The Nissan Leaf has long been a pioneer in the electric vehicle (EV) market, credited with bringing practical zero-emissions driving to mainstream buyers. In Australia, the Leaf remains one of the most accessible EVs, particularly in its hatchback form. Now, with the arrival of the 2025 Nissan Leaf, buyers are eager to see whether it can hold its ground against a growing list of rivals such as the MG4 EV, BYD Dolphin, and even entry-level Tesla Model 3.
This review takes a deep dive into the Leaf’s design, performance, range, practicality, ownership costs, and how it stacks up against competitors in 2025.
Exterior Design: Subtle Yet Modern
The 2025 Nissan Leaf maintains its familiar hatchback silhouette but receives subtle refinements. The front fascia is sleeker, with a closed-off grille that signals its EV credentials while aiding aerodynamics. LED headlights with a sharper daytime running light signature bring the Leaf in line with Nissan’s newer design language.
Side on, the Leaf still looks compact and urban-friendly, with a slightly rising beltline and a floating roof design that adds visual interest. New alloy wheel designs, ranging from 16 to 17 inches, improve efficiency while giving the car a more planted stance.
At the rear, a restyled bumper and slimmer LED taillights modernise the look without alienating long-time Leaf fans. It’s not flashy, but for many Aussie buyers seeking an affordable EV, understated design is part of its charm.
Interior & Cabin Comfort
Step inside the Leaf and you’re greeted with a cabin that balances practicality with tech updates. Nissan has upgraded materials for 2025, with soft-touch surfaces on the dash and improved seat fabrics. While not luxurious, the cabin feels more upmarket than before.
The Leaf comfortably seats five, although rear passengers will find legroom tight if the front seats are pushed back. Boot space sits at around 435 litres, making it competitive with small hatchbacks and slightly ahead of some EV rivals. The rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 split, useful for bulky items like prams or weekend gear.
Technology & Infotainment
Nissan has modernised the Leaf’s infotainment for 2025. The standard 8-inch touchscreen now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a wired USB-C connection. Voice control has been improved, while Nissan Connect services allow remote monitoring of battery status and pre-conditioning via a smartphone app.
A new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is available on higher trims, offering customisable layouts for navigation, energy consumption, and driver assistance alerts. While rivals like Tesla push minimalist designs, the Leaf strikes a balance with physical controls for climate functions, which many drivers still prefer.
Performance & Driving Dynamics
The 2025 Leaf is offered with two battery configurations:
- Standard Range (40 kWh): 110 kW motor, approx. 270 km WLTP range
- Extended Range (62 kWh e+): 160 kW motor, approx. 385 km WLTP range
In urban driving, the Leaf shines with instant torque delivery, making it nimble in traffic. The e-Pedal feature remains, allowing single-pedal driving by combining acceleration and regenerative braking. It’s intuitive once you get used to it, especially for city commutes.
On highways, the Leaf feels stable, though not as sporty as a Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Kona Electric. Steering is light but predictable, and suspension tuning prioritises comfort over sharp handling. For most Australian buyers, this balance suits daily commuting and occasional road trips.
Charging & Range
Charging is one of the key factors for EV buyers, and the Leaf continues to offer a practical solution. Using a home wallbox (7 kW), the standard Leaf can recharge from empty to full in about 7.5 hours, while the 62 kWh battery takes around 11.5 hours.
On DC fast charging (up to 100 kW for the e+), the Leaf can charge from 20–80% in approximately 40 minutes. While this is slower than some rivals offering 150 kW+ charging, it’s acceptable for most real-world usage.
With the rise of public charging infrastructure in Australia, particularly along major highways, the Leaf is now more road-trip capable than in its early years.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety remains a selling point for the Nissan Leaf. For 2025, the model continues with a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
ProPILOT, Nissan’s semi-autonomous driving system, is available on higher trims, providing lane centring and stop-and-go functionality in traffic. This makes longer commutes or holiday trips more relaxing.
Running Costs & Ownership
One of the Leaf’s biggest advantages remains its affordability—not just in purchase price but in running costs. Nissan Australia continues to position the Leaf as one of the cheapest EVs to buy, with pricing expected to start from around $50,000 before on-road costs in 2025.
Electricity is far cheaper than petrol in Australia, with charging costs estimated at less than one-third of equivalent fuel costs for a small hatchback. Servicing is also cheaper, thanks to fewer moving parts compared with traditional combustion engines.
Nissan offers an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty, along with a 5-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty. This aligns with industry standards and helps reduce concerns about battery longevity.
How It Compares to Rivals
The 2025 Leaf competes directly with affordable EV hatchbacks and small sedans.
- MG4 EV: Cheaper entry price, sportier handling, faster charging, but less brand recognition.
- BYD Dolphin: Highly competitive on features and tech at a sharp price, though after-sales service in Australia is still developing.
- Tesla Model 3 RWD: Longer range, faster charging, and a premium image, but at a higher starting price.
- Hyundai Kona Electric: SUV body style offers more space, but it’s pricier than the Leaf.
The Leaf still appeals to those prioritising affordability, proven reliability, and a hatchback format. While it may not be the most exciting EV, it offers a dependable package.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable entry into EV ownership
- Comfortable and practical hatchback design
- User-friendly tech and safety features
- Low running and servicing costs
- Proven reliability
Cons
- Range still lags behind newer rivals
- Charging speed slower than some competitors
- Rear legroom is tight for taller passengers
- Interior not as premium as higher-end EVs
Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2025 Nissan Leaf?
The 2025 Nissan Leaf is best suited for budget-minded Aussies who want an affordable, proven electric hatchback for daily commuting and short road trips. It won’t win over thrill-seekers or those chasing the longest range, but for families, urban drivers, and first-time EV owners, the Leaf strikes a compelling balance.
As the EV market in Australia continues to expand, the Leaf holds its place as a reliable stepping stone into green mobility. It may not dominate headlines, but it delivers on value, usability, and everyday practicality—qualities that matter most to real-world drivers.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
