2020 Nissan LEAF Review | Paying the EV Premium

[@rmiller1957]

I own a 2015 Leaf S. I bought it at a local used car lot in the fall of 2018 with 25,000 miles on it for $10,000. I assume it was a lease return. A month after I bought it a problem with the battery pack came up. Nissan fixed it under warranty. The dealer kept it for two weeks, but gave me a free loaner. I'm a 63 year old man who learned to drive at the age of 12 on a 1946 Chevrolet pick-up truck. My first car was a 1963 VW Bug. I don't demand all the electronics, I don't need leather upholstery, I don't need to preheat the car from my phone, so my Leaf S is just fine. Range goes down during the winter, of course, and if my wife isn't in the car, I drive without the heater on. I have driven it in temperatures as low as -24 F. I used the heater that day! The range on the new Leafs is significantly better than mine. I drove a friend's $65,000 Tesla Model 3, and I'll keep my $10,000 Leaf, thank you.

[@AsakuraClan]

What range do you get on your 2015 leaf?

[@mjcmjc6428]

I had a 2013 and it worked great. It does what you expect it to do especially if you don't drive long distance.

[@Reddylion]

Richard Miller nice, why cause your story is an inspiration sorts for people who are wanting to make a shift to electric cars from soon to perish combustion cars,suvs. From Hindustan.

[@ProductionJunction1]

@@Reddylion Hindustan? Like India?

[@Reddylion]

@@ProductionJunction1 real name is barath 🙂

[@mjcmjc6428]

I bought a dealer demo with 125 miles for $25g back in November 2018. I was going to trade in my 2013 leaf for a model 3 but I decided to go with the leaf which is cheaper to buy and maintain and also reliable. Parts are available, most shops can work on it, no quality control issues. The leaf is Easy.

[@raven4k998]

I am so confused what's different of the sv how does it have both led and halogen headlights?

[@apatel478]

This is too weird, I was just contemplating getting the Leaf, since it's one of the few cars with the full $7500 credit. Thanks for the video!

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Crazy lol. Thanks for stopping by!

[@douglasalanthompson]

We love our 2 Plus Leafs(s+ and SV+)

[@MalamIbnMalam]

I would just get a base Tesla Model 3 over this.

[@douglasalanthompson]

@@MalamIbnMalam not worth the extra 10-15K USD

[@douglasalanthompson]

That was our thought for a car that in some ways less useful.

[@robotic2000k]

Excellent review! One of the best on KZbin for Leaf 2020. Thank you very much for meeting all the points and questions of a potential buyer.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thank you!

[@NicoleCH410]

Thorough review from prospective buyer. Thank you!

[@ronaldnexus2378]

Very nice review, spot on I think (I bought the SL Plus). I just upgraded my 2015 SL, lots of pluses; I live in MN, the heater is key (something you could also talk to). Very nice video, very fair description - I’m three weeks into this car. (For me $30K w/rebates.)

[@thereseastrom195]

Just tried driving this car Iast weekend. I like driving it. It has a great trunk considering the car size, big enough for my wheelchair. The backseat is a bit small but it works, especially for two small kids. We have a carpool with 2 new Nissan leaf where I live, you can just book it when you need a car. I'm happy with it.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Glad to hear it!

[@edventures9884]

The 2018+ Nissan leafs look wayyyy better than the previous generation. I’ve been wanting to convert to electric since 2018 but still haven’t pulled the trigger since I want a Tesla but I can’t afford one yet. I’ve been considering a bmw i3 rex but after discovering the leaf and Chevy bolt, I’ve eliminated the i3. I’d prefer the bolt for the 250mile range but the leafs are around $4k cheaper for a decent used one. I’ll go test drive a leaf next week to see if it will convince me.

[@stuartpotter1798]

Great review as always, like the practicality of a hatchback.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thank you! Definitely!

