2023 Nissan LEAF: Get It Before It's Gone

Even as gasoline prices have dropped in recent weeks, interest in electric vehicles continues to be strong, as more vehicle buyers show concerns about the environment and how to reduce carbon footprints. With that in mind, we take a look at the 2023 Nissan LEAF. 

The LEAF is an all-electric, compact hatchback that has been on the market since 2010. However, Nissan recently announced that it is phasing out the LEAF, despite it being one of the most popular and affordable electric vehicles on the market. Nissan instead intends to focus its efforts on a newer, pricier EV model, the Ariya, as well as other electric vehicles.

Pricing for the LEAF has consistently hovered around the $30,000 mark, but the Ariya starts at $43,190, with higher-end versions running more like $60,000. Since the LEAF is made in Japan, it does not qualify for the electric vehicle tax credit.

The Ariya provides 216 to 289 miles of range, an upgrade from the LEAF's 123 - 212. 

And the Ariya will have a little more of a luxury feel, including leather seats and dark-grain wood paneling on the dashboard.

But, Nissan is reportedly planning some sort of successor to the LEAF slated for production in 2026, although the car will also be larger and more expensive.

But back to the current LEAF. It has seating for four and a maximum cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The LEAF comes in two trim levels: S and SV PLUS.

The LEAF gets its power from a standard AC synchronous electric motor and a 40kWh lithium-ion battery linked to a single-speed automatic transmission, combining to make 147 horsepower. Also available is another AC synchronous electric motor and a 62-kWh battery that make 214 horsepower. The LEAF featuring the 40kWh battery has an EPA-estimated, pure electric range of 123 miles, while the 60-kWh battery model has a 212-mile range. 

The LEAF has solid driving dynamics, with smooth, steady acceleration, responsive handling and firm braking. No need to worry about feeling like you're taking a golf cart out onto the highway. 

The interior design is nothing fancy, but is neatly styled with driver controls being fairly intuitively placed. Comfort level is serviceable. 

The main thing to keep in mind with this and most all-electric vehicles is that you must be mindful of the range it can handle on a full charge. While 212 miles (the max range of a LEAF) is certainly nothing to sneeze at, you have to keep in mind that near the end of the range, you're going to need a power source to plug in to. For now, those are still fairly limited on U.S. highways. So if long road trips are your thing, an all EV might not be your best choice. 

Pricing for the LEAF starts at around $29,000 and ranges to around $37,000.