“I've been doing my own car maintenance for my family vehicles for the last 15 years. This car has helped me cut back on maintenance time and allowed me to spend more time with my family. It's been a great daily commute car. I look forward to buying one for my kids when it's time for them to start driving.”
2015 Nissan LEAF: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2015 Nissan LEAF is that B-mode regenerative braking becomes standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with the same basic design, 24-kWh battery, and 84-mile EPA range.
About the 2015 Nissan LEAF
1st generation LEAF (2011-2017), post-2013 update, fifth model year.
Nissan positions the LEAF as an everyday hatchback that happens to be fully electric, not a science project or luxury toy. The core pitch is simple: charge at home, skip gas stations, enjoy quiet instant response, and still get seating for five plus useful cargo space. Against other early EVs, the LEAF’s big selling points are its normal-car feel, easy controls, and low day-to-day running costs for commuting and errands.
The S is the practical entry model, with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a rearview camera. The SV adds faster Level 2 charging, navigation, and 17-inch alloy wheels, while the SL tops the range with leather-appointed seats, LED low-beam headlights, and a quick-charge port.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
B-mode regenerative braking becomes standard on S, SV, and SL. It increases regenerative braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator, helping return more energy to the battery. Battery size, motor output, and EPA range remain unchanged.
Styling
The SV gains standard 17-inch alloy wheels. There is no broader exterior redesign.
Tech
SV and SL add hands-free text messaging and voice destination entry.
2015 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 | 187 lb-ft | 187 lb-ft | 187 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 | 114 | 114 | 114 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2015 Nissan LEAF?
The biggest change is standard B-mode regenerative braking on every 2015 LEAF trim. It provides stronger regenerative braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator, helping send more energy back to the battery.
Does the 2015 Nissan LEAF have more range than the 2014 model?
No. The 2015 LEAF keeps the same 24-kWh battery and 84-mile EPA range, so this update does not bring a range increase.
Is the 2015 Nissan LEAF a redesign?
No. The 2015 LEAF keeps the same basic first-generation design and receives only light equipment updates.
What changed on the 2015 Nissan LEAF SV?
The 2015 LEAF SV gains standard 17-inch alloy wheels, hands-free text messaging, and voice destination entry. It also has B-mode regenerative braking as standard equipment.
What changed on the 2015 Nissan LEAF SL?
The 2015 LEAF SL adds hands-free text messaging and voice destination entry, and B-mode regenerative braking becomes standard.
2015 Nissan LEAF Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Nissan LEAF.
4.2
2015 Nissan LEAF
(697 reviews)
“It's best under current conditions now but the reason I bought it was for its complete use of electricity. It's environmentally friendly and cost-effective for the amount of driving I do. With a gas-powered car, I would've spent twice what I spend now with my current Nissan Leaf.”
“The battery is too small only charges up to 90 miles before having to recharge. Hard to find charging stations for my 2015 Nissan Leaf.”