“Vehicle runs great. It does not have a CD player. Love the safety features like the lane assist, blind spot warning, collision warning etc”
2021 Nissan LEAF: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Nissan LEAF gets a light equipment update rather than a redesign. The main change is that the SV and SV PLUS make heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, and the hybrid cabin heater standard.
About the 2021 Nissan LEAF
2nd gen (2018-2025), fourth model year.
Nissan positions the LEAF as an easy, everyday electric hatchback rather than a luxury or performance EV. The main appeal is simple EV ownership: instant response, one-pedal driving, home charging, a practical 5-door body, and standard driver-assistance tech. For most buyers, the LEAF is about commuting, errands, and familiar small-car usability, with LEAF Plus trims adding enough extra range for shoppers who want more flexibility without moving to a larger or pricier EV.
The S is the straightforward version for shorter daily driving, with a 40-kWh battery, an 8-inch touchscreen, and one-pedal driving. The S PLUS pairs simpler equipment with a 62-kWh battery and up to 226 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the SV PLUS adds navigation and heated comfort features. At the top, the SL PLUS combines the larger battery with leather-appointed seats, Bose audio, a surround-view camera, and added highway-driving assistance.
What changed, by category
Comfort equipment
Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, and the hybrid cabin heater become standard on the SV and SV PLUS. These features were not all standard on those trims for 2020.
2021 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 | 216 | 216 |
| MPGe Combined | 111 | 111 | 108 | 104 | 104 |
| 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 | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| 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
Was the 2021 Nissan LEAF redesigned?
No, the 2021 Nissan LEAF was not redesigned or refreshed. It continues the second-generation design introduced for 2018, with the same five-trim lineup and the same two battery sizes as 2020.
What changed on the 2021 Nissan LEAF compared with the 2020 model?
The main change is more standard cold-weather equipment on the SV and SV PLUS. Both trims make heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, and the hybrid cabin heater standard; the rest of the lineup largely carries over.
Did the 2021 Nissan LEAF get a new battery or more power?
No, the 2021 Nissan LEAF has no confirmed battery or motor change. The standard versions retain a 40-kWh battery and 147-hp motor, while LEAF PLUS versions retain a 62-kWh battery and 214-hp motor.
Which 2021 Nissan LEAF trim has the longest range?
The 2021 LEAF S PLUS has the longest EPA-estimated range at up to 226 miles. It combines the larger 62-kWh battery with the simpler equipment level of the S trim.
Did the 2021 Nissan LEAF get new standard safety features?
No, there was no lineup-wide safety change for 2021. Nissan’s safety suite remains standard across the range and includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.
2021 Nissan LEAF Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Nissan LEAF.
4.1
2021 Nissan LEAF
(219 reviews)
“Be aware that 160 miles on a full charge does NOT mean you can drive 160 miles and that is before we have cold weather.”
“If your interested in an electric vehicle the Leaf is very reasonably priced, if you can live with the lower driving range.”