Nissan Leaf practicality & boot space
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,490mm | 1,790mm | 1,540mm | 435 litres |
Like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Peugeot e-208, 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 P8’s, we’d like to see a better cable storage solution than the awkward net holdalls.
Nissan Leaf interior space, storage & comfort
The Nissan 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, with their knees up a bit as a result. There’s enough space for two adults in the back, but as is par for the course for any car of this size, three abreast is a bit of a squeeze. The Leaf easily competes with the best similarly sized hatchbacks, although a Kia e-Niro is a fraction roomier and more comfortable.
Space in the front is more than adequate, although the steering wheel only adjusts up and down and not in and out, so it can take a bit of trial and error to get comfortable. There’s no powered seat adjustment available, either. The Leaf is less impressive when it comes to interior storage space – there isn’t a huge amount of it over and above the usual door-pocket and centre-console cubbies. However, the five-door-only Leaf is easy to get in and out of, with doors that open nice and wide.
Boot space
The boot measures an impressive 435 litres, which is not only bigger than the Volkswagen e-Golf's, it’s actually five litres bigger than the boot of a Nissan Qashqai – an SUV that’s rarely criticised for a lack of space. The deep boot is easily big enough for a couple of suitcases and has a couple of nets that you can use to keep the cables out of the way, although folding them up neatly enough to actually fit properly in these storage areas is a feat of patience that some may find a bit tiresome on a day-to-day basis.
The rear seats split 60:40 and when fully folded down, increase space to 1,176 litres, but the depth of the boot means there’s a big step and no flat floor which may limit useability. Leafs fitted with the Bose stereo upgrade (standard on the Tekna model) have slightly less luggage capacity due to the installation of additional equipment in the boot. Finally, there’s no storage beneath the Leaf’s bonnet, as there is in some electric cars.
