The new Nissan Leaf is cheaper, has better range, and better looking than the first. See the changes and differences in this side-by-side comparison.
2nd gen
1st gen
Visually nothing apart from the hatchback configuration, and Nissan and Leaf badges, links the first and second generation Leaf.
2nd gen
1st gen
Despite the new design direction, the two generations of Leaf actually share the same profile.
2nd gen
1st gen
The biggest aesthetic improvement occurs at the rear. The Leaf has gone from ugly, bloated blob to an edgier, more conventional, and better looking hatchback. The new Leaf goes all-in on the floating roof look that's all the rage at the moment.
2nd gen
1st gen
The dashboard and interior of the new Leaf is a little more corporate, and the piano black trim has been ditched.
2nd gen
1st gen
Both Leaf generations seat five people across two rows.
2nd gen
1st gen
The new Leaf has a larger 40kWh battery. The original car had a 24kWh battery, while later versions could be optioned with a 30kWh unit.
2nd gen
1st gen
Range for the new Leaf is estimated by the US EPA to be 150mi (241km). The original car was rated at 84mi (135km) for the 24kWh model, and 107mi (172km) for the 30kWh model.
2nd gen
1st gen
The new Leaf has a false grille, with the charging port hidden in a depression above that
2nd gen
1st gen
Once again the Leaf has a single-speed transmission driving the front wheels.
2nd gen
1st gen
Despite being Nissan's tech and eco halo car, the new Leaf doesn't feature a large touchscreen, like the ones used the Tesla Model 3 or Toyota Prius Prime.
2nd gen
1st gen
The new Leaf has a more conventional instrument layout that dispenses with the first-generation model's high-mounted speedometer read out.
2nd gen
1st gen
Again the alloy wheel design screams aerodynamic efficiency, not tyre-frying fun.
2nd gen
1st gen
The new Leaf has a switchable e-Pedal mode, which allows it to be driven with just one pedal: depress the accelerate to speed up, hold to maintain speed, and ease up to engage engine braking.
2nd gen
1st gen
The second-generation Leaf is available Nissan's first-generation ProPilot semi-autonomous driving system, which can steer, brake and accelerate the car automatically within a single lane on a highway.
