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CarsbySpec review

2023 Nissan Leaf review

2023 Nissan Leaf earns 6.8/10 in the CarsbySpec specification-led assessment and places 9th of 13 among nearby electric hatchbacks. Practicality is its strongest measured area. Range and efficiency is the principal numerical compromise.

Specification-led assessmentNot a road testData reviewed 2026-08-08
2023 Nissan Leaf studio car image
Scorecard

How the Nissan Leaf scores

Each CarsbySpec score is relative to 13 electric hatchbacks from 2021-2025. Independent safety results remain on the original authority's scale and are not folded into the overall rating.

Performance7.0Acceleration ranks 4th of 13 among entries with comparable data.
Range & charging4.5Range ranks 12th of 13 among entries with comparable data.
Practicality8.0Cargo volume ranks 1st of 13 among entries with comparable data.
Value for money8.0Ranks 2nd of 12
Independent safetyN/AExact generation and market required

What stands out

  • 0-100 km/h performance ranks 4th of 13
  • Cargo capacity ranks 1st of 13
  • Value score ranks 2nd of 12

What to check

  • Listed range ranks 12th of 13 in the comparison group
  • Range and efficiency is its weakest measured category at 4.5/10
  • Independent rating not yet verified

Verdict

2023 Nissan Leaf earns 6.8/10 in the CarsbySpec specification-led assessment and places 9th of 13 among nearby electric hatchbacks. Practicality is its strongest measured area. Range and efficiency is the principal numerical compromise.

Its value-for-money score is 8.0/10, placing it 2nd of 12. The strongest value score in this peer set belongs to the 2025 MG MG4.

This makes the review useful for building a shortlist, but it cannot answer questions that require driving the car. Ride comfort, cabin noise, steering response, braking consistency and material quality should still be checked in person.

Performance

The S version used as the baseline records 148 hp, 320 Nm of torque, 7.9 seconds from 0-100 km/h, and a 144 km/h top speed. Its power output ranks 9th of 13 among entries with comparable data. Its acceleration ranks 4th of 13 among entries with comparable data.

These figures describe straight-line potential only. They do not reveal brake feel, grip in poor conditions, steering accuracy, stability or how consistently the car performs after repeated acceleration and braking.

Range, efficiency and charging

The recorded energy picture includes 240 km of listed electric range, a 40.0 kWh battery, 50 kW maximum DC charging, and 17.1 kWh/100km recorded consumption. Its listed range ranks 12th of 13 among entries with comparable data.

Published range and consumption can come from different regional cycles. Temperature, speed, wheel size, load and charging conditions can materially change the result, so the figures should be compared on the same test method wherever possible.

Interior space and everyday usability

For daily use, the specification lists 435 litres of cargo capacity, 5 seats, and a 1,520 kg curb weight. Its cargo capacity ranks 1st of 13 among entries with comparable data.

Capacity figures still need context: a large boot can be compromised by a narrow opening or high floor, and a seat count does not establish adult comfort. Those points require an inspection rather than a spreadsheet.

Safety and driver assistance

Independent rating not yet verifiedNo verified exact rating

CarsbySpec does not yet hold a verified independent crash-test result matching this exact model year, generation and market. The car may be untested, tested under another name or specification, or still awaiting source review. Missing data is not treated as a zero score.

CarsbySpec does not treat curb weight, drivetrain or driver-assistance marketing as proof of crash safety. Before buying, verify the exact market version, standard safety equipment and outstanding recalls; a result from another generation is never silently reused.

Known problems and used-buying checks

No verified exact-year issue entry yet

CarsbySpec has not yet stored a sourced fault record that can be safely attached to this exact model year and generation. That is a coverage gap, not evidence that the car is fault-free.

Used Nissan Leaf inspection checklist

  • Match the VIN, service history, mileage and specification to the seller's description
  • Check outstanding recalls and service campaigns for the exact VIN and market
  • Request a traction-battery health report and compare usable capacity with an equivalent healthy car
  • Test AC and DC charging where possible, and inspect the underbody and battery casing for damage
  • Inspect cold-start behaviour, warning lights, fluid leaks and evidence of deferred maintenance
  • Check tyre age and wear pattern, brake condition, suspension noises and previous structural repairs
  • Test every key, screen, camera, sensor, charging flap and powered cabin function

Recall status and service campaigns can change after publication. Check the exact VIN with the manufacturer or the relevant national authority, and use an independent pre-purchase inspection.

Price and value for money

The baseline starting price is $28,040 USD. That price ranks 2nd of 12 among entries with comparable data. Its value-for-money score is 8.0/10, placing it 2nd of 12. The strongest value score in this peer set belongs to the 2025 MG MG4.

The value score combines starting price with performance, range and cargo figures where available. It does not assume identical taxes, incentives, warranties, servicing or standard equipment across countries, so local quotations still matter.

Which version should you choose?

There are 2 recorded 2023 versions. On the available price and specification data, the SV Plus gives the strongest numerical balance of cost, performance, range and capacity. That is a value calculation rather than a claim about trim quality or equipment not stored in the database.

VersionPower0-100RangePriceAssessment
Leaf S 148 hp 7.9 s 240 km $28,040
Leaf SV Plus 214 hp 6.9 s 340 km $36,190 Value pick

Which similar car is best?

The highest overall specification score in this electric hatchback group belongs to the 2025 MG MG4 at 8.4/10. For value, the leading result is the 2025 MG MG4 at 8.9/10. These are data-led results, not universal buying recommendations.

2023 Nissan Leaf review questions

What rating does the 2023 Nissan Leaf receive?

2023 Nissan Leaf scores 6.8/10 in the CarsbySpec specification-led review and ranks 9th of 13 in its comparison group.

Is the 2023 Nissan Leaf good value for money?

Its value-for-money score is 8.0/10, placing it 2nd of 12. The strongest value score in this peer set belongs to the 2025 MG MG4.

Has CarsbySpec road-tested the 2023 Nissan Leaf?

No. This review is an independent analysis of recorded specifications, pricing and peer-group positions. It does not claim first-hand impressions of ride, steering, braking, comfort or build quality.

What safety rating does the 2023 Nissan Leaf have?

CarsbySpec does not yet hold a verified independent crash-test result matching this exact model year, generation and market. The car may be untested, tested under another name or specification, or still awaiting source review. Missing data is not treated as a zero score.

What should I check before buying a used 2023 Nissan Leaf?

No verified model-year-specific fault entry is currently stored in CarsbySpec; that is not proof that no faults exist. Verify the VIN, recalls, service history, tyres, brakes, electronics and signs of accident repair, and arrange an independent inspection before purchase.