Nissan quotes 160 kilowatts (214 horsepower) and 252 pound-feet of torque for the only motor that drives the entrance wheels. Acceleration is ample in the usual drive mode, with Sport offering a bit extra increase, sufficient to spin an inside entrance wheel in turns when pressed. The Eco mode was underwhelming, and whereas there’s a Private mode to tweak your individual mixture of settings, we’d be shocked if anybody ever makes use of it.
Nissan gives 4 ranges of regenerative braking, managed through paddle shifters on all however the S+. Then there’s the e-Step mode, which is nearly one-pedal driving. The regen total isn’t that sturdy in opposition to a few of the opponents, however frustratingly, it drops out round 7 mph, which means the motive force should brake to a full cease. Nobody-pedal driving, in 2025?
Roadholding is predictable, with predictable understeer if pushed. The standout attribute seems to be the Leaf’s steering. Basically, steering really feel and response is extra noticeable in EVs than gasoline vehicles, as a result of the powertrain is smoother, and the load of the battery is on the backside of the car, reducing the middle of gravity and lowering physique roll. In 2010, the steering of the 2011 Leaf may solely be described as “numb.” Fortunately, instances have modified.
The most recent Nissan design for electrical energy steering (EPS) isn’t distinctive to the Leaf, however it might be proven to greatest benefit within the small EV. Engineers moved the motor from the steering column to the rack itself, giving them larger flexibility in tailoring steering really feel to completely different fashions and buyer wishes—as measured by components just like the rise in steering effort, linearity, and through-the-wheel response really feel in opposition to its personal standards.
The result’s a few of the sweetest and most direct EPS we’ve pushed. It’s higher than its Korean opponents, although we will’t communicate to the 2027 Bolt but. Is it nearly as good as a Porsche Taycan? Nah. Nevertheless it’s rattling good for a automobile on this worth vary.
Comfy Seats, Legroom Commerce-Offs
Nissan notes the cabin of the brand new Leaf is longer, by advantage of its shorter nostril, than the outgoing mannequin. The entrance seats, based mostly on the corporate’s newest Zero Gravity design for spinal help, are certainly snug and supportive—however 4 6-foot adults should still must commerce a little bit of entrance seat adjustment to get sufficient rear legroom.
Probably the most putting impression I took away in 160 miles was the remarkably quiet cabin. Tire noise and highway rumble was just about all that might be heard; nearly no wind noise or electronics whine was discernible. It’s a formidable degree of refinement for a $30K automobile, and a few opponents would do properly to determine what sorcery Nissan employed—and replicate it.
