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- 2015 Nissan Leaf
- Performance
Note: This performance review was created when the 2015 Nissan Leaf was new.
Performance: | 7.7 |
While some test drivers write that the 2015 Nissan Leaf could use more passing power on the highway, most appreciate that it’s quick from a stop. They say the Leaf drives similarly to a normal car, and most praise its controlled handling, responsive brakes and quiet, comfortable ride.
The 2015 Nissan Leaf has a 107-horsepower electric motor. According to the EPA, the Leaf gets 126/101 mpg-equivalent city/highway and has a range of 84 miles per charge. The Nissan Leaf’s mpg-e rating and electric range are good for an EV, and better than what competitors like the Ford Focus Electric offer. For 2015, all Leaf models now feature drive modes that include Normal, Eco and B-Mode settings, the last of which uses more aggressive regenerative braking to recapture energy during deceleration.
Test drivers report that the Leaf is exceptionally quiet at speed and some note that it is quick from a stop and offers sufficient power on the highway. However, others say that the Leaf can feel a bit sluggish during highway passing and merging, and that a number of competing hybrids and EVs offer better acceleration.
The base Leaf comes with a 3.6-kW onboard charger, and it takes about 21 hours to fully charge the Leaf’s battery when plugged into a standard 110-volt household outlet, or about eight hours when it’s hooked up to a 220-volt power source. A more powerful, 6.6-kW onboard charger is available, which reduces the charge time to five hours when paired with the available 240-volt home charging dock. At public charging stations, an available Quick Charge Port provides an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes. Test drivers note that while the Leaf’s 84-mile range may not suit all shoppers, it’s still impressive for an EV and should be enough for drivers who primarily commute in urban settings.
Critics write that the 2015 Nissan Leaf offers a comfortable ride, and that a low center of gravity contributes to handling that’s impressively controlled. The Leaf also earns praise for its confidence-inspiring brake pedal feel, and some auto writers report that the Leaf’s light steering provides decent road feel.
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