Nissan Leaf
112 MPGe The 2018 Nissan Leaf is EPA-rated at 112 MPGe combined (125 city / 100 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 134 gallons, $429 a year in fuel, or $0.029 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2011–2018 run it averages 109.3 MPGe, improving by 13 MPGe over 7 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.022 | $223 | $335 | $446 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.027 | $268 | $402 | $536 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.029 | $286 | $429 | $571 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.031 | $313 | $469 | $625 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.036 | $357 | $536 | $714 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.040 | $402 | $603 | $804 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.045 | $446 | $670 | $893 |
This is an electric vehicle, so the EPA rates it in MPGe — the distance it travels on the energy equivalent of a gallon of petrol. The dollar figures above are a petrol-equivalent illustration only; charging at home is billed per kWh and is normally far cheaper. Treat the MPGe as an efficiency comparison, not a fuel bill.
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 112 MPGe | 125 | 100 | $700 | — | 1 |
| 2017 | 112 MPGe | 124 | 101 | $650 | — | 1 |
| 2015 | 114 MPGe | 126 | 101 | $650 | — | 1 |
| 2014 | 114 MPGe | 126 | 101 | $700 | — | 1 |
| 2013 | 115 MPGe | 129 | 102 | $650 | — | 1 |
| 2012 | 99 MPGe | 106 | 92 | $750 | — | 1 |
| 2011 | 99 MPGe | 106 | 92 | $750 | — | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Nissan Leaf ranks 3 on current figures, against a class average of 26.9 MPGe.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (128), Hyundai Ioniq Electric (133).
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Leaf get?
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is rated at 112 MPGe combined by the EPA — 125 city and 100 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 109.3 MPGe, ranging from 99 to 115 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Leaf cost in fuel per year?
At 112 MPGe and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 134 gallons — roughly $429 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.029 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2018 model is $700.
Has the Nissan Leaf become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 99 MPGe in 2011 to 112 in 2018 — an improvement of 13 MPGe, or 13% across 7 model years.
Is the Nissan Leaf efficient for its class?
It ranks 3 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.9 MPGe. That is 85.1 better than typical for the class.
Compare with similar models
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.