Nissan Leaf review: boot space, seating & practicality
We have few complaints about the amount of space inside the Nissan Leaf – for both passengers and luggage
|
Length |
Width |
Height |
Boot volume (seats up/down) |
|
4,490mm |
1,790mm |
1,540mm |
435/1,176 litres |
Like the Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4, the Nissan Leaf is a spacious electric hatchback that’s ideal for a family of four. However, while the boot might be almost as big as the Volvo XC40’s, we’d like to see a better cable-storage solution than the awkward net holdalls.
Nissan Leaf interior space, storage & comfort
The Leaf’s batteries are located under the back seats, which doesn’t intrude on space, although the rear-seat passengers sit a little higher than in a regular hatchback, which may not prove the most comfortable over longer distances.
There’s enough space for two adults in the back, but as is par for the course for any car this size, three abreast is a squeeze. The Leaf competes with the best similarly sized hatchbacks, although a Kia Niro EV is a fraction roomier.
Space in the front of the Leaf is more than adequate, although the steering wheel only adjusts up and down, not in and out, so it can take a bit of trial and error to get comfortable. There’s no powered seat adjustment, either, and you sit quite high.
Things are less impressive when it comes to interior storage – there isn’t a huge amount of it over and above the usual door pockets and centre-console cubbies.
Boot space
The Leaf's boot measures an impressive 435 litres – considerably bigger than its closest rival; the MG4 manages just 363 litres with the rear seats in place.
The Nissan is easily big enough for a couple of suitcases, then, and even has nets that you can use to keep the cables out of the way. Folding them up neatly enough to actually fit properly in these storage areas is a feat of patience that some may find tiresome on a day-to-day basis, however.
The rear seats split 60:40 and when fully folded down, increasing space to 1,176 litres – one litre shy of the MG’s maximum – but the depth of the Nissan Leaf’s boot means there’s a big step and no flat floor, which may limit usability. Leafs fitted with the Bose stereo upgrade have slightly less luggage capacity due to the installation of additional equipment in the boot.
Finally, there’s no 'frunk' storage area beneath the Leaf’s bonnet. We think all EVs should offer this functionality – certainly those built as electric cars from the off, like the Nissan Leaf.