Archived model-year dossier
2020 Nissan Leaf
The 2020 Nissan Leaf adds feature content to the lineup that gained the long-range Leaf Plus for 2019, and used ones sell for about $8,775 for an S to $14,050 for an SL Plus. Six recalls apply, including a 2024 campaign for batteries that may overheat during Level 3 quick charging. Electrical problems dominate its 165 owner complaints.
Configurations3
Model/option labels3
Combined efficiency104–111 MPG/MPGe
Electric range149–226 mi
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2020 Nissan Leaf
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says that with an added long-range Leaf Plus variant for 2019 and additional feature content for 2020, the Leaf is a better option than ever for budget-minded people shopping for an EV. The 2020 keeps the second-generation body introduced for 2018 and is rated 104 to 111 MPGe combined at $700 to $750 a year in electricity on the EPA's ratings, against 113 to 141 MPGe and $550 to $650 for the 2020 Tesla Model 3.
Recalls on the 2020 Leaf
NHTSA lists six recalls. 24V700 covers 2019 to 2020 Leafs equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port, where the lithium-ion battery may overheat during quick charging, which increases the risk of a fire. 20V412 covers 2020 Leafs whose back-up camera images can disappear while in reverse, 20V570 covers rear window glass that may not remain secured, and 24V071 covers damaged camera harnesses on 2018 to 2022 Leafs. 23V494 covers unintended acceleration if the driving mode is changed after disengaging cruise control, and 23V048 corrects the owner's manual instructions for defroster operation. The quick-charge recall is the one to ask about on a used car, because it affects how you would charge on trips.
Complaints and reliability
NHTSA holds 165 owner complaints on the 2020 Leaf: electrical system 121, fuel and propulsion 34, unclassified 23, power train 13, engine 8 and forward collision avoidance 7. Electrical is by far the biggest group, and the 2018 Leaf's electrical total was 18 of 66. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) counts 164 complaints and quotes an owner who took the car in after a recall notice for unexpected acceleration on adaptive cruise control. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) rates a 2020 with 48,000 to 60,000 miles as a medium risk of major repair.
What a 2020 Leaf costs today
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) says used 2020 Leaf prices run from $8,775 for the S hatchback to $14,050 for the SL Plus at a dealership. As with any used EV, the price depends on the battery, so ask for a battery health report before agreeing on a figure, and check that the quick-charge recall has been completed if you plan to use Level 3 chargers.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2020 Nissan Leaf: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | AC Electric Motor | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | FWD | 147 | 236 | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| S PLUS | AC Electric Motor | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | FWD | 214 | 250 | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SV PLUS | AC Electric Motor | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | FWD | 214 | 250 | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SV | AC Electric Motor | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | FWD | 147 | 236 | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SL PLUS | AC Electric Motor | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | FWD | 214 | 250 | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 3,538 lb | 176.4 in | 61.4 in | 106.3 in | 5.9 in | 34.8 ft | 41.2 in | 42.1 in | P205/55R16 |
| S PLUS | 3,882 lb | 176.4 in | 61.4 in | 106.3 in | 5.9 in | 34.8 ft | 41.2 in | 42.1 in | P205/55R16 |
| SV PLUS | 3,909 lb | 176.4 in | 61.5 in | 106.3 in | 5.9 in | 36.1 ft | 41.2 in | 42.1 in | P215/50R17 |
| SV | 3,569 lb | 176.4 in | 61.6 in | 106.3 in | 5.9 in | 36.1 ft | 41.2 in | 42.1 in | P215/50R17 |
| SL PLUS | 3,946 lb | 176.4 in | 61.5 in | 106.3 in | 5.9 in | 36.1 ft | 41.2 in | 42.1 in | P215/50R17 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2020 Nissan Leaf trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | S | S PLUS | SV PLUS | SV | SL PLUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod interface | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | – | – | Opt | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | – | Opt | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42561Leaf (40 kW-hr battery pack) | Electric motor / not listedEV | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 123 | 99 | 111 | 149 mi |
| 42562Leaf (62 kW-hr battery pack) | Electric motor / not listedEV | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 118 | 97 | 108 | 226 mi |
| 42563Leaf SV/SL (62 kW-hr battery pack) | Electric motor / not listedEV | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 114 | 94 | 104 | 215 mi |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2020 Nissan Leaf versus the 2019 Nissan Leaf?
Model year
Against the 2019 Nissan Leaf: Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 108.0 to 107.5 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 5 for the 2019 to 6 for the 2020.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How did the 2020 Nissan Leaf do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2020 Nissan Leaf earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 10.7% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03How much is the destination charge on the 2020 Nissan Leaf?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2020 Nissan Leaf puts the destination charge, the fee for delivering the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, at $925. It is added to the base price. Source: Kelley Blue Book review of the 2020 Nissan Leaf, read 2026-09-21.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q04What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2020 Nissan Leaf use?
Maintenance
The 2020 Nissan Leaf owner's manual names DOT 3 brake fluid. Source: 2020 Nissan Leaf owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q05What size wheels does the 2020 Nissan Leaf have?
Wheels and tires
The 2020 Nissan Leaf's wheel diameter is 16 inches on the S and S PLUS and 17 inches on the SV PLUS, SV and SL PLUS. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06How do the 2020 Nissan Leaf trims differ from one another?
Trims
The S PLUS has 214 hp against 147 and alloy wheels as standard equipment over the S. The SV PLUS has fog lights, an iPod interface, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 3 more as standard equipment over the S PLUS. The SV has 147 hp against 214 over the SV PLUS. The SL PLUS has 214 hp against 147 and a driver-attention monitor, heated front seats, heated mirrors and 6 more as standard equipment over the SV.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2020 Nissan Leaf.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Nissan Leaf across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Body, water and noisePower liftgate reverses or will not closeSoon →Seasonal and storageStarting and inspecting a vehicle after long storageRoutine →Warning lightsCheck-engine light: steady versus flashingDepends →Warning lightsTire-pressure light flashing, then staying onSoon →Engine and coolingEngine overheats at idle but cools while movingStop driving →Engine and coolingCoolant level keeps dropping with no obvious puddleSoon →