2023 Nissan Leaf


Nissan has revealed an upgraded version of its all-electric LEAF hatchback that’s set to go on sale in the US and Canada this summer.

Building on the concept of all-electric propulsion showcased by the Japanese marque’s two-seater ‘Hypermini’ concept, the Nissan Leaf became the first mass-market EV when production began in 2010. As of February this year, over 577,000 examples have been sold across 59 markets worldwide, a figure Nissan claims has collective saved more than 2.5 million tonnes of C02 emissions.

2023 Nissan Leaf

2023 Nissan Leaf

While primarily cosmetic, select exterior sections of the 2023 Leaf have been remodelled to improve the EV’s overall aerodynamics. These include the shape of all four tire deflectors, the under diffuser, and the rear spoiler.

Nissan in particular highlights “an enhanced front end appearance,” most notably a refreshed front grille, a new bumper moulding and headlights, and black detailing. To further push its all-electric underpinnings, the front badge, updated to the 2020 redesign, is now illuminated, as is the new example on the steering wheel.

The 2023 model also comes as standard with new, “aggressive” five-spoke, 17-inch aluminum alloys.

2023 Nissan Leaf

2023 Nissan Leaf

For 2023, the entry-level Leaf SV will continue to mate a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a 110 kW electric motor that drives the front wheels and produces 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. On the 2022MY hatchback, this combination has an estimated electric range of 240 km.

Two higher trims though – SV PLUS and SL PLUS, the latter of which now comes as standard with leather upholstery – will feature a larger 60-kWh battery pack and a more powerful 160-kW electric motor that produces a more robust 214 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Once again, US electric range estimations for 2023 have not been released, though the 2022 variant was capable of up to 363 km. Full range figures will be released closer to the 2023MY’s launch, though Nissan admits these are “range is expected to be similar to 2022 models.”

2023 Nissan Leaf

2023 Nissan Leaf

Pricing similarly remains a mystery, though starting prices for the entry level SV are unlikely to rise much higher than the current $37,498 MSRP, Nissan having dropped its Leaf prices in Canada by up to $6,800 for 2022 in a bid to make the EV “more accessible and provide even more value to customers than ever before.”

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