Nissan Leaf Electric Cars 2020 Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2020 Nissan Leaf delivers an accessible, eco-friendly driving experience with a refined electric powertrain and up to 149 miles of range. Boasting quick acceleration, user-friendly tech, and a comfortable interior, it’s a practical choice for urban commuters and first-time EV owners seeking reliability without sacrificing modern features.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable EV option: The 2020 Nissan Leaf offers great value for budget-conscious electric car buyers.
• Impressive range: Up to 226 miles per charge with the Leaf Plus model, ideal for daily commutes.
• Quick acceleration: Delivers smooth, responsive power with its 147-hp electric motor.
• ProPilot Assist: Advanced driver aids enhance safety and reduce highway driving fatigue.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo space outperform many rivals in its class.
• Regenerative braking: One-pedal driving boosts efficiency and simplifies city driving.

The Electric Revolution: Why the 2020 Nissan Leaf Deserves Your Attention

Picture this: You’re cruising down the highway, the hum of the engine replaced by a near-silent glide, and you realize you haven’t stopped at a gas station in over a week. That’s the reality of driving the 2020 Nissan Leaf, a car that’s been quietly leading the charge in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution since its debut over a decade ago. As someone who’s driven everything from gas guzzlers to hybrids, I can honestly say the Leaf offers a unique blend of practicality, affordability, and eco-conscious driving that’s hard to match.

The 2020 model year brought significant updates to the Leaf lineup, making it more competitive than ever in the rapidly expanding EV market. With two battery options, improved tech features, and a price tag that won’t make your wallet weep, the Leaf is more than just Nissan’s first mass-market EV – it’s a solid choice for anyone considering the switch to electric. Whether you’re a city dweller tired of gas prices or a suburban family looking to reduce your carbon footprint, the Leaf offers something for everyone. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes this car tick, from its real-world performance to the little details that make daily driving a breeze.

Power and Range: What the Numbers Really Mean

Two Battery Options for Different Needs

The 2020 Nissan Leaf comes in two distinct flavors: the standard Leaf and the Leaf Plus. The base model packs a 40 kWh battery, while the Leaf Plus boasts a larger 62 kWh unit. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick – the difference in real-world usage is substantial. With the standard battery, you’re looking at an EPA-estimated 149 miles of range, which works perfectly for urban commuters or those with short daily drives. I tested this model in a week of city driving with occasional highway trips, and I found that with conservative driving habits and the occasional use of the climate control, I easily achieved 130-140 miles per charge.

The Leaf Plus, on the other hand, ups the ante with 212 miles of range. This is where things get interesting for those with longer commutes or who frequently travel outside city limits. During my time with the Leaf Plus, I was able to complete a 180-mile round trip to a nearby mountain town with about 20 miles to spare. The larger battery doesn’t just add range; it also provides more power, with the Leaf Plus delivering 214 horsepower compared to the standard model’s 147 horses.

Real-World Charging Scenarios

One of the biggest concerns about EVs is charging, and the 2020 Leaf handles this with a mix of practicality and flexibility. Both models come with a standard Level 1 charger that can be plugged into any household outlet. While convenient, this method is slow – you’re looking at about 4 miles of range per hour of charging. For most people, a Level 2 home charger (240V) is the better option, adding about 25 miles of range per hour. I installed a Level 2 charger at home and found it perfectly suited for overnight charging, waking up to a full battery every morning.

For longer trips, the Leaf Plus’s ability to charge at 100 kW DC fast chargers is a game-changer. In my experience, this means you can go from 20% to 80% charge in about 45 minutes – just enough time for a coffee break and some stretching. The standard Leaf maxes out at 50 kW, which is still respectable but means slightly longer stops. Pro tip: Always check the charging network in your area before committing. While Nissan’s partnership with EVgo provides good coverage, it’s not as widespread as Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Regenerative Braking: The Secret Weapon

One of the most innovative features of the 2020 Leaf is its e-Pedal system, which allows for one-pedal driving through aggressive regenerative braking. When activated, lifting off the accelerator brings the car to a complete stop without using the brake pedal. At first, this feels weird – like you’re constantly on the verge of stopping. But after a few days, it becomes second nature and actually makes driving in traffic less stressful.

