driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver awareness assistance, and a 360-degree camera. Moreover, the larger battery pack means a better driving range. 

The S comes with a generous equipment level in terms of luxury, safety, and driver-assistance features- Carbuzz

The Nissan Leaf is available in five trim levels: S, SV, S Plus, SV Plus, and SL Plus. Two battery configurations are offered with these five trims. The S and SV trims feature the 40 kWh battery pack while the Plus trims boast the 62 kWh battery pack with a much powerful motor. Each of the five trim levels comes standard with a variety of technology and safety features.

The biggest news this year is the price reduction for the 2022 Leaf. Prices have been reduced significantly between $4,200 and $6,500 on all trims. With a starting price of $27,400, the 2022 Leaf is currently the cheapest EV one could buy in America.  Add to that a $975 destination fee. Also, factor in the $7,500 tax credit and any other incentives your state offers. 

Trims	S	SV	S Plus	SV Plus	SL Plus
MSRP	$27,400	$28,800	$32,400	$35,400	$37,400
Key Features	Push-button start	Adds/ Upgrades to S trim	Adds/ Upgrades to SV trim	Adds/ Upgrades to S Plus trim	Adds/ Upgrades to SV Plus trim
	4-speaker audio system	Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel	100 kW quick-charge port	8-way power driver's seat	Leather upholstery
	Automatic climate control	6-speaker audio system	62 kWh lithium-ion battery	Auto-dimming rearview mirror	Cargo cover
	8-inch touchscreen w/ Android Auto & Apple CarPlay	Navigation system with over-the-air updates		Driver awareness assistance	LED turn signals integrated into outside mirrors
	Satellite radio	Heated front seats		360-degree camera	7-speaker Bose premium audio system
	16-inch steel wheels	17-inch alloy wheels		ProPilot Assist
	Proximity keyless entry	Adaptive cruise control		LED headlights
	Voice recognition	Fog lights
	Cloth upholstery	Heated exterior mirrors

The Technology package which was previously optional on the SV Plus trim is now made standard. This package includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED headlights, an 8-way power driver's eat, ProPilot Assist, driver awareness assistance, and a 360-degree camera. This package is also available on the SV trim for $1,490. 

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The Leaf's range is disappointing when measured against the Tesla 3 Long Range- Carbuzz

The Nissan Leaf is known for its fuel efficiency, delivering a substantial range even for its base models. The models with a 40 kWh battery capacity have an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 123 in the city, 99 on a highway, and 111 combined. The Plus trims are equipped with a 62 kWh battery pack and hence, the economy drops down to 114/94/104. 

With the base models, the battery will last around 149 miles, while the plus models with bigger batteries will go 226 miles on a single charge. The Leaf also gets a quick-charging port and a portable charging cable as standard this year. With this quick-charge port, you can get the Leaf charged to 80% in just 40 minutes whereas the Plus models take 45 minutes. 

Models	2022 Nissan Leaf	2022 Tesla Model 3*	2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV	2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
MPGe (City)	123	150	131	132
MPGe (Highway)	99	133	109	108
MPGe (Combined)	111	142	120	120
Battery Capacity (kWh)	40	50	65	64
Range (Miles)	149	263	259	258

*2021MY data used for reference

The Tesla Model 3 has the best fuel ratings and driving range in this competition. The Chevy Bolt and the Hyundai Kona offer almost identical MPGe ratings and driving ranges. The Leaf, in its base form, has the lowest economy in comparison to its rivals. Therefore, choose the Plus model if you travel long distances regularly. 

The interior materials in the Nissan Leaf look a grade better than those of its predecessor- Edmunds

A great deal of popularity has surrounded the Nissan Leaf's well-engineered interior with a strong focus on practicality. Although there are no wood grains or chrome inserts available, the cabin overall does not feel cheap. You can choose between conventional driving mode and advanced driving mode with the drive mode selector, but there is no shifter. The selector's unique design makes it look as futuristic as the car in which it is mounted.

Leather-trimmed seats with contrast stitching are only available on the top-end SL Plus model. The seats are well-padded and are supportive enough to accommodate adults. Only the driver's seat can be power-adjusted in 8 ways but you also get other comfort features like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, etc. There is ample head and legroom in both rows to accommodate five people. Overall, the cabin is handsome and comfortable. 

Every Leaf comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen for the NissanConnect infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard connectivity features. The interface responds to inputs quickly and intuitively, despite not being particularly pleasing to the eye. The top-tier SL Plus trim features a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system, resulting in a very dynamic and satisfying sound while lower trims settle for 4 and 6-speaker stereo. 