[@vishwaperera8963]

Great review can you please do a Toyota Prius soon as possible

[@vishwaperera8963]

Can you please do a Toyota Camry hybrid

[@dusk2573]

The plus is probably gonna be my next vehicle after my 16 leaf. I love driving the leaf, but more range would really nice.

[@Mkvkuv]

Why not a model 3 for a little more?

[@dusk2573]

@@Mkvkuv actually I’ve decided on the model y now and have plans to buy one.

[@dclelectric7003]

@@Mkvkuv i bought a 2018 leaf in 2020 top trim with 220 mile range and 12k miles for 28k. Way cheaper than model 3

[@electricestonian6740]

Finally, a steering wheel where you can adjust reach / depth!

[@Demobot1]

I was thinking rge something

[@douglasalanthompson]

Thank you. Nice reviews. You should mention the available discounts and rebates.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thank you! Very true..that’s such a big part of buying an EV, my bad!

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

Im glad electric cars look like normal cars. The quirky weird strange looking proto types are not my cup of tea.

[@phileasler5401]

I test drove a Tesla M3 and chose the Leaf e+ SV, because of the heat pump, seat height, and a hatchback!

[@silvrsurfer]

All that is available in the model Y, but I think you get more value for the price with the Leaf, I might be wrong tho. For me, in seriously considering a Leaf 2018 model. The range seems to be good enough. Good storage space, and that's the model they finally got rid of the weird design, thank god

[@grahambroadway7394]

I love the way he tested Propilot on a straight empty road! To test it properly it needs to be done on the M25 London orbital motorway in the rush hour. I would suggest the stretch past Heathrow terminal 5.

[@MoNoK15]

Looks a whole lot better than before. Seems to be a bit fun to drive. Reminds me of a vacuum cleaner. Excellent review my friend.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

I agree lol. Those last generation ones were goofy. Thank ya sir, appreciate you!

[@claudiamcintosh4681]

In Colorado at one dealership we get the 45000 Nissan Leaf for 19500

[@longle7603]

Which dealership seems like worth a road trip lol

[@theeconomicsofthings9752]

I saw 2020 models with 1k-5k miles going for low $20k

[@wholeNwon]

Then somebody's wallet took a BIG hit.

[@MASON091]

They are cheap used that’s why I’m watching this video.

[@jeffpro8]

I got my 2020 Leaf for 28k with 13k miles.

[@ritz5606]

Thank you for a great review. I am changing my old VW Tiguan for this one. I'm not looking for excitement with this car but the fact that it represent solid and well tested solutions over years and now in addition can offer quite a good battery of 62 Kw, I go for this one. Hyundai Kona was an alternative but you get more plastic for less money. I also tested Peugeot 2008, but that one fell through due to too many quirks with the stearing wheel and wiew of the instrument panel. So, go Nissan after 20 years with VW.

[@geothermal]

Great review. So much more detail than other reviewers. Too bad the trunk doesn't have a flat bed possibility for sleeping. I love the one pedal driving!

[@bradcolby3624]

As always a very comprehensive review... I enjoy your channel

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thank you very much!

[@joshuamcguire4860]

He could, but rebates are based on your zip code from state to state. I’ve been seeking Nissan’s for 17 years and I am currently a sales manager. I currently lease a rogue but think my next vehicle may be a leaf. Great vid!

[@friedputty]

The key to understanding the Leaf is that 1) it has its own niche, and 2) it costs half what you think it does. The niche is that it's easy to live with every day: a high seating position makes it easy to get in and out of; the seats are wide and comfy; the cargo hold is the biggest of any EV short of an SUV; the ride is soft and the noise level low. If a Tesla is a Bimmer, a Leaf is a Buick. The cost: MSRP seems absurd but as with any EV that's not a Tesla, it bears no resemblance to what you'll pay. The Leaf is one of the few EVs still eligible for the full $7500 federal tax credit, right now (11/29/20) there's a $7000 end of year manufacturer discount, and in some states you can get a few grand extra in state and utility rebates. That makes the effective cost for an SL Plus (similar to the test model here but with cloth seats) about 22 grand. Or if you're willing to trade some range and power for a lower price of entry, you can get the standard SL model (150 hp instead of 200+ and 150 miles range instead of 200+) for an absurdly cheap lease. I love the Chevy Bolt EV but it's cramped and the seats are narrow. I love the Tesla Model 3 but unlike the Leaf, the high list price is actually the real price. The closest thing to the Leaf is probably the Kia Niro EV. P.S. This video could use improvement. Discussions of charging, pricing, ProPilot etc. are so incomplete as to be misleading.