The e-Pedal isn’t just about convenience; it also helps extend range. By capturing energy during deceleration, you’re effectively turning wasted kinetic energy back into stored electricity. In stop-and-go city traffic, I noticed I could regenerate up to 10% of my battery over a 20-mile drive. However, it’s worth noting that the e-Pedal can be turned off if you prefer traditional driving dynamics, and the standard regenerative braking (without e-Pedal) is still quite effective.

Interior Comfort and Tech: Where Daily Living Happens

Spaciousness That Defies Expectations

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the 2020 Leaf surprises with a roomy interior. The cabin feels airy, thanks to a relatively high roofline and large windows. Front seat occupants will find plenty of head and legroom, while rear passengers get a respectable 33.5 inches of legroom – enough for adults on shorter trips, though taller folks might find it a bit snug for long journeys. I regularly carpooled with three coworkers, and while the middle seat is best left to occasional use, the side seats were comfortable for 30-40 minute commutes.

The Leaf’s hatchback design pays dividends in cargo space. With the rear seats up, you get 23.6 cubic feet of storage, which is more than most compact SUVs. Fold the seats down, and that expands to 30 cubic feet. I found this perfect for my weekly grocery runs, easily fitting two large shopping carts worth of bags with room to spare. The wide opening and low load floor make loading bulky items like suitcases or furniture a breeze.

Tech That’s Actually Useful

The 2020 Leaf’s infotainment system won’t win any awards for cutting-edge tech, but it gets the job done with a user-friendly interface. The standard 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and mounted at a good height for easy viewing while driving. Nissan’s decision to keep physical buttons for climate control and audio functions is a win – there’s nothing worse than fumbling with touch controls while trying to keep your eyes on the road.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims, which is a big plus. I found the integration seamless, with my phone’s navigation and music apps displaying clearly on the main screen. The available 7-inch digital gauge cluster is a nice touch, showing key information like speed, range, and navigation prompts right in your line of sight. However, the base model’s 5-inch display feels a bit outdated in comparison.

Comfort Features That Make a Difference

Where the Leaf really shines is in the little comfort details. The heated front seats (standard on SV and SL trims) are a godsend in colder climates, and I appreciated the heated steering wheel during winter mornings. The available NissanConnect EV telematics system allows you to precondition the cabin remotely – a feature I used religiously to warm up the car before my commute on freezing days.

One unexpected comfort perk is the Leaf’s quiet cabin. Without an internal combustion engine, road and wind noise are the main sounds you’ll hear, and the Leaf does a good job of insulating against both. At highway speeds, conversation remains comfortable, and the audio system (upgraded Bose system available on SL trims) sounds surprisingly good. The only gripe is the lack of ventilated seats, which would be a welcome addition in hot climates.

Safety and Driver Aids: Protection in the Digital Age

Standard Safety Features Across the Board

Nissan deserves credit for making a comprehensive suite of safety features standard on all 2020 Leaf trims. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Rear automatic braking
• High-beam assist

These features aren’t just marketing fluff – they work well in real-world situations. The blind-spot warning, in particular, saved me from a potential sideswipe during a lane change on a busy highway. The automatic emergency braking also proved its worth when a cyclist unexpectedly entered my path during a rainy commute. The system engaged with a strong but not jarring brake application, avoiding what could have been a serious accident.

ProPILOT Assist: Not Quite Self-Driving, But Close

The available ProPILOT Assist system (standard on Leaf Plus SL and optional on other trims) is Nissan’s answer to adaptive cruise control. It combines adaptive cruise with lane-centering to create a semi-autonomous driving experience. In my testing, it worked best on highways with clear lane markings and moderate traffic.

The system does an excellent job of maintaining a set distance from the car ahead and keeping you centered in your lane. It’s particularly useful for long highway drives, reducing fatigue by handling the constant adjustments needed to maintain position and speed. However, it’s not a hands-free system – Nissan requires you to keep your hands on the wheel, and the system will alert you if it doesn’t detect hand pressure.

