“range is pretty good. internal storage is not good. overall a quality vehicle that is very reasonable to maintain.”
2018 Nissan LEAF: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Nissan LEAF is a full redesign and the first year of its second generation. Its biggest change is a larger 40-kWh battery and stronger 147-hp electric motor, giving it an EPA-estimated 151 miles of range.
About the 2018 Nissan LEAF
2nd generation (ZE1), first year of the redesign.
For 2018, Nissan positions the LEAF as a mainstream electric hatchback for everyday driving rather than a niche experiment. Its core appeal is simple EV ownership: useful driving range for commuting, easy charging, hatchback cargo flexibility, and a quiet cabin without giving up familiar comfort features. What sets it apart is how approachable it feels, especially with e-Pedal one-pedal driving and a more conventional look than many early EV rivals.
Every 2018 LEAF has the same 40-kWh battery, 147-hp motor, e-Pedal system, and automatic emergency braking. The SV is the tech-focused middle trim with a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and quick-charge hardware. The SL adds leather-appointed heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view parking camera, and Bose audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new 40-kWh battery and 147-hp electric motor replace the previous 30-kWh battery and 107-hp motor. Torque rises from 187 to 236 lb-ft, and EPA-estimated range increases from 107 to 151 miles.
Styling
The exterior and interior are completely redesigned, giving the LEAF a more conventional hatchback shape and a new cabin layout.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking becomes standard on every trim. The redesigned lineup also adds newer driver aids, including ProPILOT Assist on upper trims or through equipment packages.
Tech
The new e-Pedal one-pedal driving system is standard across the lineup. The SV and SL receive a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while Bose audio becomes standard on the SL.
Structural
Revised steering, rear suspension tuning, aerodynamics, and body details are intended to improve stability, ride comfort, and cabin quietness.
2018 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 | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 151 | 151 | 151 |
| MPGe Combined | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 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 Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Nissan LEAF a redesigned model?
Yes. The 2018 Nissan LEAF is the first year of the second generation, with a new body, redesigned cabin, larger battery, stronger motor, revised steering and suspension tuning, and new driver-assistance technology.
How far can the 2018 Nissan LEAF travel on a full charge?
The 2018 Nissan LEAF has an EPA-estimated range of 151 miles on a full charge. That is up from 107 miles for the 2017 model.
What battery and motor does the 2018 Nissan LEAF use?
Every 2018 Nissan LEAF uses a 40-kWh battery and a 147-hp electric motor producing 236 lb-ft of torque. The S, SV, and SL all share this powertrain.
Does the 2018 Nissan LEAF have one-pedal driving?
Yes. Nissan’s e-Pedal one-pedal driving system is standard on every 2018 LEAF. It lets the driver speed up, slow down, and bring the car to a stop mainly by adjusting pressure on the accelerator.
Which 2018 Nissan LEAF trim has the most comfort and parking features?
The SL has the richest equipment for 2018. It includes leather-appointed heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, LED headlights, a surround-view parking camera, Bose audio, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2018 Nissan LEAF Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Nissan LEAF.
4.3
2018 Nissan LEAF
(293 reviews)
“I'm very glad that I bought the Nissan Leaf, i love the way that it handle and also how much it saves me because I don't need to buy gas and also I don't need to get 4 oil changes a year so I figured it save me about 2000 dollars year or more. What I really love about owning a electric i can plug it in at night and wake up to a full charge vehicle.”
“SO fun to drive. Moves like a high performance sports car. Low cost of operation/maintenance.”