The 2026 Nissan Leaf represents the third generation of Nissan’s mass-market EV for the North American market. Now in a crossover bodystyle, it gets an extended driving range, expanded charging compatibility, and improved everyday practicality.
We had the opportunity to check it out in the top-end Platinum+, with this particular unit fitted with the USD 450 Roof Rail crossbars that can take up to 165 lb, and Yakima FrontLoader Upright Bike Racks which start at USD 229.
The example we experienced is finished in the USD 800 Everest White Pearl with the Super Black two-tone exterior color, and the interior is specified in the Charcoal TailorFit with Steel Blue Accents.
Design
The 2026 Leaf is a complete design overhaul. At the front, it uses a wide, blacked-out V-Motion fascia with stacked rectangular lighting elements and an available illuminated Nissan emblem. Moving to the side, the Leaf’s profile adopts a coupe crossover-inspired silhouette with a long, sleek roofline and clean surfaces inspired by the Chill-Out concept.
The exterior incorporates motorized flush front door handles, and rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar, giving the profile a clean look. The cladding below the lower-character line further helps reduce the visual bulk of the car, with the greenhouse area finished in black on the SV+ and Platinum+ trims.
At the rear, the 2026 Leaf features distinctive 3D holographic taillights on the Platinum+, while other trims get more basic taillamp units integrated with black surrounds that continue from the roof and integrate a subtle spoiler.
Wheel sizes vary by trim, with the S+ getting 18-inch steel wheels with aero covers; the SV+ models use 18-inch alloy wheels, while Platinum+ models receive 19-inch wheels with a distinct pattern. Exterior paint options include multiple single-tone finishes, besides two-tone finishes as seen in these images.
Interior
Nissan has relocated the shift controls to the dashboard, allowing a slimmer center console and a flat floor area beneath the instrument panel. Higher trims add dual 14.3-inch displays with available Google built-in, while the base S+ uses dual 12.3-inch screens, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the range.
A wireless charging pad is standard on the SV+ and Platinum+, while the base trims have to do without it. Materials used for surfaces varies according to trim, with the base S+ trim getting cloth seats throughout while SV+ gets TailorFit front seats with leatherette rear seats and Platinum+ gets TailorFit across the front and rear with this unit featuring blue accents.
Cargo capacity reaches up to 55.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The Platinum+ offers a dimming panoramic roof that transitions between transparent and opaque states using an electrically controlled glass layer. Ambient lighting with up to 64 selectable colors is also available on Platinum+ models.
Specifications
The primary battery option is a long-range configuration with a 75-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion pack paired with a single electric motor that produces 214 horsepower. Nissan estimates a driving range of up to 303 miles on a full charge for this configuration.
A second battery option, arriving later, uses a 52-kWh pack with reduced output and range that delivers 174 horsepower. Both versions drive the front wheels, and a Battery Heater, which is recommended for colder climates, is a USD 300 option.
Nissan states the Leaf can charge from 10-80 percent in approximately 35 minutes under ideal conditions. The vehicle includes two charge ports: a J1772 port for Level 2 charging and a North American Charging Standard port for DC fast charging (Tesla Supercharger stations).
All trims include Nissan Safety Shield 360, ProPILOT Assist, and multiple camera-based visibility systems. Standard features include Intelligent Around View Monitor, Invisible Hood View, and Front Wide View.
Price & Release Date
The 2026 Nissan Leaf started reaching U.S. dealerships in fall 2025. MSRP for the S+ starts at USD 29,990, while the SV+ starts at USD 34,230 and the Platinum+ at USD 38,990, excluding a USD 1,495 destination fee. Pricing for the base Leaf S is to be announced next year.
Also See: First Look Review: Nissan Micra reboots for the electric era; not U.S.-bound
As for the Canadian-spec 2026 Nissan Leaf, it starts at (excluding license, registration, insurance, and applicable taxes) CAD 47,846 for the base S+ trim and rise to CAD 55,646 for the range-topping Platinum+.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
