- The 2026 Nissan Leaf marks the third technology of the electrical car
- 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 buddy going by a tough patch, Nissan wants a win.
The all-new Leaf simply is likely to be it.
The OG EV, Method Improved
Lest you neglect, the Nissan Leaf was the primary of the trendy mainstream electrical autos (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 vehicles. Nissan might rightfully really feel that it deserves some credit score for each EV now made by each different automaker, even when that authentic 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 wonderful 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 gained’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 nice. This appeal is particularly so should you select the two-tone Seabreeze Blue Pearl paint shade just like the one I examined this week on the San Diego media launch of the brand new Leaf.
The most recent 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 Buddy
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 fees, 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 aspect 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 vehicles, 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 form of gusto you will 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 dearer. 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 be surprisingly quiet. Electrical autos are usually quiet because you don’t have an engine rumbling beneath 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, during which 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 modify brake regen ranges on the fly, plus, the e-step button on the sprint brings much more regen to the social gathering.
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 clean velocity anyway.
The least you’ll want to know is that this: The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a extremely nice and easy-to-drive EV. Whether or not this will likely be your first electrical car or your subsequent, it’s an ideal 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 purposeful, opening to 55.5 cubic ft of area 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 perfect factor in regards to the new Nissan Leaf is its value, and particularly the vary you get for it. The 2026 Nissan Leaf S+ begins at $31,485, together with the $1,495 vacation spot price. 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 perfect vary, and the worth equation of the Leaf appears even higher. Enjoyable reality: 15 years later, this all-new Leaf’s beginning value 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 would deliver options like twin 14.3-inch shows, leatherette upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, and a wi-fi cellphone 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 good 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 buddy of a well-recognized identify. The unique Leaf ushered within the trendy period of mainstream electrical vehicles. A decade and a half later, it has matured with the business and may simply be what Nissan must get its mojo again.