One caveat: ProPILOT Assist struggles in heavy traffic with frequent lane changes or in construction zones with faded markings. I found it best suited for steady highway driving rather than complex urban environments. Think of it as a very advanced cruise control rather than a self-driving feature.

Visibility and Parking Aids

The Leaf’s boxy shape pays dividends in visibility. Large windows and thin pillars provide excellent outward visibility, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier than in many modern cars with their thick, safety-focused pillars. The standard rearview camera is clear and responsive, with helpful trajectory lines.

Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system, which is invaluable for parking in tight spots. The system stitches together feeds from four cameras to create a top-down view of the car’s surroundings. I found this especially useful when parallel parking on busy city streets. The available front and rear parking sensors provide audible alerts when approaching obstacles, working in conjunction with the camera system.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: More Than Just a Commuter Car

Acceleration That Surprises

Electric cars are known for their instant torque, and the 2020 Leaf doesn’t disappoint. The standard Leaf’s 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque provide brisk acceleration, especially from a stop. In my testing, it could go from 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, which feels quicker than the numbers suggest thanks to the immediate power delivery.

The Leaf Plus’s 214 horsepower shaves about a second off that time, making it genuinely quick for a compact hatchback. Passing power at highway speeds is more than adequate, with the ability to go from 50-70 mph in just a few seconds. The electric motor’s linear power delivery makes speed adjustments feel natural, without the gear hunting common in many gas-powered cars.

Handling: Predictable and Comfortable

The Leaf’s handling is best described as competent rather than sporty. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up most road imperfections with ease. While it won’t win any autocross competitions, the Leaf feels stable and predictable in everyday driving scenarios. The low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery) reduces body roll in corners, and the steering is light but precise.

One quirk is the brake feel, which can be inconsistent due to the blending of regenerative and mechanical braking. In normal mode, the transition is smooth, but in e-Pedal mode, the brakes can feel grabby when you first press the pedal. It takes some getting used to, but after a few days, I found it easy to modulate the brakes for smooth stops.

Real-World Efficiency

Electric cars shine in efficiency, and the 2020 Leaf is no exception. The standard Leaf achieves 111 MPGe (combined), while the Leaf Plus gets 104 MPGe. To put that in perspective, MPGe is a measure of how far a car can travel on the same amount of energy as contained in one gallon of gasoline. In real terms, this means the Leaf costs pennies per mile to operate compared to a gas car.

My personal experience aligned with these numbers. With a mix of city and highway driving, I averaged about 4 miles per kWh, which translates to roughly $0.03 per mile at average electricity rates. Compare that to a typical gas car at $3.50 per gallon and 25 mpg, which costs about $0.14 per mile. Over 12,000 miles per year, that’s a savings of over $1,300 annually.

Ownership Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Practical

Maintenance: Simpler Than You Think

One of the biggest advantages of electric cars is their reduced maintenance needs. The 2020 Leaf has no oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts to worry about. The main maintenance items are:

• Tire rotations (every 7,500 miles)
• Brake fluid changes (every 2 years)
• Cabin air filter replacement (every 12,000 miles)
• High-voltage battery coolant changes (every 100,000 miles)

During my time with the Leaf, the only maintenance I needed was a tire rotation at 7,500 miles. The regenerative braking system means brake pads last much longer than in conventional cars – Nissan claims up to 100,000 miles under normal conditions. This simplicity is a major selling point for anyone tired of frequent trips to the dealership.

Warranty and Battery Degradation

Nissan backs the 2020 Leaf with a solid warranty package:

• 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper
• 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain
• 8 years/100,000 miles battery and electric components

The battery warranty is particularly important, as it guarantees at least 70% capacity after 8 years. In my research, I found that most Leaf owners report losing about 5-10% of their range over the first 50,000 miles, with degradation slowing significantly after that. Proper charging habits (avoiding frequent DC fast charging, not keeping the battery at 100% for extended periods) can help maximize battery life.

Resale Value and Incentives

Electric cars historically suffer from steep depreciation, but the Leaf holds up better than most. After 3 years, a 2020 Leaf typically retains about 50-55% of its value, which is competitive for the class. The Leaf Plus tends to hold value slightly better than the standard model, likely due to its longer range.

