Nissan introduced the facelifted Leaf earlier this year and now the company has announced the model will start at US$ 27,800. Costing US$ 400 more than its predecessor, the 2023 Leaf has been equipped with a new front fascia, a revised grille, and updated headlights. They’re joined by restyled wheels, updated upholstery, and Nissan’s new logo.
While the styling changes are limited, the
Leaf lineup has been slashed from five trims to two. The entry-level variant
remains the 40 kWh Leaf S and it comes equipped with a four-speaker audio
system, cruise control, and 16-inch steel wheels. Buyers will also find power
windows and locks as well as an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto
and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Despite meager levels of equipment, the
Leaf S has an assortment of driver assistance systems including Automatic
Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, and Blind
Spot Warning as well as Blind Spot Intervention. Buyers will also find Rear
Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and High Beam Assist.
They’re joined by Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, a RearView Monitor,
and Rear Door Alert.
Motivation is provided by an electric
motor that develops 147 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
It’s powered by the aforementioned 40 kWh battery pack and this allows the
model to have an EPA-estimated range of 240 km on a single charge.
If that’s not far enough, customers can upgrade to the Leaf SV Plus which
features a larger 60 kWh battery. It boasts 341 km of range as well
as an electric motor that produces 214 hp and 339
Nm of torque.
Unfortunately, these improvements come at
a cost as the range-topping model starts at US$ 35,800 and that’s US$ 400 more than
last year’s variant. That’s a sizeable jump from the entry-level Leaf, but the
SV Plus comes with additional equipment including LED lighting units, heated
exterior mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Moving into the cabin, there are heated
front seats and an eight-way power driver’s seat. Customers will also find a
six-speaker audio system, GPS navigation, and NissanConnect services. Other
highlights include Intelligent Cruise Control, an Intelligent Around View
Monitor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and ProPILOT Assist. The 2023 Nissan
Leaf is now arriving at U.S. dealerships and it will have to battle the 2023
Chevrolet Bolt, which offers 417 km of range and a starting price
of US$ 26,595. However, it’s worth noting the Bolt is no longer eligible for the US$ 7,500 federal tax credit while the Leaf is.
