“This 2016 LEAF costs me a penny or less a mile to run. It is comfortable, roomy, free of emissions. The battery is aging, in part because the LEAF models do not have liquid battery cooling. The ChadMeo charging interface is outdated although you can get an adapter to use with lower voltage Tesla charging stations. I use it around Chicago for shopping, chores, and doctor. It's fun to drive.”
2016 Nissan LEAF: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for the 2016 Nissan LEAF is a larger 30-kWh battery that extends EPA range to 107 miles on S-30, SV, and SL models. This is a range and trim update rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Nissan LEAF
1st generation (2011-2017), late-cycle battery/range update year.
Nissan positioned the LEAF as an easy-entry electric hatchback for everyday life: charge at home, skip gas stations, and enjoy instant electric torque in a quiet five-seat car. Its appeal was practical rather than flashy, with useful cargo space, simple operation, and familiar hatchback packaging for first-time EV buyers. In 2016, the larger 30-kWh battery on most trims sharpened that pitch by making the LEAF a more usable daily commuter without changing its basic mission.
The 2016 LEAF ranges from the straightforward S-24 and longer-range S-30 to the better-equipped SV and SL. The SV pairs the 107-mile battery with quick-charge hardware and a 7-inch navigation touchscreen, while the SL adds leather seating, LED low-beam headlights, and heated rear seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 30-kWh battery raises EPA range from 84 to 107 miles on the SV and SL. The new S-30 uses the same larger battery and 107-mile range, while the renamed S-24 retains the 24-kWh battery and 84-mile range. The SV also gains a standard quick-charge port.
Tech
The base S-24 and S-30 receive a 5-inch color audio display and a hands-free text messaging assistant.
2016 Nissan LEAF specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 107 hp | 107 hp | 107 hp | 107 hp |
| Torque | 187 lb-ft | 187 lb-ft | 187 lb-ft | 187 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 107 | 107 | 107 | 107 |
| MPGe Combined | 112 | 112 | 114 | 112 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Nissan LEAF?
The biggest change is a new 30-kWh battery with an EPA-estimated 107-mile range on S-30, SV, and SL models. That gives these versions 23 more miles of rated range than the 84-mile battery setup.
Which 2016 Nissan LEAF trims have the 107-mile range?
The 2016 LEAF S-30, SV, and SL have the 30-kWh battery and an EPA-estimated 107-mile range. The S-24 keeps the smaller 24-kWh battery and an 84-mile rating.
What is the difference between the 2016 LEAF S-24 and S-30?
The main difference is battery size and driving range. The S-24 has a 24-kWh battery rated for 84 miles, while the S-30 has a 30-kWh battery rated for 107 miles; their basic comfort and convenience equipment is otherwise similar.
Was the 2016 Nissan LEAF redesigned?
No, the 2016 Nissan LEAF was not redesigned. Its styling, cabin layout, body structure, suspension, and chassis hardware carried over without major changes.
Did the 2016 Nissan LEAF receive any technology updates?
Yes. The base S-24 and S-30 have a 5-inch color audio display and a hands-free text messaging assistant, while upper trims retain their larger touchscreen and navigation setup.
2016 Nissan LEAF Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Nissan LEAF.
4.2
2016 Nissan LEAF
(314 reviews)
“I cannot say enough good things about the 2016 Nissan Leaf. Roomy interior, great acceleration, many options, all electric!”
“I love my new LEAF. It is comfortable, stylish and I look good driving it. For several months I would drive past a gas station and think: "do I need to stop?" Then I would laugh at myself and say oh, that's right, I don't need gasoline. It is truly awesome to be both eco-friendly and save money.”