“Lack of public charging limits the usefulness of EVs now. 62 kW batteries yield round trips to only about 100 miles.”
2020 Nissan LEAF: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Nissan LEAF gets a light equipment update rather than a redesign. The most important change is that Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 driver-assistance suite becomes standard on every trim.
About the 2020 Nissan LEAF
2nd generation LEAF (2018-2025), third model year; not a redesign year. The longer-range PLUS versions introduced for 2019 carry into 2020.
Nissan positions the LEAF as an everyday electric hatchback that makes EV driving feel simple and familiar. The messaging centers on instant acceleration, one-pedal driving, easy smartphone integration, and confidence-boosting safety tech rather than luxury or extreme performance. Its main appeal is practical daily commuting with hatchback cargo space, quiet driving, and a choice between a standard battery for shorter routines and a larger PLUS battery for longer drives.
The S is the straightforward commuter version, with a 40-kWh battery, up to 149 miles of range, and one-pedal driving. The S PLUS emphasizes range with a 62-kWh battery, a 214-hp motor, and up to 226 miles, while the SL PLUS adds leather seating, highway driving assistance, a 360-degree camera, and Bose audio.
What changed, by category
Safety
Nissan Safety Shield 360 becomes standard across the lineup. It adds features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Tech
Every trim gets a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Trim lineup
The regular-battery SL trim is dropped. The longer-range SL PLUS remains, leaving five trims: S, SV, S PLUS, SV PLUS, and SL PLUS.
2020 Nissan LEAF specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | 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 | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 214 hp | 214 hp | 214 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 250 lb-ft | 250 lb-ft | 250 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft | 23.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 149 | 149 | 226 | 226 | 226 |
| MPGe Combined | 111 | 111 | 108 | 104 | 104 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| 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 | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Nissan LEAF?
The biggest change is that Nissan Safety Shield 360 becomes standard on every 2020 LEAF. This gives all five trims a broader set of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking.
Was the 2020 Nissan LEAF redesigned?
No, the 2020 Nissan LEAF was not redesigned. It continues the second-generation design introduced for 2018, with added standard safety and touchscreen equipment for 2020.
Did the 2020 Nissan LEAF get a new battery or motor?
No, the 2020 LEAF carries over its two electric powertrains. The S and SV have a 40-kWh battery and up to 149 miles of range, while the PLUS trims use a 62-kWh battery and a stronger 214-hp motor.
Does every 2020 Nissan LEAF have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, every 2020 Nissan LEAF has a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen is one of the main lineup-wide equipment upgrades for this year.
What happened to the SL trim for 2020?
The regular-battery SL was dropped for 2020, but the longer-range SL PLUS remained as the top trim. The 2020 lineup consists of S, SV, S PLUS, SV PLUS, and SL PLUS.
2020 Nissan LEAF Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Nissan LEAF.
4.1
2020 Nissan LEAF
(279 reviews)
“The main issue with electric vehicles is range anxiety and this one has over 200 miles of range, problem solved.”
“The larger battery option out for a little bit more cross-city travel, the 40kwh model is definitely for around town. If you don't drive a ton you can totally charge off of a standard three prong outlet and just top it off daily. Longer distance trips require planning.”