The 2026 Nissan Leaf marks a new era for the iconic electric vehicle. Gone are the days of a small, dorky-looking hatchback; instead, we have a sleek and modern small SUV that's sure to turn heads on the road. With a single 214-hp electric motor driving the front wheels, all-wheel drive is not an option, but the Leaf still manages to deliver impressive acceleration and quiet ride comfort.
The S+ trim is the range leader, boasting a claimed driving range of up to 303 miles per charge. While other trims may fall short in this department, they make up for it with more standard equipment and features. The base S+ trim comes in at just over $31,000, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
The Leaf's new design is a significant departure from its predecessors, featuring a modern and minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes quietness and ride comfort over sharp handling. While this may not be the most thrilling driving experience, it's certainly one of the most comfortable. In our testing, we found that the Leaf prioritized quietness and ride comfort over agility, but multiple settings for the regenerative braking system allow you to adjust the level of slowdown.
The Leaf comes with a 75-kWh battery pack, which is significantly larger than its predecessors. This increase in range has been achieved through faster charging times, with Nissan estimating a 10-to-80-percent charge will take just 35 minutes. The Leaf also features two different charging ports, one for AC level 2 public chargers or at-home charging and another for DC fast-charging compatible with the Tesla Supercharger network.
The EPA estimates the Leaf's fuel economy as high as 131 MPGe city and 111 MPGe highway, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The modern design theme inside the Leaf is equally impressive, featuring horizontal lines on the dashboard that give it a sense of width and spaciousness.
The base S+ trim comes with a pair of 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard, while SV+ and Platinum+ trims get upgraded to dual 14.5-inch displays and have a more sophisticated Google-based software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims, as well as USB-C charging ports.
Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance features is standard across the lineup, including the brand's novel ProPilot Assist system, which pairs adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. The Leaf also comes with a range of other safety features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
The Leaf's battery is covered for up to eight years or 100,000 miles under Nissan's basic warranty package. The vehicle's specifications are equally impressive, featuring a direct-drive transmission and a 75-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack.
In our testing, the Leaf Platinum+ with the more powerful 214-hp motor got to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. While we haven't yet tested the base S model, it's clear that the new Leaf is a significant departure from its predecessors and an attractive option for those looking to upgrade their electric vehicle experience.
The Leaf's dimensions are equally impressive, featuring a wheelbase of 105.9 inches and a length of 173.4 inches. The vehicle also boasts a range of other impressive specs, including a top speed of 102 mph and a braking distance of just 184 feet.
The new Leaf is a significant departure from its predecessors, offering improved range, faster charging times, and more standard equipment.