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent review.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thank you Brian!

[@kathleenbartolomeo5546]

What can be done about Nissan moving away from the CHAdeMo charging?

[@RALPHD57]

Excellent info Thanks!!

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thanks for watching!

[@pansyhood2176]

I thought electric or gas comprehensive is that correct?* what does the side sticker read?? Considering the following...

[@mustafanajeeb7859]

Good review & great Nissan.

[@billh4301]

Good clear review. A couple of items you could have gone over. You spent a bit of time reviewing e pedal and eco mode on affect on battery regen, but not really on the 2 drive modes- D & B drive. I drive in eco and B mode most of time and get great battery regen. When going over the retail price you did not bring up the electric vehicle credits. I just bought my 3rd Leaf, SL Plus and had $11,000 in incentive discounts and more with CA/Fed tax breaks.

[@haze1123]

Great review as usual. How is it that Tesla can make beautiful electric cars but GM, Nissan, and Toyota cannot? Electric cars don't have to look goofy.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thank you! I hear ya lol...I don’t see why they ever needed to look so eccentric

[@ciello___8307]

I can't really call the model Y "beautiful." It looks like a inflated jelly bean

[@douglasalanthompson]

@@ciello___8307 Model 3 is cool, but the Y...so ugly.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

@Allen S I have no bias for or against anyone lol. No reason to be.

[@haze1123]

Yeah, that's not the best-looking Tesla. But a Model Y Plaid on black 21's looks better than any LEAF.

[@brandonGCHACHU]

Can these be solar charged ? I live in Phoenix

[@stevewalker2891]

Good review, but testing the pro pilot on a straight road with no other cars around??

[@brianmerrill2362]

Great review!! Like one of the other commenters I agree with the goofy looks electric cars have.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thank you! Yeah I wish they could all look more mainstream

[@frodobaggins2852]

Well then you haven't seen the porsche taycan, Audi etron, the Mercedes eqc and the jaguar I pace, the Tata nexon eV, MG zsev, hyundai kona etc.

[@cobaltblue1975]

I've been watching a ton of Auto reviews lately and the one thing that would help me a ton is knowing the height of the driver. I don't know if its roomy because the driver is only 5 foot or if its roomy because its generously sized.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

I’m 5’9”. I usually say that but I apologize if I didn’t 👍

[@juguetescoleccionables4730]

did you use the air condition (ac Cold)???

[@scottm5425]

Who adjusts their heating temp while reversing?

[@Catman1798]

I’m in love with the bolt but this leaf looks decent too. But I heard people having problems with the battery etc. even getting replacements. So what does the warranty cover exactly?? What’s the fine print? They say Nissan doesn’t believe in the thermal management thing like Chevy and Tesla. That the batteries don’t need it. Mmmm sounds to me like they do?? Anyone else had battery problems? I see a lot of the older leafs on the road. I guess that’s good or they are just cheap drivers lol. This would be my only vehicle so I guess long distance drives are out of the question? I don’t even know if my region has plenty of chargers out there. I’m in south central Texas. I go to the coast sometimes. And in my city I drive in the outskirts that measure up to about 115 miles round trip. So will the bolt or leaf have plenty of charge for day drives like that? With AC on of course!! Probably heat too when it’s cold.

[@pioneer7777777]

If you live in a hot climate, do not get it. If you live in a moderate to cold climate and do not do regular long journeys, it's a great value.

