Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Leaf hatchback (2011-2017) - Practicality & boot space

A limited range hurts the everyday practicality of the Nissan Leaf

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Practicality & boot space Rating

3.5 out of 5

According to Nissan, the 24kWh Leaf is supposed to be able to go 124 miles before needing recharging and the 30kW model 155 miles; you'll struggle to reach that distance unless you drive in the slowest 'eco' mode all the time, though.

This reduces the motor's power and increases the effect of the car's regenerative braking system to charge the battery, making it less fun to drive. Then there's the issue of the eight-hour charging time from a standard household socket – you're better off seeking out special charging stations (more and more of which are now popping up at garages and shopping-centre car parks) for this. They allow you to charge the battery to 80% capacity in just half an hour.

Nissan Leaf interior space & storage

There’s plenty of space for four passengers to sit in comfort, and head and legroom in the back of the Leaf is particularly impressive. Up front, there’s a decent amount of storage available, although it’s far from the best out there. The door pockets can hold a bottle of water each, and there’s a reasonably large glovebox, plus a storage box under the armrest between the seats.

The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, but although the steering wheel adjusts up and down, it doesn’t move in or out, making finding that perfect driving position just that little bit harder.

Boot space

The Nissan Leaf has a good-sized boot, with 370 litres of space on offer. That’s more than in a Ford Focus, but less than you get in a Toyota Prius. There’s quite a high lip to lift luggage over, but the boot floor is surprisingly deep, which makes the lip more pronounced than it actually is. When the seats fold, space increases to 720 litres, but the seats don’t fold flat to the floor because that's where the batteries are.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The best company cars 2025
Best company cars
Best cars
9 Jan 2025

The best company cars 2025

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 coming soon with hot GTi version under consideration
Peugeot 208 GTi render front quarter
News
10 Mar 2025

New Peugeot 208 coming soon with hot GTi version under consideration

New Renault Clio to lean into “future icon” design, but EV version off the table
Renault Clio render front quarter
News
5 Mar 2025

New Renault Clio to lean into “future icon” design, but EV version off the table

New BMW iX3 undergoes scorching shakedown ahead of 2025 reveal
BMW iX3 prototype front quarter
News
11 Mar 2025

New BMW iX3 undergoes scorching shakedown ahead of 2025 reveal

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

The 10 best electric cars in 2025
Bets electric cars 2025
Best cars
31 Jan 2025

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025
Best cheap to run cars
Best cars
8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025