The 2023 Nissan Leaf is available in five trim levels: the S, SV, S Plus, SV Plus, and SL Plus. Exterior features on the S and S Plus trims include an aerodynamic rear spoiler and flat underbody panels, automatic halogen headlights, power-adjustable side mirrors, UV-reducing solar glass, and a charge port with a light and lock.

Both the SV and SV Plus trims add heated side mirrors, fog lights, and optional LED headlights and signature daytime running lights. The top SL Plus comes with upgraded side mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators and the LED headlights and daytime running lights as standard.

The Leaf S and SV models include an electric motor that receives its power from a 40-kWh battery pack and sends it to the front wheels. This powertrain puts out a total of 147 horsepower. The Plus models have a more powerful 62-kWh battery pack, which takes the total output to 214 horsepower. In speed testing, the Leaf with the standard powertrain went from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which is about average for the electric hatchback segment.

Although quick acceleration typically isn't a major selling point for electric vehicles, the Leaf is quite peppy. Where it really impresses is in its efficiency, as the base powertrain can go up to 150 miles on a single charge. The S Plus has the longest range at 226 miles, while the SV Plus and SL Plus can go up to 215 miles.

The e-Pedal feature allows you to toggle between regenerative braking modes, depending on your driving needs. You can select a mode that uses the energy produced when slowing down the car to recharge the battery. When plugged into a 240-volt outlet, the battery can fully recharge in about seven hours.

Cabin features of the S and S Plus trim levels include automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, manually adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, four USB ports, and a four-speaker sound system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and an 8-inch touch screen.

The SV and SV Plus trims add integrated navigation, NissanConnect functionality with satellite radio, an upgraded six-speaker sound system, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, and a hybrid heating system. These trim levels are also available with options such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. The SL Plus includes those options as standard, along with a removable cargo cover, leather upholstery, and a Bose audio system.

Standard safety equipment includes advanced air bags, stability and traction control, a rearview camera, and Nissan's ProPilot suite, which bundles forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, lane intervention, bind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. Options include a surround-view monitor and ProPILOT Assist.