[@fernandovargas7562]

A good one for Boston... cool video

[@jhonn475]

can you fast charge a nissan leaf 2020 everyday? I cant charge it from home and im thinking of getting one for ride sharing like uber.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Yes you can. Ivd heard of battery degradation that can happen with prolonged repeated fast charging, but I don’t know the facts about it and I’m sure it’s minimal if that happens

[@jhonn475]

@@PrimeAutotainment alright. Thanks.

[@Dextermorga]

No thermal management so no

[@bhxu]

For this price, I definitely buy Tesla Model 3. More juice, charge network and futuristic.

[@camz9014]

Is it worth to buy EV if your work is 45kms (40mins) from home via motorway/expressway? Planning to buy a house away from main city (cheaper) but that would mean I need to travel 45kms one way everyday. Thinking of EV to save money from gas.

[@xezzee]

You need charging station at home. You can expect 15% capacity drop in 5 years and if winters are cold that will also effect your range. CHAdeMO quick charging is limited to 50kWh (at least here that is max) and that is known to limit the charging speed when batteries are hot. Do you really need a new car so bad? How about buying used car for cheaper that may or may not need repairing? My brother always says that to me :D On other hand if you always charge at home you don't have to think about fueling. You just needs to think do you need the extra 100km range from 62kWh just in case there is cold winter? For me answer is yes, I need the extra range. Also if you get the pro-pilot with lane assist you can just drive to the motorway and set cruise control on and the Cruise Control will handle the driving mostly making the trip trivial. Compared to old car with no cruise control as option I would go with Cruise control. Static Speed is must have rest is just luxury :^) Also you should calculate how much you actually will save on money? With quick math I spend around 400€ fueling the car. I pay around 100€ more on insurance and taxes from the car ... So if I get car around 400€ month or cheaper I can save some money. Ofc I went with 500€ month Nissan Leaf E+ Tekna (SL+) I'm interested what did you decided in the end :D did you get Nissan Leaf and buy the new house? If so, how has it been with Nissan Leaf?

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

I’ve got the old leaf, I drove this model which is essentially the old model body with new fenders. New motor, battery and sensors. It’s not a 2020 car, it feels 2015. No active cooling. I fell Nissan dropped the ball. Renault killed Nissan ?

[@ciello___8307]

Thankfully, the New Ariya looks good. Liquid cooling, CCS, Prismatic cells, and available 300 mile range

[@jeffpro8]

@@ciello___8307 the Aryia looks promising.

[@Mr.Helper.]

Can the leaf go fast enough to go on the highway?

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Yes, definitely. It’s not fast per se, but the electric torque makes it very punchy and quick to get going

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Excellent

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Thanks Leo!

[@oups4391]

How tall are you?

[@terryrodbourn2793]

The car should redo that sifter and just go to simple setup with a traditional shifter! Plus in EV range is still King!

[@pioneer7777777]

Trust me, this shifter is way simpler and quicker to operate than a standard shifter once you use it for a day or two

[@joecoolioness6399]

@@pioneer7777777 I really like the rotary design that is in my Fusion Hybrid. But I can get used to anything. Looking at this or an Accord Hybrid as my next car. Range is not an issue, it will come down to how I like to drive each one.

[@jameslamm8101]

I google and see about 32K for the leaf. I wonder if the price he quotes really matches up. It sounds high.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

That was the MSRP directly from its monroney. You’re probably seeing the price with incentives and or discounts reflected

[@royjohnson9043]

This car has been proven as an effective method for unplanned pregnancy

[@pansyhood2176]

Yes!, the type of car...that why I like EV good evening...

[@roypateman470]

Nice video but there’s no o in nissan

[@zeblanmaidaynovich796]

Yeah, it should of look way more futuristic inside and this looks like the 90s for a big $.

[@lanceareadbhar]

I'm glad it has buttons for common features.

[@gene978]

Not a fan. $46K?!?!? It just seems like it’s missing so much.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

gene978 i feel the same way!

