2026 Nissan LEAF Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
The Nissan Leaf has left its impact on the EV segment, but the one on sale until now had fallen behind in the race—so for 2026, Nissan is rolling out the next-generation Leaf, which brings significantly updated capabilities and design to improve its competitive standing.
Reimagined with a tall, crossover-like body and more driving range, the new Leaf will compete against other small affordable EVs like the Kia EV3, Volvo EX30, and Chevrolet Equinox EV.
What’s New
Basics
- Revised batteries for longer driving range
- New motors with more torque
- Built-in Tesla-style NACS port for DC fast charging
- J1772 port for Level 2 home charging
Exterior
- Redesigned, crossover-adjacent body
- LED headlights and 3D-effect taillights
- Larger wheels
- Available electrically dimming glass roof
Interior
- Fully reworked cabin layout
- Bigger digital displays
- Improved materials
- Available Google built-in apps
What We Think
Although once an influential EV, the Nissan Leaf was eventually surpassed in the all-electric segment it helped create. As new EVs increased their range, charging, and performance, the Leaf couldn’t keep up—but that appears to change with the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf.
Even before getting into its EV capabilities, how the new Leaf looks greatly increases its appeal. Gone is the dowdy profile of old, as the new Leaf adopts a look that’s modern, cohesive, and stylish. Like the exterior, the interior is redone too, gaining big screens, nicer materials, and a more user-friendly layout, along with more space thanks to the taller form factor.
Now offered with a bigger battery than before, the 2026 Leaf has driving range potential above 300 miles. Another big change is its built-in NACS port, which will allow the Leaf to charge at Tesla’s Supercharger stations, although its maximum charging rate isn’t very high. Additionally, the fact that AWD isn’t available might deter some.
From our quick drive of a new Leaf prototype, it seems like road manners have improved from before, but are still not especially remarkable.
Between its good looks and increased driving range, the 2026 Leaf seems like an EV that's worth wanting for reasons besides cheap basic transportation.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Performance
Every 2026 Leaf will be FWD, powered by a single front electric motor. Dual-motor AWD is not available, calling into question whether this is an SUV or a tall hatchback.
The motor in the base Leaf S trim will produce 174 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque, which should deliver a 0–60 mph time of about eight seconds.
The Leaf S+, SV+, and Platinum + upgrade to a motor making 214 hp and 261 lb-ft, which should cut the 0–60 mph time to approximately six seconds.
EV Range and Charging
The entry-level Leaf S has a 52 kWh battery, which should provide driving range of slightly more than 200 miles.
Above the base trim, a 75 kWh battery is equipped. Nissan is aiming for range of 303 miles in the Leaf S+, 288 miles in the Leaf SV+, and 252 miles in the Leaf Platinum+. The S+ model’s efficiency of approximately 4.0 miles/kWh is very good.
In a sign of changing standards for EVs, the new Leaf has a somewhat unconventional dual-port charging system. For Level 2 home charging, there’s a familiar J1772 plug on the driver’s side. For Level 3 fast charging, a Tesla-style NACS port is on the passenger side and allows access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network.
Even with that handy NACS port, the new Leaf doesn’t charge very quickly. Nissan claims a peak charge rate of 150 kW and 10–80 percent charge session to take 35 minutes, neither being impressive statistics.
Safety Features
Every 2026 Leaf model will come equipped with a collection of driver-assist and active safety features, including:
- Front automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high beams
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The new Leaf’s front legroom is generous, but rear legroom is very small. There’s also a fair amount of cargo space for such a compact vehicle.
Technology
Infotainment
In the S and S+ trims, dual 12.3-inch screens are equipped for the driver’s display and infotainment touchscreen. For the SV+ and Platinum+ trims, those screens grow to 14.3 inches. All have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but only the larger screens get familiar apps from Google, such as navigation maps and a voice assistant.
Two USB-C ports are fitted in the front row of all trims. The SV+ and Platinum+ trims get two USB-C ports in the second row, along with a wireless charging pad up front. Impressively, all trim levels have a 360-degree camera.
Sound System
A four-speaker audio system is equipped in the S and S+ trims. The SV+ upgrades to a six-speaker system, and the Platinum+ gains a 10-speaker Bose premium setup with speakers in the front headrests.
Available Upgrades
In the high-end Leaf Platinum+, tech features including a head-up display and auto-dimming rearview mirror are added.
Value
Standard Features
In its basic S trim, the Leaf rolls on 18-inch steel wheels with plastic hubcaps. Like all trims, it has full LED headlights and taillights. Inside, it has dual 12.3-inch digital displays, manually adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, white ambient lighting, pushbutton start, two USB-C ports, and a four-speaker audio system.
Notably, only the Leaf S is equipped with the smaller 52 kWh battery, while the trims above get a larger, 75-kWh battery for more range, along with a stronger motor for quicker acceleration.
Recommended Trim
Based on features, our choice in the new Leaf lineup is the SV+ trim. This mid-grade version rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels for a more upscale appearance. In the cabin, premium textile upholstery covers the seats, which are heated in the front and power-adjustable for the driver. Dual 14.3-inch displays are equipped, along with a wireless charger in the front row, USB-C ports in the second row, and a six-speaker audio system.
Expect pricing for the 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+ to come in at around $40,000.
Check out our complete 2026 Nissan Leaf Trim Guide here.
New 2026 Nissan Leaf: When and How Much?
Nissan says the new Leaf will reach dealerships in the fall of 2025.
Although official pricing has not been announced, expect the basic Leaf S to start somewhere between $30,000 and $35,000. The range-topping Leaf Platinum+ could ring up at closer to $45,000.