Models	2022 Nissan Leaf	2022 Tesla Model 3*	2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV	2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	41.2/54.3/42.1	40.3/56.3/42.7	40.1/54.7/41.6	39.6/55.5/41.5
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	37.3/52.5/33.5	37.7/54.0/35.2	37.9/52.8/36.5	37.7/54.5/33.4
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.)	23.6	15.0	16.9	19.2

*2021MY data used for reference

A standard cargo volume of 23.6 cubic feet for the Leaf is significantly more than its rivals. When the rear seats are folded down, 30 cubic feet of cargo space can be availed of. The total cargo room available is worse than its rivals. You get to store only three large bags. Some of the main interior features are:

• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Cloth & leather upholstery 
• 8-way power driver's seat
• Automatic climate control
• Push-button start
• Proximity keyless entry
• 8-inch touchscreen w/ smartphone integration
• 7-speaker Bose sound system
• Voice recognition

The second-generation Leaf looks far less cartoonish than the original model- Edmunds

The Nissan Leaf's exterior design is simplistic and uniform in style. There are no sharp edges or surface features, creating the appearance of a pod created by the low, sleek silhouette of the vehicle. This car was designed in part by Nissan's "clean sheet" strategy, which had been applied in its early days, and also by studies of zero-emission vehicles on the market. Every part of the vehicle is awash with clean, geometric lines, from the nose to the tip of the high-tech spoiler at the back.

On the second generation, Nissan has introduced a deeper V-shaped grille similar to other Nissan models, and the rear trim panel has been blacked out so that it appears the roof is sweeping above the ground. All but the Plus variants come with 16-inch wheels, while the Plus models have 17-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle is raised by 5.9 inches while the 106.3-inch wheelbase is slightly wider than its rivals to offer a stable and comfortable ride. 

Models	2022 Nissan Leaf	2022 Tesla Model 3*	2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV	2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,516	3,582	3,589	3,715
Length (in)	176.4	184.8	163.2	165.6
Width (in)	70.5	72.8	69.5	70.9
Height (in)	61.6	56.8	63.4	61.2
Ground Clearance (in)	5.9	5.5	5.5	6.2
Wheelbase (in)	106.3	113.2	102.4	102.4

*2021MY data used for reference

Due to its sedan profile, the Tesla Model 3 is the longest car measuring 184.8 inches while its wheelbase sports 113.2 inches. The Chevy Bolt EV and the Hyundai Kona have identical wheelbase and yet, the former offers more rear legroom than the latter. The Leaf weighs less than its rivals but its on-road performance is a disappointment. Some exterior features are:

• Chrome V-motion grille
• LED headlights with DRLs
• Fog lights
• 16/17-inch steel/alloy wheels
• Black rear roofline spoiler
• Chrome door handles
• Black window trim
• Heated exterior mirrors

Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance features are standard across the lineup- CarAndDriver

Only NHTSA has paid attention to the 2022 Nissan Leaf. It gave an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. Individually, it scored four stars for the frontal and rollover crash tests and full five stars for the side-impact crash test. IIHS is yet to conduct crash tests on the Leaf but we expect the ratings to be the same as the outgoing model as there are no structural changes. 

With the Leaf, you gain access to plenty of driver assistance and safety features. Nissan's ProPilot Assist is a semi-autonomous driving system that can accelerate, steer and brake the car, provided your hands and legs are on the steering wheel and pedal. This system is now standard on the SV Plus trim. The hatchback also includes a suite of 10 airbags. Some main safety features are:

• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Auto forward & rear braking w/ pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Forward collision warning
• High-beam assist
• Driver awareness assistance
• 360-degree camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rearview camera

2022 Nissan Leaf vs 2022 Tesla Model 3

Although the Leaf and the Tesla Model 3 are both popular electric cars, they have different advantages. Its luxurious interior and more battery options make the Model 3 more expensive than the Leaf. The Model 3's range lies between 263 and 353 miles, which is considerably longer than other electric cars. Moreover, its driving dynamics and acceleration are more of a sports car but it is a lot costlier. 

2022 Nissan Leaf vs 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

In comparison to the Leaf, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has a longer range, more comfortable seating, and almost twice as much cargo space. Additionally, the Bolt comes standard with a larger touch screen, while Nissan compensates by including a higher level of safety technology. Nissan's Leaf isn't a bad choice, but if you can afford it, the more well-rounded Bolt EV may be worth the extra price tag.

2022 Nissan Leaf vs 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

Although the Hyundai Kona Electric was introduced recently, it has already earned a decent reputation for its class-leading range. It also offers a comfortable ride and better acceleration than the Leaf. The cargo space in the Kona is much better but the Leaf has an upper hand in terms of safety. Though it's lacking in features, power, and range, the Leaf is still the most affordable and value-for-money EV on the market. 

It is no secret that the Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular electric hatchbacks available today. Its strong brand value, lower base price, and position in the hatchback sector will surely propel the Leaf sales to new heights in 2022. With the Leaf, everyday commutes and daily living will be enhanced, and you will experience the thrill of the future like never before.