[@Demobot1]

The only thing its missing is active battery cooling.

[@phileasler5401]

Minus the 7500 tax credit, and any state credit as well

[@idk05718]

Nope Its 14k here in italy

[@vishwaperera8963]

Can you Please do a 69 Ford Mustang Thanks so much

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Yikes if I can get ahold of one, definitely!

[@cssplayer91]

I'm bummed the bose sound system is only on the most expensive model. Kinda hard to shell out $46,000 for this 😕

[@universaldragonninja]

The Nissan Leaf does what Tesla fails to do. Bring a reliable electric vehicle to the people. I’ve found some Teslas to be unobtainable compared to this Nissan Leaf.

[@Kered-9]

I would rather have the Leaf if I had to choose.

[@MalamIbnMalam]

I think you mean the Hyundai Ioniq Electric

[@bhaskarparam9711]

Wow wow wow

[@canigetahoooyyyaaaaa7319]

How can they charge 46k when you can buy a tesla for that much? :O

[@TheCereLove]

How long does it hold its charge?

[@PrimeAutotainment]

215 miles for this one and 147 miles for the non “Plus” models. As far as time...not sure how long it could hold it if it wasn’t driven enough

[@Demobot1]

What do you me hold its charge. Like if you went on vacation and didn't drive it?

[@mustafanaji6591]

GREAT NISSAN.

[@jamesgand828]

So you mean to tell me, I can buy a Tesla with more range for less than this car? Why does this car even exist?

[@Demobot1]

Depends on where you live. In Canada a Leaf does cost less than a model 3. Plus I can a federal ev rebate to make it more cost effective.

[@MalamIbnMalam]

@@Demobot1 He's talking about a SV plus or SL Plus leaf which are $44k MSRP. A base Tesla Model 3 has more range and more features and it is only $37,990 MSRP. There is no incentive to buy the Nissan.

[@jamesgand828]

@@MalamIbnMalam I can get the base model for around 36k and I get over 5k in ev rebate. that's still better than the leaf and the amount of features you get is way worth it. I live in Oregon so you can check the tax rebate in case you were also interested

[@MarkECoburn]

@@jamesgand828 I live in Oregon too. All of the dealers are offering thousands of dollars off on new Leafs. With the tax credit, it is quite a bit less than a model3. I keep going back to the Tesla website to make sure; but, the Teslas are still a lot more expensive in the end.

[@pioneer7777777]

@@MalamIbnMalam MSRP is not what you actually pay at the dealer dum dum.

[@Kingsley_williams]

it looks like a versa note that nissan just came out with

[@rampage3337]

i find the steering wheel possition very bad. no real good places to rest my arms and wheel is not able to come out far enough for it to be comfortable. i had to sitt bit to close to get a good comfortable hand positioning

[@TheMarathonomahos]

Do they come with a cigarette lighter?

[@Alexriga]

Good car, build quality is really nice. I afraid it is a bit underrated. Perfect for daily distances

[@Willzito]

In Brazil it costs almost U$ 200.000

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Yikes

[@ritz5606]

How come car journalists over and over again complain about the plastic used in the dashboard? It's made from used bottles and is not supposed to be of any supperiour luxarian stuff that can't be reused. Look at it from an environmental view point too.

[@Bobbleoff]

Hang on your wheel telescopes!!!! All the right hand drive reviews I've seen have complained that the wheel dossent telescope??

[@abbiravindhran8424]

Thanks Junior Captain America

[@John-km2uw]

