- The 2025 Nissan Leaf is an getting old hatchback recognized for its low worth, frumpy appears to be like, and restricted vary
- The 2026 Nissan Leaf is all-new, with smooth SUV-like styling, a lot better vary, and unknown worth
The Nissan Leaf will get one of the dramatic makeovers in automotive historical past for the 2026 mannequin 12 months.
Kelley Blue E book will have a good time its 100th birthday subsequent 12 months. After we let you know one thing is historic, we all know what we’re speaking about.
The Leaf on seller tons right now deserves respect as a result of it was the primary mainstream EV of the trendy automobile period, showing earlier than even the Tesla Mannequin S. However, in its second technology, it’s a homely hatchback with an getting old inside and will get solely as much as 212 miles between expenses. KBB professional take a look at driver Russ Heaps calls its efficiency simply “secure and predictable.”
The 2026 Leaf shall be a smooth and enticing car with an SUV-like profile, vary of as much as 303 miles, a crisp and trendy inside, and an up to date charging system.
Nissan hasn’t disclosed pricing. The present Leaf begins at $29,280, and Nissan probably can’t increase the subsequent one’s worth a lot whereas staying aggressive.
Smooth New Look Inside and Out
- Taller, curvier SUV-like physique
- Minimalist cabin with tasteful use of shade
The obvious change comes outdoors. The 2026 Leaf received’t even match into the identical car class because the 2025 mannequin.
It’s extra like an SUV now, although not one you’ll wish to take deep into the woods. Whereas most SUV designs in recent times have emphasised ruggedness, the Leaf is all curves.
It matches visibly into the identical household as Nissan’s Ariya and all-new Murano. Door handles that recede flat into the bodywork and a body-color insert the place the grille could be (if it wanted one) add to the wind-slipping look.
Nissan hasn’t supplied an inventory of colours, however the mannequin proven to the press is such a shiny robin’s egg blue that it appears to be like like a sweet shell. We hope the opposite colours are as daring. We hope, once you chew into it, there’s salted caramel.
Inside, the two-tone shade scheme utilized in press images contrasts deep blue and cream on the seats and sprint. Automobile designers in 2025 are nearly all in love with the thought of two screens mounted as one. Within the Leaf, they’re every both 12.3 or 14.3 inches, relying on trim. That’s a number of show for such a small automobile, giving it an up-to-the-minute expertise look.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal, and Google built-in, together with Google Maps, is on the market. A Bose audio system on the top-of-the-line mannequin options headrest audio system – a rarity outdoors the luxurious courses — however one thing Nissan has performed earlier than, together with within the Kicks subcompact SUV.
Little Energy Change, however a Vary Increase
- 174 or 214 horsepower, however no all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Vary as much as 303 miles…although Nissan is quiet concerning the low finish of the vary numbers
The 2026 Leaf has SUV styling, however not SUV functionality. Nissan will provide two ranges of front-wheel-drive (FWD) energy, however no all-wheel drive (AWD) choice.
The Leaf S will get a 174-horsepower motor paired with a 52 kWh battery. All different fashions have a 214 hp motor and a 75 kWh battery. Nissan hasn’t supplied a variety estimate for the smaller battery. With the bigger cell, you’ll be able to anticipate between 259 and 303 miles, relying on trim stage.
The 2026 Leaf comes geared up with a Tesla-style North American Charging System (NACS) port so it could actually cost at Tesla’s Supercharger stations. Nissan says it could actually cost from 10% to 80% in simply 35 minutes at a DC quick charger – a decent quantity for 2026.
The corporate additionally guarantees “constant charging efficiency even in chilly climate” due to a system that makes use of waste warmth from the motor to maintain the battery heat.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is ready to reach at dealerships this fall.
