The world has come a long way since the Nissan Leaf’s debut in the North American market for the 2011 model year. Given the recent uptick in EV competitors—as well as the pending showroom arrival of the Nissan’s new and dramatically more versatile Ariya EV—it’s commendable that Nissan is committed to keeping its OG EV as relevant and affordable as possible.
The Leaf lineup is streamlined to two models for the 2023 model year, leaving the Leaf S and Leaf SV Plus as the only available trims. The move eliminates the Leaf SV, Leaf S Plus and Leaf SL Plus, reducing the lineup from five to two. Nissan says the two-model strategy encompasses the most desired features and amenities based on consumer demand and keeps the two-tier battery approach (40-kWh in the SV and 62-kWh in the SV Plus) in place.
2023 Nissan Leaf Mild Styling and Aerodynamic Tweaks
Cosmetic upgrades include a revised front fascia, including a new grille design with an illuminated Nissan logo emblem and bumper molding. Black inner headlamp assemblies complement the treatment. Modifications to the rear include a new diffuser and spoiler, which team with tire defectors at all for wheels for improved aerodynamics. The Leaf SV Plus also receives an updated 5-spoke 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheel as standard equipment.
Interior updates are equally as reserved, including the new Nissan badge on the steering wheel, black cloth upholstery accented with gray finishers in the Leaf S and gloss black in the Leaf SV Plus.
2023 Nissan Leaf Pricing
Nissan confirms pricing for the 2023 Leaf is unchanged from 2022. For the Leaf S that means a base MSRP of $28,425 including the $1025 destination fee, but not the $7500 federal tax credit or any additional state or local credits or incentives that may be available. With the tax credit, it is currently the lowest price new EV available in the U.S.
The Leaf SV PLus starts at $36,425 including the $1025 destination fee, but not the $7500 federal tax credit or any additional state or local credits or incentives that may be available.
Additional pricing details for options and accessories have not yet been made available.
2023 Nissan Leaf Battery, Range and Charging Time
As before, the lesser expensive Leaf S is equipped with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery and 110-kW electric motor delivering 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Charging to full capacity on a Level 2 charger takes 8 hours; a 50-kW fast charger will take it to 80% capacity in 40 minutes.
Likewise, the 2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS uses a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 160-kW electric motor producing 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Charging to full capacity on a Level 2 charger takes 11.5 hours; a 50-kW fast charger will take it to 80% capacity in 60 minutes.
The LEAF SV PLUS also gets standard ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist system that combines adaptive cruise control and steering assist technologies as well as stop and got traffic functionality.
Though the maximum range estimates for the 2023 Leaf have not been divulged, Nissan is hinting at a possible slight increase thanks to the aerodynamic improvements. Currently, the range of the Nissan Leaf is an EPA-rated 143 miles; the 2022 Leaf SV Plus is EPA-rated for 215-miles of range.
An outlier at the time of its debut amidst a hoard of SUVs and a re-merging horsepower war, the Leaf EV carried an EPA range estimate of just 73 miles. Since that time, Nissan has sold over 500,000 Leaf EVs around the globe.
