Nissan Leaf
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for an electric car that makes the switch from petrol feel effortless? The Nissan Leaf might be exactly what you need. This pioneering electric hatchback was one of the first mainstream EVs to hit the market, and it’s proven that electric driving can be practical, affordable, and surprisingly enjoyable. It’s the car for people who want to go electric without the premium price tag of luxury alternatives.

From first glance, the Leaf makes a statement with its distinctive styling. The sleek, aerodynamic design isn’t just for show – it helps maximise the electric range that makes this car so appealing. Inside, you’ll find a spacious, well-designed cabin that feels more premium than the price suggests. The intuitive dashboard puts everything within easy reach, while the quiet, refined atmosphere showcases one of electric driving’s biggest advantages.

Driving the Leaf is a revelation if you’re new to electric cars. The instant torque delivery makes city driving smooth and responsive, while the near-silent operation transforms your daily commute into a peaceful experience. The low centre of gravity gives it surprisingly engaging handling, making it enjoyable on country roads too. While rivals like the Kia Rio or Honda Jazz offer conventional engines, the Leaf’s electric powertrain brings benefits that go far beyond just saving money on fuel.

How Does the Nissan Leaf Drive?

The Nissan Leaf is designed to deliver smooth, efficient electric driving rather than outright speed. The standard model produces 150 horsepower from its electric motor, providing adequate performance for most situations. Acceleration to 60 mph takes around 8.5 seconds, which feels brisk thanks to the instant torque delivery that electric motors provide. For city driving and daily commuting, this power feels perfectly matched to the car’s character.

Where the Leaf truly excels is in its driving refinement. The electric motor operates in near silence, creating a serene cabin environment that makes every journey more relaxing. The steering is light and precise, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces effortless. On the road, the low-mounted battery pack gives this electric hatchback a stable, planted feel through corners. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, soaking up bumps while keeping the car composed. It’s a car that makes electric driving feel natural and stress-free from day one.

Inside the Nissan Leaf: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Leaf and you’re greeted by a surprisingly spacious and well-appointed interior. The dashboard features a clean, modern design with an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen that controls most functions. The materials feel solid and well-assembled, with soft-touch surfaces on key areas and attractive trim accents throughout. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help you find the perfect driving position.

One of the standout features is how quiet the cabin remains at all speeds. Without engine noise to mask other sounds, Nissan has worked hard to minimise wind and road noise, creating a peaceful environment that makes every journey more enjoyable. The front seats offer excellent comfort for longer trips, while rear passengers enjoy generous legroom for the class. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration, climate control, and a suite of safety features. Higher trim levels add luxuries like heated seats and premium audio that enhance the upmarket feel even further.

The Nissan Leaf succeeds in making electric driving accessible, practical, and genuinely appealing. It offers a mature, well-developed electric powertrain wrapped in a sensible, family-friendly package. The interior quality impresses, the driving experience feels refined and effortless, and the running costs are genuinely transformative. Its proven track record gives buyers confidence that electric reliability isn’t just a future promise.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Nissan Leaf Expensive to Run?

This is where the Leaf truly shines, offering some of the lowest running costs in the automotive world. Electricity costs significantly less than petrol or diesel, meaning you could save hundreds of pounds annually on fuel. Home charging overnight typically costs just a few pounds for a full charge, while public rapid charging remains cheaper than filling a conventional car with fuel. Insurance groups are reasonable, reflecting the car’s strong safety credentials and relatively modest performance.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, though government grants and incentives help reduce this burden. Used examples offer excellent value, bringing electric driving within reach of more buyers. Maintenance costs are minimal compared to conventional cars – there’s no oil to change, fewer moving parts to service, and brake pads last longer thanks to regenerative braking. When combined with flexible car finance options, the Leaf makes electric driving more accessible than ever. The combination of low running costs and strong residual values makes it an intelligent financial choice for forward-thinking drivers.

Nissan Leaf Practicality & Boot Space

For a family-focused electric car, the Leaf delivers impressive practicality. The 385-litre boot easily handles the weekly shopping or holiday luggage, while the rear seats fold down to accommodate longer items when needed. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage compartments for phones, drinks, and everyday essentials. The high driving position gives you a commanding view of the road, making it feel larger and more confident than many conventional hatchbacks.

The Leaf works brilliantly for families with children, couples, or anyone who needs reliable daily transport without compromise. The rear seats comfortably accommodate two adults or three children, making it genuinely practical for family duties. Compared to other used Nissan cars, the Leaf offers similar space efficiency but with the added benefit of electric running costs. Its compact external dimensions make it perfect for city parking, while the generous interior ensures everyone travels in comfort. The only limitation is the charging infrastructure, though this continues to expand rapidly across the UK.

The Nissan Leaf stands as one of the most successful early electric cars, proving that EVs can be practical, reliable, and genuinely desirable. It combines proven electric technology with sensible family car practicality, wrapped in an attractive and distinctive package. While it may not offer the longest range or fastest charging in today’s market, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily driving – comfort, refinement, and incredibly low running costs.

You choose the Leaf because you want electric driving without complexity or compromise. Its spacious interior, quiet ride, and stress-free ownership experience make it ideal for anyone ready to embrace the future of motoring. Whether you’re considering cars under £10,000 in the used market or newer examples, the Leaf offers a compelling entry point into electric vehicle ownership. It remains one of the most sensible and proven ways to go electric.