- The 2026 Nissan Leaf marks the third technology of the electrical automobile
- Beginning at $31,485, it’s the least-expensive new EV you should buy
It’s no secret that Nissan has had its share of difficulties of late, from a failed merger with rival Honda to a shakeup within the CEO’s workplace, all amid what’s a nerve-racking local weather generally for automakers. Like your otherwise-talented good friend going by way of a tough patch, Nissan wants a win.
The all-new Leaf simply could be it.
The OG EV, Means Improved
Lest you overlook, the Nissan Leaf was the primary of the fashionable mainstream electrical automobiles (EVs), debuting in 2011. That was a 12 months earlier than the primary Tesla Mannequin S, and approach earlier than the present wave of battery-powered automobiles. Nissan may rightfully really feel that it deserves some credit score for each EV now made by each different automaker, even when that unique Leaf was a small, awkward-looking hatchback with simply 73 miles of vary.
A second-gen Leaf arrived in 2018, trying barely much less frumpy however nonetheless restricted to a variety of 150 miles when it debuted and solely bettering itself to 212 miles with updates over time. It was a high-quality EV commuter, however not precisely one to get enthusiastic about.
Now comes the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf, which is. For its third technology, the Nissan Leaf has metamorphosed from hatchback to extra of an SUV. Nissan calls it a crossover, and we received’t argue with that time period, even when it’s nonetheless provided in front-wheel drive (FWD) solely and never all-wheel drive (AWD) just like the bigger Ariya EV. No matter it’s known as, the brand new Nissan Leaf appears to be like nice. This attraction is very so should you select the two-tone Seabreeze Blue Pearl paint colour just like the one I examined this week on the San Diego media launch of the brand new Leaf.
The newest Leaf’s proportions simply work, and our new Cinderella is definitely a tad shorter than the outgoing mannequin, measuring a tidy 173.4 inches. Yeah, you’ll have the ability to park it anyplace.
An Simple Pal
When it launches later this fall, all three trims of the 2026 Nissan Leaf will use the identical 75-kWh electrical powertrain that makes 214 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf’s vary varies relying on trim, however all are commendable. The headline right here is 303 miles of vary on the bottom S+ mannequin. Within the center, the SV+ can journey 288 miles between costs, whereas the top-line Platinum+ can go 259 miles. All have two cost ports – a North American Charging System (NACS) port that can be utilized at Tesla Supercharger stations for DC quick charging, plus a J1772 port on the opposite facet for Stage 2 charging.
In a day’s driving on all method of roads, from open highways to twisty mountain byways, the brand new Leaf carried out effectively and all the time had loads of pep.
Should you’re new to electrical automobiles, 214 hp won’t sound like a lot, however the distinction with an electrical motor over a gasoline engine is that energy is instantaneous, like a light-weight change. Prod the accelerator pedal, and also you’ll immediately be thrown again in your seat. No, the Leaf doesn’t have the sort of gusto you may get in a Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, and even the Ariya, however these mainstream EVs are a category above and costlier. In contrast with extra direct rivals just like the Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV, the Leaf positively measures up.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf can also be surprisingly quiet. Electrical automobiles are usually quiet because you don’t have an engine rumbling below the hood, however even by EV requirements, the brand new Leaf goes about its enterprise with a whisper.
There’s no one-pedal drive mode, wherein the Leaf can come to a full cease just by easing off the accelerator and letting regenerative braking do its magic, nevertheless it comes fairly shut. My top-line Platinum+ mannequin equips steering wheel-mounted paddles that allow you to alter brake regen ranges on the fly, plus, the e-step button on the sprint brings much more regen to the celebration.
Steering effort is good and straightforward. I just like the flat-bottom wheel, and Nissan’s signature Zero Gravity seats are all the time a deal with. My co-driver, Kelley Blue E-book video host Mike Hazard, discovered the brake pedal a bit squishy. I didn’t discover that till he talked about it, and didn’t thoughts it as a lot even after he did. More often than not, I used brake regen to wash velocity anyway.
The least you could know is that this: The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a extremely nice and easy-to-drive EV. Whether or not this can be your first electrical automobile or your subsequent, it’s a fantastic alternative. For all its EV innovation, the Leaf stays what it all the time has been — accessible. Sure, it’s a subcompact EV with subcompact dimensions; assume a good again seat and no frunk, however with its SUV guise, it’s nonetheless fairly useful, opening to 55.5 cubic ft of house within the again with the seats folded. Most of all, it’s simple to simply get in and go.
The Least-Costly EV You Can Purchase
Maybe the very best factor in regards to the new Nissan Leaf is its worth, and particularly the vary you get for it. The 2026 Nissan Leaf S+ begins at $31,485, together with the $1,495 vacation spot payment. That makes the Leaf the least-expensive new EV on the market within the U.S., undercutting the Chevrolet Equinox EV by a number of thousand {dollars}. It additionally makes the Leaf a extremely engaging proposition for potential EV consumers upset in regards to the imminent ending of the $7,500 federal tax credit score. Add in the truth that the bottom mannequin additionally will get the very best vary, and the worth equation of the Leaf appears to be like even higher. Enjoyable reality: 15 years later, this all-new Leaf’s beginning worth is lower than the unique one, which began at $32,780, and is similar because the second-gen’s when it launched in 2018. Look, Ma: no inflation!
Nissan expects the midtrim SV+ to be the most well-liked, retailing for $35,725. Together with its 288-mile vary, it’ll deliver options like twin 14.3-inch shows, leatherette upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, and a wi-fi telephone charger. At $40,485, the Platinum+ will get goodies like a hands-free energy liftgate, vehicle-to-load charging, Bose audio, and a candy panoramic roof that dims in sections.
Additional down the highway, Nissan plans to supply a fair less-expensive Leaf with a smaller battery pack.
After a day within the new 2026 Nissan Leaf, I got here away greater than impressed with this new good friend of a well-known identify. The unique Leaf ushered within the fashionable period of mainstream electrical automobiles. A decade and a half later, it has matured with the business and may simply be what Nissan must get its mojo again.
