2012
Nissan Leaf

Starts at:
$35,200
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New 2012 Nissan Leaf
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr HB SV
    Starts at
    $35,200
    73 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB SL
    Starts at
    $37,250
    73 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf 2012 Nissan Leaf

Notable features

Pure battery-electric car
Five-seat compact hatchback
100-mile range (estimated)
95 mph top speed
Programmable charge time
Buy or lease

The good & the bad

The good

Drives like a &quot
real car&quot
Sprightly acceleration
Zero tailpipe emissions
Low fuel cost

The bad

High floor in backseat
Range varies with temperature, terrain
Charger installation can be pricey
Slow rollout
Limited public charging infrastructure
See all specifications

Safety review

Based on the 2012 Nissan Leaf base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
4/5
11.0%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
4/5
11.0%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Battery
8 years / 100,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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  • 2014
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    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

78% of drivers recommend this car
4.2 / 5
Based on 59 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.1
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

By DJ Sullivan from tacoma wa
Owns this car
March 30, 2025

I am in the market soon for a used Nissan Leaf i have

I am in the market soon for a used Nissan Leaf i have checked out how i can refurbish the battery packs over time and slowly bring back the range spending 200 a month buying the refurbished battery packs on ebay for 50 bucks each .. 4 a month and in a year you will have a brand new battery for a lot less than dealers or repair shops will charge you.. it is something YOU can do with a volt meter and a wrench ..
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.0
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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By Loli from Phoenix, Az
Owns this car
October 12, 2024

Battery dies quickly,cost of replacement is 20000t.

Battery dies quickly,cost of replacement is 20000t. we were also told by Nissan dealer that the litium battery is not available or manufactured by Nissan anymore. We made the big mistake to get a used Nissan leaf with 80 000 miles! Sadly it not not like the regular engine, that can be fix or refurbished. So put your money in a gas or petroleum vehicle and not a NIssan. They made this car just to last 10 year and then is garbage
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 3.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 2.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 2.0
Reliability 3.0
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Nissan dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Nissan Leaf?

The 2012 Nissan Leaf is available in 2 trim levels:

  • SL (1 style)
  • SV (1 style)

What is the electric range of the 2012 Nissan Leaf?

The 2012 Nissan Leaf can travel 73 miles on a single charge depending on electric motor and battery options.

EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, trim level, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2012 Nissan Leaf?

The 2012 Nissan Leaf compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2012 Nissan Leaf reliable?

The 2012 Nissan Leaf has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2012 Nissan Leaf owners.

Is the 2012 Nissan Leaf a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2012 Nissan Leaf. 78.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 59 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.2

Nissan Leaf history

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