If there is one sure-fire way to attract buyers to your product is to give it a healthy price cut. In an era when we are seeing the prices of vehicles go through the roof, it is quite refreshing when a brand actually does just the opposite. And just as a side note, the Nissan LEAF was already one of the more affordable electric models on the market. In addition to a reduced price tag, the 2022 Nissan LEAF offers plenty of features that make it quite appealing. The LEAF also gives drivers choices, which means a better chance of getting everything you desire in an electric car.
Nissan made a few changes with the newest model; for example, the fast-charging connector is now standard on all trims. When the LEAF debuted back in 2011 as the first mass-market electric car, it offered only 73 miles of range. Today, the 2022 LEAF now garners a much more respectable number, with the available 62 kWh battery boasting 226 miles of rated range. There are other reasons why the LEAF has become a popular choice in the segment and favored over the likes of the Kia Niro and Chevy Bolt EV.
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The 2022 Nissan LEAF gives you choices when it comes to performance. One of the first things you will have to decide is which motor setup works best for you and your driving needs. The standard motor powers the front wheels and offers 147 horsepower. The 40 kWh battery pack that comes with it will keep you on the road for 149 miles, which is a decent offering for those who will be using the LEAF for commutes in the city. However, the upgraded powertrain is the obvious choice for the adventurous drivers who will be utilizing their LEAF for longer trips. This 214 horsepower motor powers the front wheels, and the accompanying 62 kWh battery pack offers 226 miles between charges.
You can plug your LEAF into either a 120-volt or 240-volt household outlet or use a public 480-volt DC quick charger, but you will see a very different charging time between them. The larger 62 kWh battery can be fully charged in 11.5 hours when connected to a 240-volt outlet. However, the CHAdeMO technology that is now standard on all LEAF models will take just 45 minutes to get the 62 kWh battery to an 80% charge with a 100 kWh quick charge. This means that if you stop for a meal on a long road trip, your car will be ready to go by the time you finish.
The interior of the 2022 LEAF may not be a luxury car, but it is spacious and smart. When you take a closer look at it, it is set up rather well and doesn’t look cheap in any way. Slipping behind the wheel of the LEAF, the first thing you will notice is just how comfortable the seats are; you might even be tempted to close your eyes for a quick nap. The same holds true in the back seats, where even large adults have enough room to ride in comfort.
It may not look like it from the outside, but there is really a lot of space inside the LEAF. You will be pleasantly surprised when you open the trunk and reveal all of that glorious space. For those who will be utilizing the LEAF for road trips, you won’t have any problem storing all of the things you need. Cargo space in the LEAF is just over 23 cubic feet, but when you fold the seats down, that jumps to 30 cubic feet of cargo space. Just how much space is that? Well, it’s enough to easily fit as many suitcases as you can pack. With the seat folded, you can carry everything from a full-size bike to a set of skis and the poles as well.
All LEAF trims come with a standard 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. For those who will be taking their LEAF on holiday adventures, navigation is an option that makes sense if you want to reach your destination without having to stop and ask for directions. One of the best features that the infotainment system offers is the fact it is intuitive and easy to use. While there are systems that provide more, they are often challenging to learn and require a thorough reading of the manual. For drivers who enjoy music with their commute, the LEAF comes standard with a six-speaker audio system. However, the high-level trims feature a premium Bose system that is sure to impress.
Nissan thought it would be in everybody’s best interest to include its Safety Shield 360 Suite as a standard feature on all trims of the 2022 LEAF. We would like to thank them for this as it really amps up the driving experience. Almost every type of safety and convenience feature you can think of is included in the suite. The components of the suite include rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear automatic braking, which will automatically apply the brakes if there is an object detected when you are backing up. While there are drivers out there who have yet learned to fully appreciate modern safety features, Nissan does a fine job keeping its drivers safe and secure. After all, the most important part of a drive is reaching your destination without an incident.
ProPilot Assist is an available option for high-level trims, and it will change the way you drive. Nissan has compared the system to the Star Wars character R2-D2. In a nutshell, ProPilot Assist is much like a co-pilot that makes driving safer and enhances the experience. For example, LEAF models with the system will detect lane markers while you are driving, and active steering will assist you in staying in the center of your lane. Of course, this does not mean you can slack off while driving in this mode, but you will suffer less driving fatigue utilizing the system for sure.
While it might not be a sports car, the LEAF isn’t an unattractive car by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, the LEAF is rather sporty and stylish, and you will be glad to be behind the wheel of such a handsome car - especially when compared to the many boring-looking EVs on the road. The sleek design, gentle curves, and floating roof design of the LEAF are impressive, and you would never guess that it is an electric car.
The LEAF S is the base model, and it comes with everything you would expect from a base model plus more. With such a low price point, you might not expect to get Nissan Safety Shield 360, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and push-button start, but these are all standard features. Jumping up to the LEAF SV, you get to enjoy Intelligent Cruise Control, heated front seats, and fog lights. Other goodies you get with the SV include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. Of course, you get all of the features included in the S model as well.
Things get quite interesting should you opt for the LEAF S Plus, especially in regards to exterior styling. But let’s start with the more powerful motor with added battery range, which is a must for those who will be traveling long distances in their LEAF. The added horsepower is also an appreciated addition. The S Plus includes 16-inch alloy wheels and a front bumper chin spoiler, which really sets this model apart from the previous ones. You might not think that such a small addition can make a big difference in overall looks, but it does just that.
Next up is the LEAF SV Plus, which gives you upgrades that include LED headlights, ProPilot Assist, and Door to Door Navigation. You will also enjoy fog lights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SV Plus also has the more powerful motor and larger battery. The LEAF SL Plus is the cream of the crop and features leather-appointed seats, a Bose audio system, and outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators. The best part of the higher trims is that you get a bunch of added features without breaking the bank.
At Illini Nissan, we understand that each of our customers has unique automotive needs, and we focus on satisfying these needs. We also understand that in order to build a long and lasting relationship, we need to develop trust, which is why we work so hard to deliver an amazing and hassle-free experience. Finally, we know that it is essential to have a diverse and impressive inventory of vehicles; this ensures that you will find what you are looking for without having to hop from dealership to dealership. Our expansive inventory includes all of the new models you would expect to find, plus a fine selection of used models to suit your needs and budget. From electric cars to sports cars and from SUVs to pickup trucks, we have it all here on our lot. If you are looking to get behind the wheel of your next dream vehicle, the first step is to visit Illini Nissan.
*MSRP subject to change. Please see dealer for details.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
