Driving Impressions: 2024 Nissan Leaf SV Plus

By: Mark Moskowitz MD

The Last Leaf

Random Thoughts

I am a sucker for literature and poetry, and I find it hard not to draw comparisons with the Oliver Wendell Holmes poem, The Last Leaf, an ode to aging and relevance. I have to mention that Nissan has already announced the pending cessation of the present model's manufacture.

Nissan made its own history; it can take credit for pioneering the concept of an affordable, all-electric sedan on its dedicated platform. It came on the scene as a 2011 model and reached its US sales zenith of 30,200 units in 2014. Sales have fallen and since 2016, no two-year total has equaled that number. To date Nissan recorded roughly 183,000 US sales; contrast that with Tesla, whose Model 3 sold 206,500 US units in 2020 alone.

It's no surprise that the Leaf just has not kept up. There's been no radical styling improvements. The dashboard is far from futuristic with a relatively small eight-inch touchscreen. Its base model carries a 40-kW battery and has a range of just 149 miles. Its charging system is the relatively antiquated and probably doomed CHAdeMO system, and it lost the advantage of a federal $7500 tax credit on purchase (subsequent to this writing fed recertification allowed a $3750 credit).

There's still relevance as it's a relatively inexpensive EV listing for under $30,000. Add another eight grand for the SV (the only optional trim) and range increases to roughly 212 miles. Horsepower increases as well from 147 to 214. The zip is noticeable and 60 miles an hour is achieved in under seven seconds. Response is instantaneous at all legal speeds.

The SV boasts Nissan's Pro Pilot assist with its adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous drive, and a lane keep system that works particularly well in a smaller car. 

The SV's interior is relatively plain with fabric seats which are relatively comfortable and highly adjustable on the driver's side. Driving Impressions found the seats not the equivalent of most other Nissans' Zero-Gravity units. Both front buckets are heated.

On the road controls are light and easy. Though there are no transmission gears, the over and down engagement of the forward drive is pleasant, positive and a bit reminiscent of a manual shifter. A toggle allows 'one pedal mode' with maximal regenerative braking. There's no middle ground between minimal and maximal. Controls are within easy reach and most every comfort function can be activated either on the touch screen or by manual switch. USB-A and C access is available in front and required for activation of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. There are two USB-C's in the back, where headroom is limited and would be restrictive for someone taller than 5 foot 10 inches. Divided rear seats can be folded down to optimize luggage capacity.

A few random features and opportunities bear mention. The 17-inch alloy wheels are quirky but to our liking, as is the subtlety of its interpretation of the V-Motion grill. The SV has a heated leather steering wheel, LED headlights and the necessary but not always available (in other vehicles) 360 view camera system. In some states full EVs allow access to HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants. Depending on the price negotiated, the Leaf should be among EVs considered for around town driving and that short to moderate distance commute.

Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD

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