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Nissan unboxes its new 30-kWh Leaf -- literally

Offering up a larger battery size, longer range and a new suite of connected services, Nissan makes a compelling argument to buy a Leaf that's otherwise a little long in the tooth.

Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok

It never hurts to grab on to an Internet phenomenon. To showcase its new, longer-range 2016 Leaf, Nissan jumped on the "unboxing" bandwagon to quite literally unbox a new Leaf. And no, they don't normally come in a box. But that's beside the point. Nissan's new Leaf packs a bigger battery and enhanced connected services, boxed or unboxed.

New for 2016 is a larger, 30-kWh battery. Nissan promises that it will deliver a 26 percent increase in driving range, to somewhere north of 100 miles. Even if the official range is closer to 100 miles even, it'll still beat the 93-mile Kia Soul, which is currently the best-in-class performer.

Buyers can still opt for a cheaper, 24-kWh battery, and its range remains approximately 84 miles.

2016 Nissan Leaf 30kWh
Enlarge Image
2016 Nissan Leaf 30kWh

For better or for worse (depending on your stylistic preferences), Nissan's exterior is totally unchanged for 2016.

Nissan

Nissan now offers its NissanConnect infotainment system in both 5- and 7-inch sizes across all trim levels. Opt for the navigation setup and you'll get an enhanced version of the NissanConnect EV system, which gives you access to a range of connected services. Using a complementary smartphone app, you can monitor battery levels, set charging times, discover new public chargers and even compete against other Leaf drivers for the title of "greenest" driver.

Otherwise, the Leaf remains relatively unchanged as it enters its fifth year of existence. It will start at $29,010 before any federal or state incentives, and if you want the tip-top trim, expect to shell out $36,790 -- again, before incentives.