The Cheapest Nissan Electric Cars And SUVs For 2024

Nissan has come a long way in its EV journey, from the trailblazing Tama, Prairie Joy, and Hypermini models, to producing one of the first mass-market, mass-produced 100-percent EVs, the Leaf. Evidently, it’s unsurprising that Nissan is on track to become the first automaker to launch EVs with solid-state batteries, not forgetting the preview of the Nissan Hyper Force and Max-Out Concepts that showed so much promise.

While the future is undoubtedly bright, Nissan currently boasts a thin EV lineup, comprising the Leaf and Ariya. We could argue that it’s time for Nissan to look past the Leaf EV, but we can appreciate that it’s consistently been one of the cheapest EVs on the market.

On the other hand, the Ariya EV is a game changer that puts Nissan on par with its competition from Kia, Hyundai, Tesla, and Toyota. We analyzed the Nissan EV lineup and broke down each model’s highlights, trims, pros, and cons to help you pick the cheapest models for 2024.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Nissan website. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP.

2024 Nissan Leaf: What’s New?

Base Model – Leaf S

Nissan made no significant changes to the Leaf for 2024, instead offering an announcement about putting the iconic model to pasture. There are several things we know about the current generation Nissan Leaf, including the recent refresh for the 2023 model year that carries into the 2024 iteration.

New Model Highlights:

• A revised front-end design with a new grille shape
• Fresh front bumper molding
• Updated headlights with black trim accents
• Extra choices for interior upholstery
• New 17-inch wheel design for upper trim levels

Key features of the 2024 Nissan Leaf include the standard e-Pedal feature for a one-pedal driving experience, standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, Android Auto compatibility, and Apple CarPlay integration. Nissan also offers additional standard driver assistance and convenience features such as rear parking sensors and Rear Door Alert.

Performance Specifications

(Data collected from Nissan)

The 2024 Nissan Leaf comes standard with a portable charging cable that allows connection to a standard 120V or any 240V outlet. With the Quick Charge Port (50 kW/DC), the Nissan Leaf charges up to 80 percent in approximately 40 minutes, while AC charging takes 7.75 hours to gain a 100-percent battery charge. The EPA-estimated fuel economy includes 123 MPGe City, 99 MPGe Highway, and 111 MPGe Combined.

2024 Nissan Leaf: Trims Breakdown

Base MSRP – $28,140

The 2024 Nissan Leaf is available with a choice of either the base S model or the higher-ranged SV Plus model, with the Leaf S currently rated as the cheapest Nissan EV on the market. Starting at $28,140, the 2024 Nissan Leaf S boasts three drive modes (Normal, Eco, and B-Mode), 16-inch Steel wheels, ABS, EBD, Nissan Connect infotainment system with an eight-inch display, four USB ports, 6.6 kW onboard charger, and a 12V DC power outlet.

On the other hand, the range-topping Leaf SV Plus comes with a 160 kW AC synchronous electric motor, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation, and Pro Pilot Assist.

(Data collected from Nissan)

2024 Nissan Leaf: Pros And Cons

Although the Nissan Leaf is no longer a pioneer at the forefront of EV technology, it still competes favorably with several merits that make it formidable in its niche market. For one, the budget-friendly price makes it one of the most accessible entry points for first-time electric car ownership.

However, considering the 2024 Nissan Leaf is slightly more expensive ($100 more) than the previous year’s model, it’s disappointing that Nissan failed to address the few challenges owners faced with previous iterations. A 2021 Nissan Leaf S owner, left a one-star complaint on Edmunds about slow charging and range anxiety, cons that still recur in the 2024 Nissan Leaf.

Pros

• One of the cheapest options in its segment.
• Generous dimensions ensure spacious passenger space in the rear.
• The impressive cargo capacity is better than most rivals in its class.
• Nissan went all-out to ensure the seats were La-Z-Boy comfortable.

Cons

• The CHAdeMO charging port is an outdated hardware that needs phasing out.
• The Leaf takes longer to power up on a fast charger compared to most modern EVs.
• The dismal 149-mile range is a major reason for range anxiety.

2024 Nissan Ariya EV: What’s New?

Base Model – Ariya Engage

Considering the late arrival of some e-4orce trim levels in 2023, Nissan carried over the all-electric Ariya into 2024 without any significant changes. The most interesting development for 2024 is Nissan’s decision to give the Ariya the Nismo treatment, which will undoubtedly shake up the performance specifications and blow the competition out of the water.

New Model Highlights:

• Nissan introduced a power-sliding center console
• Standard leatherette-appointed seats (except Venture+ trim)
• Heated front seats come standard (apart from Venture+ trim)
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Head-up display on all trims except Venture+

Key features of the 2024 Nissan Ariya include three distinct drive modes (Sport, Eco, and Snow), Nissan Safety Shield 360 safety tech, up to 1,500 pounds of towing capacity, regenerative braking pedal with e-Step, and haptic touch controls.

Performance Specifications

(Data collected from Nissan)

A standard portable charging cable allows the 2024 Nissan Ariya to connect to a standard 120V or any 240V outlet. With the Quick Charge Port (130 kW/DC), the Nissan Leaf charges up to 80 percent in 35 minutes, the 50 kW Quick Charge takes 65 minutes, while Level 2 AC charging takes 10.5 hours to gain a 100-percent battery charge. The EPA-estimated fuel economy includes 109 MPGe City, 94 MPGe Highway, and 101 MPGe Combined.

2024 Nissan Ariya EV: Trim Breakdown

Base MSRP – $43,190

Nissan offers the 2024 Ariya EV with a choice of five impressive trim levels – Engage, Venture, Evolve, Empower, and Platinum. Currently, the Engage trim offers the best budget entry point, starting at $43,190.

The base model comes standard with 19-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels, rear roof-mounted spoiler, LED headlights, Nissan Connect EV, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, Nissan Door-to-Door Connected Navigation, firmware OTA updates, Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker sound system, two 12.3-inch digital displays, four USB ports, 12V power outlet, and a 7.2 kW onboard charger.

Higher trim levels equipped with the twin electric motor offer e-4orce, Nissan’s most advanced all-wheel drive control technology. The premium trims also boast LED front fog lights, Pro Pilot Assist, Pro Pilot Park, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Rear View Mirror, 10-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging pads, and power center storage with a tray table.

(Data collected from Nissan)

2024 Nissan Ariya EV: Pros And Cons

As Nissan prepares to unplug the Leaf EV from the lineup, the stylish Ariya has already proven vastly superior in almost every department – power, range, styling, elegance, and most importantly, space. While the majority view the Ariya as one of the best options for a first-time EV owner, several others argue that the base price is still prohibitively expensive compared to what you get and what segment rivals like Hyundai and Kia have to offer.

Pros

• An ideal entry-level EV capable of serving as a daily driver.
• Numerous advanced driver assist features come standard.
• One of the most attractive and stylish Nissan interiors in a while.
• OTA firmware updates offer convenience.

Cons

• Some trim levels offer a lower base range than cheaper-priced rivals.
• Poor rear visibility for trim levels without a digital rearview mirror.
• The maximum DC charge rate is slower than several competitors.