2013 Nissan LEAF: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2013 Nissan LEAF gets a major mid-cycle update, led by the new entry-level S trim. Efficiency, charging usability, and cabin practicality also improve.
About the 2013 Nissan LEAF
1st generation LEAF (2011-2017), heavily updated 2013 model.
Nissan positions the LEAF as an everyday electric hatchback rather than a novelty car. The core pitch is simple: no gas stops, home charging, room for five, hatchback practicality, and quick electric response in city driving. It is aimed at commuting and errands more than long-distance travel, with built-in range-management tools and a quiet cabin that make daily use feel easy and low-stress compared with small gas hatchbacks.
The S is the simple entry point, with the same 24-kWh battery and 80-kW motor as the upper trims, plus heated seats and automatic climate control. The SV adds a faster onboard charger, navigation, a more efficient heater, and stronger regenerative braking, while the SL tops the range with leather seats, LED headlights, a quick-charge port, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
What changed, by category
2013 Nissan LEAF specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 107 hp | 107 hp | 107 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 30 cu-ft | 30 cu-ft | 30 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 84 | 84 | 84 |
| MPGe Combined | 115 | 115 | 115 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Nissan LEAF a major update over the 2012 model?
Yes. The 2013 LEAF receives a substantial mid-cycle update with a new S trim, better efficiency, improved charging hardware, more cargo room, and easier-to-use charging-port controls.
Was the Nissan LEAF S new for 2013?
Yes. The S joins the LEAF range for 2013 as the simplest trim, using the same 24-kWh battery and 80-kW electric motor as SV and SL while offering fewer upscale and fast-charging features.
Which 2013 Nissan LEAF trims have the faster onboard charger?
The 2013 LEAF SV and SL have a 6.6-kW onboard charger. The S uses slower onboard charging hardware, while the SL also has a quick-charge port.
Is the 2013 Nissan LEAF more efficient than the 2012 model?
Yes. Aerodynamic, regenerative-braking, and energy-management changes increase combined efficiency from 99 to 115 MPGe and help raise the LEAF’s EPA-rated range.
Does the 2013 Nissan LEAF have more cargo room than the 2012 model?
Yes. Moving the onboard charger to the front increases cargo capacity behind the rear seats from 24 to 30 cubic feet.