2018 Nissan LEAF

Pros: Satisfying acceleration, smooth ride, nicely finished cabin in top-line trim, competitive pricing for a pure-electric vehicle

Cons: Estimated driving range of 150 miles is better than previous-generation Leaf, but is still topped by the Chevrolet Bolt EV

CG Says: Nissan’s pure-electric 5-passenger compact hatchback is redesigned for 2018, gaining new safety and technology features, increased driving range, and a sportier look and feel. The 2018 Nissan LEAF has an estimated driving range of 150 miles, compared to 107 for last year’s model; Nissan says that a larger-battery version of the LEAF that offers about 200 miles of range will join the lineup in the near future. (For comparison, the Chevrolet Bolt EV boasts an estimated 238-mile driving range, but it costs around $5000-$6000 more than the LEAF.) In addition to the greater driving range, the new powertrain makes 147 horsepower, compared to the previous generation’s 107. The LEAF’s newly standard “ePedal” switch can enable “one-pedal” driving—it increases regenerative braking to the point that using the physical brake pedal is virtually unnecessary. Newly available features include heated front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree surround-view camera display, and Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist feature, which pairs adaptive cruise control with automatic lane-centering steering assistance. The all-new Nissan LEAF can’t claim a class-leading driving range, but it offers peppy acceleration, an engaging driving personality, a fairly spacious cabin for its size, and a host of desirable high-tech features… all at prices that comfortably undercut the Chevrolet Bolt EV.