2023 Nissan Leaf Gets A Facelift And A $400 Price Hike

Nissan introduced the facelifted Leaf earlier this year and now the company has announced the model will start at $27,800.

Costing $400 more than its predecessor, the 2023 Leaf has been equipped with a new front fascia, a revised grille, and updated headlights. They’re joined by restyled wheels, updated upholstery, and Nissan’s new logo.

While the styling changes are limited, the Leaf lineup has been slashed from five trims to two. The entry-level variant remains the 40 kWh Leaf S and it comes equipped with a four-speaker audio system, cruise control, and 16-inch steel wheels. Buyers will also find power windows and locks as well as an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Also Read: 2023 Nissan Leaf Updated With Freshened Looks And Simplified Lineup

Despite meager levels of equipment, the Leaf S has an assortment of driver assistance systems including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, and Blind Spot Warning as well as Blind Spot Intervention. Buyers will also find Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Lane Intervention, and High Beam Assist. They’re joined by Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, a RearView Monitor, and Rear Door Alert.

Motivation is provided by an electric motor that develops 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. It’s powered by the aforementioned 40 kWh battery pack and this allows the model to have an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles (240 km) on a single charge.

If that’s not far enough, customers can upgrade to the Leaf SV Plus which features a larger 60 kWh battery. It boasts 212 miles (341 km) of range as well as an electric motor that produces 214 hp (160 kW / 217 PS) and 250 lb-ft (339 Nm) of torque.

Unfortunately, these improvements come at a cost as the range-topping model starts at $35,800 and that’s $400 more than last year’s variant. That’s a sizeable jump from the entry-level Leaf, but the SV Plus comes with additional equipment including LED lighting units, heated exterior mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Moving into the cabin, there are heated front seats and an eight-way power driver’s seat. Customers will also find a six-speaker audio system, GPS navigation, and NissanConnect services. Other highlights include Intelligent Cruise Control, an Intelligent Around View Monitor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and ProPILOT Assist.

The 2023 Nissan Leaf is now arriving at U.S. dealerships and it will have to battle the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt, which offers 259 miles (417 km) of range and a starting price of $26,595. However, it’s worth noting the Bolt is no longer eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit while the Leaf is.

Note: Leaf prices exclude a $1,095 destination fee