The 2016 Nissan LEAF comes in three different trim levels: the S ($29,010 MSRP), the SV ($34,200 MSRP), and the SL ($36,790 MSRP). They all look similar on the outside, with body color bumpers and chrome door handles, and an aerodynamic design. However, the SV adds a quick charge port to the standard features of the S, and the SL adds fog lights. The rear spoiler of the S and SV becomes a photovoltaic solar-panel rear spoiler on the SL, and the halogen headlights are switched out for automatic on/off LED low-beam headlights.

An 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor comes standard on all three trim levels, giving the LEAF 107 hp to work with. The S pairs it with a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 3.6 kW onboard charger. On the SV and SL, these features are upgraded to a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery and 6.6 kW onboard charger.

The LEAF is classified as a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV). The 24 kW battery of the S has a range of 84 miles, while the 30 kW battery of the SV and SL can go up to 107 miles on a single charge. Because the LEAF is fully electric, without any gas tank at all, the term "fuel economy" does not apply to it in quite the same way. The vehicle is very efficient, however, with the S getting the equivalent of 126 MPGe in the city and 101 MPGe on the highway. The SV and SL match the highway figure but get only 124 MPGe in the city.

No matter which trim level you choose, you will get premium interior features such as the Bluetooth hands-free phone system, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, heated front seats, and Automatic Temperature Control (ATC). On the SV and SL, the standard 5-inch NissanConnect monitor is upgraded to a 7-inch multi-touch control monitor. Also added are NissanConnect Navigation, two extra speakers, and a hands-free text messaging assistant.Every LEAF provides 92.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and 23.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. With the rear seats folded, that number increases to 30 cubic feet.

Nissan takes safety seriously, designing the LEAF with an impressive array of airbags, crumple zones, and an energy-absorbing steering wheel column. The Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) includes dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors, along with both seat-mounted and roof-mounted side-impact airbags. All trims include a rearview camera, and an Around View camera can be added to the SV and SL via the $1,570 Premium package. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and a traction control system also come standard.