The gear selector is way too large &, dominates too much surface area. Nissan should go toward the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV lift-lever/button style transmission selector (which appears safer/more intuitive to operate), then move the electric park brake lever forwards, away from the cup-holders & beside the transmission selector and move cup-holders forward & laterally orientated to allow placement of a longer arm rest and larger storage bin between the front seats (an Ipad mini or similiar tablet should fit into the console storage area at minimum). Those oversize console side-nacelles look awkward and are obviously a waste valuable, lateral leg space. The rest of the front interior looks logical, familiar and easy to operationally understand. Regardless of color, I don't care for any glossy materials or chromed plastic trim on the doors/dashboard/console that can reflect sunlight into the driver's eyes under any situation (high-sun mid-day or low-sun early morning or late afternoon adverse reflections). Glossy black pianos are fancy; glossy black automobile consoles are tacky crap. Otherwise, I wonder: what happens when you spill coffee or cola into an electric parking brake lever-well? And how well how does a Nissan Leaf fend-off garage-mice attacks on the engine bay wiring harnesses? Hat-tip to garage cats: defending automobiles from mice attacks everywhere. ;-)

[@Dextermorga]

No thermal management for the battery pack🤯🤬. Not great choice for nevada

[@johngalv9288]

Hummm?! $46k? you can buy a Toyota or Lexus or Honda for that price, which is outrageous price for any car in my opinion... Just saying

[@brianmcg321]

Well, 2020s are now about $16k with less than 20k miles. Not a bad deal used. But the new price was ridiculous when a long range Tesla was the same price.

[@beekarinsaan]

For that price a model 3 is a better choice.

[@boouu4007]

Lol the highest level isn’t even better than a model 3 standard +. Leaf is more expensive too.

[@wholeNwon]

IMHO, far too expensive new. I'll let someone else take the initial depreciation hit and perhaps look for a used one, if my Lexus ever dies. But it's been only 23 years, so probably have a while to go.

[@Jacob-gd9ps]

Why would you do that?

[@ricardotate3392]

Telescope depth, ahead 1/3 aye aye capt

[@shawn576]

These fucking things start at $44k in Canada. It's literally twice as expensive as a comparable size gasoline car made by Nissan.

[@NickyMitchell85]

Why halogen bulbs 💡? Halogen is old-fashioned, passé and guzzles lots of energy. I think 🤔 electric ⚡️ cars 🚘 and EVs should have all LED lights 💡.

[@Kingsley_williams]

and a reglaur versa

[@Mkvkuv]

Wtf would buy this car for $46k? You can get a model 3 for less

[@PrimeAutotainment]

Hopefully nobody does with the available discounts and incentives...but those vary so much and dealers are usually eager to let people pay way more than they should lol

[@PrizeDog]

Gatorade bottle

[@idk05718]

Thats a Nissan micra

[@kenbrand8972]

His driver side window really needs cleaning

[@charlesmarilaine1219]

Cute

[@mts982]

You have to get a better camera. resolution isnt very good.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

It’s shot at 10-bit 4K revolution up to 60 frames per second. It must be your internet or resolution of your screen

[@mts982]

@@PrimeAutotainment could be my monitor, but every other youtube video i watch even linus tech tips thats in 8k looks sharp and clear. when i watch yours it looks like youtube videos from about 8 years ago. so i dont know. my monitor is a gateway FHX2201QV/1080p monitor, i use dvi cable from rtx2060 gpu/ryzen 5 3600 cpu. like i said all other videos look crisp and clear. so i dont know.

[@TheCereLove]

The video is crispy clear

[@pioneer7777777]

I think if you're going to discuss price, you need to move beyond just looking at MSRP and calling it a day. You can get some crazy deals on LEAF's and pay nowhere near $46k as you keep mentioning. Also keep in mind Nissan still gets the full $7500 credit whereas GM and Tesla get $0.

[@PrimeAutotainment]

I go off MSRP for every vehicle because that’s the only way to stay level with every vehicle. Incentives, rebates, discounts, etc fluctuate all of the time but MSRP is what the manufacturer says is suggested...and their opinion of value for the vehicle.

[@joshchavers7391]

Lost me at 46 thousand dollars.

[@sonicbhoc]

Generally, you don't pay MSRP for EVs. Look up the state and federal incentives, and watch for deals from the dealerships.

[@Ritschye]

Rubbish!!

[@camaronruss9476]

Ewww I don’t like the look

[@charlesmarilaine1219]

Cute