2026 Nissan Leaf Road Test and Review

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

The 2026 Nissan Leaf is an all-new, third-generation model, completely reimagined as a fully electric crossover with five seats and front-wheel drive only. First launched in 2010, it builds on nearly two decades of EV expertise in an evolving segment. Major changes include a new crossover design, up to 303 miles of range, and a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port for Tesla Supercharger access.

It’s an affordable EV ideal for first-time EV buyers looking for an easy transition from gas to electric or those simply looking for a new EV. A base S trim with 52-kWh battery arrives later with even lower pricing, but also lower range.

Sleek Crossover Styling

The Leaf gets new crossover styling that blends aerodynamic efficiency with clean lines that reduce its drag coefficient. The front door handles now close flush for a smooth, sleek look, while the rear handles are tucked up along the sides of the rear windows. There’s a black grille with an optional illuminated badge, stacked rectangular LED headlights, and striking taillights.

There are also bold colors including Seabreeze Blue Pearl with a black roof that make the Leaf stand out from the crowd. It’s not a standout for being weird or overly futuristic, which is sometimes an issue with EVs. It’s attractive and modern without going too far.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

A Spacious and Bright Cabin

Inside, the Leaf is roomy and airy with seating materials ranging from cloth to TailorFit synthetic leather complemented by eye-catching trims. It gives the Leaf plenty of personality. There’s seating for three in the rear seats with good legroom and headroom, but it'll be snug if you're tall. Seating is comfortable, especially up front, but even the rear seats won't be tiresome on longer drives.

Available features include 64-color ambient lighting, heated front and rear seats, and an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof with multiple settings so you can adjust it for just the right amount of sun. It’s an attractive and comfortable interior that looks modern without being overdone.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

Responsive Electric Power

Powertrain options include a 75-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with 214 horsepower and 261 lb-ft torque and a late-availability 52-kWh battery with 174 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. I drove the top Platinum+ trim, which delivered smooth, responsive acceleration with instant torque, making it enjoyable for daily driving, quick merges, and city streets. It’s performance is efficient and fun without aggression, prioritizing ease and comfort.

Range for the Leaf is 259 to 303 miles depending on the trim level, with the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes. The front charging port is gone, something that was unique and we honestly miss. Instead there is a NACS charging port on one fender and an AC charging port on the other. This gives plenty of charging options without needing to have adapters to manage.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

Smooth Handling for Urban Lifestyles

The Leaf has a smooth ride that’s quiet and ideal for casual conversation with rear passengers, even at highway speeds. It's not sporty or aggressive, but it does have a choice of drive modes that includes a Sport option for better handling on twisting country roads.

There is no official one-pedal driving, which may disappoint those who loved this feature in prior generations of the Leaf. Instead, you can adjust the regenerative braking using steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters from aggressive to almost unnoticeable. There is also an e-step mode engaged at the touch of the button. It delivers a consistent braking experience with strong regen that's close to, but not quite, one-pedal driving.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

More Cargo Room Than Expected

The Leaf looks small and is in fact a bit shorter than the last generation, but it's surprisingly roomy for its compact exterior. There's 20 cubic feet behind the second row that expands to 55.5 cubic feet with the 60/40-split folding rear seats down. The low, flat load floor and wide opening make for easy loading. That load floor is removable in two separate sections for added veratility when stowing smaller items.

Up front, a deep center console has room for large wallets and other miscellaneous items and also houses the wireless charging pad. Additional storage is found in the glove box and door pockets, making it a versatile vehicle for managing large and small cargo.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

Intuitive Tech Keeps You Connected

Base trims get a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen while the rest of the lineup gets a 14.3 inch touchscreen alongside a 14.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s a clean, tech-forward design that puts everything within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.

There’s Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM 360 and Amazon Alexa built-in. This makes for seamless smartphone connectivity and an easy transfer of your digital life right to your car. Two front USB-C ports are standard with available rear charge-only ports, wireless phone charging, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system with headrest speakers for focused phone calls or directions.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

Features to Keep You Safe

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and high beam assist. Additional features include traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

There are also unique camera views that make it easier to navigate tight spaces, Sure, this isn’t a large vehicle and it’s not something you’re going to take off-road, but a city parking lot with low curbs and narrow parking spots is far easier to manage thanks to the Leaf’s cameras. They include a front wide view and a view through the hood so you can see exactly where your wheels and your bumpers are in relation to obstacles.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

An Affordable EV Option

The most affordable trim will likely be the late-arriving S with its smaller 52-kWh battery, but pricing has yet to be announced for that one. The larger 75-kWh battery is standard for the rest of the lineup starting with the S+ at $29,990 followed by the SV+ at $34,230, and Platinum at $38,990. Destination and handling adds another $1,495.

That’s an affordably priced lineup even without the base S in the mix, making the Leaf an incredibly accessible EV. Especially in the SV+ trim, the Leaf has a great mix of style, features, and range that make the switch to electric something easy rather than daunting.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan

A Reinvented Electric Vehicle

The 2026 Nissan Leaf takes what was one of the first mass market EVs and gives it a thoroughly modern update. Rather than falling behind, this is a reinvented Leaf in every way. It offers faster charging, better range, a more attractive interior, and plenty of amenities all without getting too pricey.

It’s also an EV that makes the switch from gas to electric easier to manage. Rather than giving it radical styling, it simply looks modern. Inside, it’s sleek and attractive but has the buttons and controls you’d expect, just like a gas car. It uncomplicates the idea of EVs in a smart and affordable way that makes electrification accessible for everyone.

2026 Nissan Leaf ・ Photo by Nissan