At purchase, the 2020 Leaf qualified for a $7,500 federal tax credit, with additional incentives available in many states. While these incentives have since been phased out for Nissan (due to reaching the sales cap), they made the Leaf an even more compelling value when new. Current buyers should check for any remaining state or local incentives that might apply.

Trim Level	Starting MSRP	Battery Size	Range (EPA est.)	Horsepower	Key Features
Leaf S	$31,600	40 kWh	149 miles	147 hp	8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Leaf SV	$34,190	40 kWh	149 miles	147 hp	Heated front seats, NissanConnect EV, ProPILOT Assist (optional)
Leaf SL	$38,200	40 kWh	149 miles	147 hp	Bose audio, 360-degree camera, ProPILOT Assist
Leaf Plus S	$38,200	62 kWh	212 miles	214 hp	100 kW DC fast charging, 8-inch touchscreen
Leaf Plus SV	$40,450	62 kWh	212 miles	214 hp	Heated front seats, ProPILOT Assist, 17-inch wheels
Leaf Plus SL	$44,200	62 kWh	212 miles	214 hp	Bose audio, 360-degree camera, LED headlights

The Final Verdict: Is the 2020 Nissan Leaf Right for You?

After spending considerable time with both the standard 2020 Nissan Leaf and the Leaf Plus, I can say with confidence that it’s a compelling choice in the EV market. The standard Leaf makes an excellent city car, with enough range for daily commuting and errands, while the Leaf Plus steps up to handle longer trips with ease. Both models offer a comfortable, tech-filled cabin, strong safety features, and the low running costs that make EVs so appealing.

The Leaf isn’t without its compromises. The infotainment system feels a generation behind some competitors, and the ride can get a bit busy on rough roads. The fast charging network isn’t as robust as Tesla’s, which could be a concern for road trippers. And while the interior is spacious, the materials feel a bit budget-oriented compared to some rivals.

However, when you consider the whole package – the affordable price point, low maintenance costs, and Nissan’s proven reliability – the 2020 Leaf emerges as a smart, practical choice for anyone looking to make the switch to electric. It’s not the flashiest EV on the market, nor the fastest, but it excels at being a dependable, everyday car that just happens to run on electricity.

For city dwellers tired of gas prices, suburban families looking to reduce their carbon footprint, or anyone wanting a taste of electric driving without breaking the bank, the 2020 Nissan Leaf delivers. It’s a car that proves you don’t need to sacrifice practicality for sustainability, and that sometimes, the most revolutionary technology is the one that simply works, day after day, mile after mile.

If you’re in the market for an electric car that balances range, features, and value, the 2020 Nissan Leaf deserves a spot at the top of your test drive list. Just be prepared for the strange, wonderful sensation of driving a car that makes almost no noise – and realizing that you might never want to go back to gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the 2020 Nissan Leaf electric car?

The 2020 Nissan Leaf offers a 40 kWh battery (standard) or 62 kWh (Leaf Plus), delivering up to 149–212 miles of range. It includes ProPILOT Assist, e-Pedal, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking.

How does the 2020 Nissan Leaf perform compared to other electric cars?

The 2020 Leaf provides smooth acceleration and responsive handling, with the Leaf Plus model offering 214 hp for quicker performance. While it may not match rivals like the Tesla Model 3 in range, it excels in affordability and practical daily usability.

What is the range of the 2020 Nissan Leaf electric car?

The standard 2020 Nissan Leaf has a 149-mile range, while the Leaf Plus model extends to 212 miles on a full charge. Real-world range varies based on driving habits, weather, and terrain.

Does the 2020 Nissan Leaf support fast charging?

Yes, the 2020 Leaf features DC fast charging (standard on Leaf Plus, optional on base models), allowing up to 80% charge in about 40 minutes. Level 2 charging (240V) fully recharges the battery in 7.5–11 hours.

Is the 2020 Nissan Leaf a good value for money?

The 2020 Nissan Leaf stands out with its competitive pricing, low maintenance costs, and federal tax incentives. It’s ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, feature-rich electric car for city and suburban driving.

What safety features does the 2020 Nissan Leaf include?

The 2020 Leaf comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add ProPILOT Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system for highway convenience.