Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf Recommended by Consumer Reports?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re shopping for a new electric vehicle (EV), chances are you’ve come across the 2021 Nissan Leaf. Priced at $31,670, this year’s model is among the most affordable new EVs. It also delivers up to an EPA-estimated 226 miles of range. But when it comes to how this EV is rated? You may find yourself wondering if Consumer Reports recommends it. Let’s find out.

How Consumer Reports rated the 2021 Nissan Leaf

2021 Nissan Leaf | Nissan

The Nissan Leaf has been around for quite some time. But when it comes to this year’s model in particular? Consumer Reports gave it a 72 overall score. While that’s not the highest score the Leaf could have earned, it’s not the worst score it could have earned either.

When it came to driving this year’s model, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Nissan Leaf a 73 overall score in road tests. Of course, those aren’t the only ratings Consumer Reports provided. Consumer Reports also gave the 2021 Leaf a three out of five predicted reliability rating. The organization gave this year’s model the same score for predicted owner satisfaction. According to Consumer Reports, owners will likely be happiest with the new EVs driving experience and overall styling.

What Consumer Reports had to say about driving the Nissan Leaf

Now, let’s get back to that road test. Sure, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Nissan Leaf a 73 overall score in its road tests. But what did the organization actually have to say about driving this new EV? As it turns out, quite a lot.

Let’s start with how the Nissan Leaf handles. According to Consumer Reports, this year’s Nissan Leaf has “sound, but unexceptional handling.” Its suspension is pretty soft, too, and makes the car “feel more soggy than crisp.” When it came to how far the Leaf can go, Consumer Reports got about 150 miles of range from the EV’s 40 kWh battery.

The 2021 Nissan Nissan Leaf SV Plus Interior — 2021 Nissan Nissan Leaf SV Plus Interior | Nissan

As for the interior of the Leaf? It looks nice, and the seats are comfortable, though headroom may be tight for some. That being said, Consumer Reports noted there is plenty of plastic throughout the new EV’s interior. The good news is that the 2021 Nissan Leaf gives its driver a commanding view of the road ahead.

Did the 2021 Nissan Leaf earn a recommendation from Consumer Reports?

Yes, Consumer Reports does recommend the 2021 Nissan Leaf. It has for quite a long time too. In fact, there are very few model years that aren’t recommended by Consumer Reports. According to the organization, the only model years not recommended by Consumer Reports include the 2020, 2018, and the 2014 Nissan Leaf. All in all, that’s not bad.

Even more impressive, this year’s new Leaf is one of only four new EVs recommended by Consumer Reports. Other new EVs recommended by Consumer Reports include models like the 2021 Chevy Bolt, the 2021 Tesla Model 3, and the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric.

Is this new EV actually worth buying?

If you’re in the market for a new EV, the 2021 Nissan Leaf makes for a decent pick. It’s one of the very few EVs recommended by Consumer Reports and was given some pretty high marks by the organization. To find out if this new EV is the right fit for you, though, we recommend taking it out for a spin.

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