With the second-generation Leaf, Nissan has added a new Plus model that claims up to 226 miles per charge, offers quicker acceleration, and includes more technology for every Leaf trim. It's enough to make the Leaf feel like a real car.

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Filmed on: September 27, 2019
CarGurus takes seriously the recommendations of the CDC around social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This review of the Nissan Leaf was filmed prior to the global spread of the virus. CarGurus staff is following guidelines to work remotely and we will resume production of new test drive reviews a soon as we're able.

Shop for the new 2020 Nissan Leaf on Cargurus: https://cargur.us/zDNY4

The Leaf comes with two powertrains. One serves people who never drive more than an hour a day, and the other is a security blanket for people who actually go places and would not like to have a nervous breakdown while they're getting there. For the stay-near-home folks, the base Leaf S and SV have a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery with an EPA-estimated 149 miles of range. A single electric motor directly drives the front wheels with 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Is that OK? Yes, but 214 hp and 251 lb-ft are noticeably better in a heavy little machine like the Leaf. That's the setup in the Plus trims, which carry a much larger 62-kWh battery. A big asterisk: The S Plus is the only Leaf with the estimated 226-mile range. The cushier SV and SL Plus trims have larger wheels that reduce that to 215 miles.

The shifter is the only confusing part of the Leaf's straightforward interior. It stays in one position and you have to move it up and to the left for reverse and down for drive, much like the stubby shifter in the Toyota Prius. Whatever. The instrument panel is half-digital, with an analog speedometer and a larger multi-function LCD that indicates how much throttle you're applying and how much regeneration the car's wheels send back to the battery. Else, every control is just like you'd find in a Rogue or Versa.

For 2020, all Leaf models come with the 8-inch touchscreen that used to be optional, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SV models bring factory navigation with NissanConnect services, which pairs with a smartphone app to activate the climate control, check the car's charging status and estimated range, and offer other remote services such as unlocking the doors.

The 2020 Leaf starts at $31,600 for the S and goes up to $43,900 for the SL Plus. Our test car, with destination and extra-charge red paint, was $45,220. That's the most you can spend and CarGurus doesn't recommend you do. Instead, get an S Plus for $38,200 plus destination. This is the best way to maximize range at the lowest cost (and remember, you can plug in your smartphone for navigation). With a $7,500 federal tax credit, additional state incentives, and a little haggling, you could be paying much less.

For more information on the 2020 Nissan Leaf, read Cliff's full review on CarGurus: https://cargur.us/zDNXv

Presenter: Clifford Atiyeh
Cinematography: Venn Creative Media

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