2012 Nissan LEAF: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Nissan LEAF is standard cold-weather equipment on every trim, including a battery heater, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and a rear air duct. It is not a redesign, and the battery, motor, body style, and overall first-generation design largely carry over from 2011.
About the 2012 Nissan LEAF
1st generation (2011-2017), second model year, before the broader 2013 update.
Nissan positioned the LEAF as the first affordable mass-produced electric car that worked like a normal compact hatchback. The pitch centered on no gas, no tailpipe emissions, quiet driving, room for five, and enough range for typical daily commuting with overnight charging at home. Compared with hybrids or converted EVs of the time, the LEAF’s big differentiator was being a purpose-built electric vehicle with everyday practicality rather than a compromise car.
The 2012 LEAF is a five-passenger electric hatchback offered in practical SV and more upscale SL forms. The SV has a 24-kWh battery, an 80-kW electric motor, navigation with driving-range displays, and LED headlights. The SL adds a standard DC quick-charge port, a rear camera, automatic headlights, fog lights, and HomeLink.
What changed, by category
2012 Nissan LEAF specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 107 hp | 107 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 24 cu-ft | 24 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.1 in | 31.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 84 | 84 |
| MPGe Combined | 99 | 99 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Headlights | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Nissan LEAF compared with the 2011 model?
The 2012 LEAF gains standard cold-weather equipment across the lineup, and the SL makes its DC quick-charge port standard. The battery size, motor output, body style, and overall design otherwise remain largely unchanged.
Was the 2012 Nissan LEAF redesigned?
No, the 2012 Nissan LEAF was not redesigned. It remains part of the first generation introduced for 2011 and receives an equipment update rather than major mechanical or structural changes.
Does every 2012 Nissan LEAF have heated seats and a heated steering wheel?
Yes, every 2012 Nissan LEAF has heated front and rear seats plus a heated steering wheel as standard equipment. All trims also have a battery heater, heated outside mirrors, and a rear HVAC duct.
Which 2012 Nissan LEAF trim has a standard DC quick-charge port?
The 2012 Nissan LEAF SL has a standard DC quick-charge port. This makes the SL better equipped for faster charging at compatible public stations.
Is the 2012 Nissan LEAF meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Yes, mainly for cold-weather use and SL charging convenience. Its standard heating equipment is the key improvement, while the SL’s standard quick-charge port is another useful change; the core electric powertrain and design carry over.