Nissan Leaf hatchback - Practicality & boot space
The Leaf offers much more space than similarly-priced EVs
The Leaf might not look any bigger than a regular hatchback, but it’s actually 11cm longer than a Ford Focus and 2cm wider than its predecessor. This means you shouldn’t notice where Nissan has squeezed in the larger battery pack, which is kept low down and mostly beneath the rear seats.
It’s quite spacious inside the Leaf, with enough room to accommodate four tall adults and a nicely adjustable driving position. Rear passengers sit a little higher owing to the batteries which are stored beneath, which means a good view out, but also that their knees are tucked up slightly.
The doors open wide which means it’s easy to get in and out of the Nissan Leaf; interior storage isn't great though, with slim door pockets up front and a small tray in the centre console.
Boot space
The extra length pays dividends when it comes to the boot because with 435 litres of space it’s not only big for an EV, it’s larger than most family hatchbacks. In comparison, the Volkswagen ID.3 has a 385-litre boot, while MG4 only offers 363 litres of load area. In Tekna and Tekna e+ trim levels, the Leaf is fitted with a Bose stereo system that includes a large boot-floor mounted subwoofer, which slightly reduces the usable boot space.
All of this means there’s plenty of space for families to go away on holiday or load the Leaf with shopping, without struggling to fit the EV charging cable as well. Fold the rear seats and there's 1,176 litres of space up to the roof, decreasing slightly to 1,161 litres in Tekna versions.
Towing
Like most electric cars, the Nissan Leaf isn’t suitable for towing.
