2025 marks the final model year of the second-gen Leaf, which is codenamed ZE1. The next generation is expected to drop in late 2024 for the 2026 model year, and in stark contrast to the current five-door hatchback, the newcomer is a crossover with styling cues from the Chill-Out concept.
Until then, customers are presented with a choice of either 40 or 60 kilowatt hours. Nissan North America wants $28,140 for the lesser battery, whereas the longer-range version is $36,190 before destination charge. Said prices are unchanged from the 2024 model year Leaf, and not surprising in the least, nothing has changed in terms of standard kit.
The Japanese automaker highlights that 2025 Leaf vehicles aren't eligible for the federal electric vehicle tax credit, whereas remaining 2024 stock is eligible for up to $3,750 in potential tax credits if the vehicles are delivered to the customer before January 1, 2025. The Leaf comes with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, which includes the likes of Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
Of course, the AEB system features pedestrian detection. Level up to the 60-kWh battery, and you're further presented with the Intelligent Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system. The pricier Leaf also comes with ProPILOT Assist hands-on driver assistance technologies, namely Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist.
Speed Adjust by Route and Speed Limit Assist need to be mentioned as well. Every 2025 Nissan Leaf is backed up by EV Carefree+. What is that? For starters, three years or 36,000 miles (nearly 60,000 kilometers) of scheduled maintenance.
Photo: Nissan
EV Carefree+ also bundles EV Battery Health Assurance, which is the pompous way of saying that every Leaf's high-voltage battery is warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles (almost 160,000 kilometers). The final perk comes in the form of EV Roadside Assistance 24-hour roadside assistance for three years or 36,000 miles from purchase.
Driving range is estimated at 149 miles (240 kilometers) for the Leaf S and 212 miles (341 kilometers) for the Leaf SV Plus. The 40-kWh battery comprises 192 cells, while the 60-kWh unit is gifted with 288 cells. Under-the-skin differences further include a more powerful electric motor for the SV Plus: 160 kilowatts (214 horsepower) compared to 110 kilowatts (147 horsepower).
As ever, the Leaf is a front-wheel-drive affair with MacPherson struts up front and rear torsion-beam suspension. The more expensive Ariya crossover combines front struts with a multi-link setup for the rear end, but remember that Ariya is based on a different platform from that of the 2025 Leaf.
Ariya is presently listed on the automaker's configurator with a starting price of $39,590 for the 216-mile Engage FWD. The most combined range available is 304 miles (489 kilometers) for the Venture+ FWD, whereas e-4FORCE AWD trims offer no more than 272 miles (330 kilometers).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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