When Nissan first launched the LEAF in 2011, many noticed it as a reasonably easy, compact hatchback geared toward early electrical automobile (EV) adopters. This yr it developed right into a crossover SUV, and now we all know when the third-generation mannequin is coming.
With a beginning MSRP of underneath US$30,000, the 2026 LEAF has “the bottom beginning MSRP for any new EV presently on sale within the US,” per Nissan. However maybe what’s much more fascinating is that it’s by some means change into cheaper than the $32,780 2011 LEAF.
However extra than simply the ticket value, the 2026 mannequin additionally marks the beginning of the third technology of the favored electrical household automobile, and despite the fact that it is modified form it nonetheless retains most of the strains which have made it such a well-recognized automobile internationally. Plus there are host of enhancements to the formulation on provide, together with its vary, the tech inside, and, purportedly, a smoother consumer expertise.
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The 2011 LEAF might barely go 100 miles on a full cost. In 2026, the entry trim provides as much as 303 miles (488 km) of vary, which is greater than triple the 2011 determine – and is even a big enchancment on the 212-mile (341-km) vary of the previous generation. And that’s because of a 75-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, which helps DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes.
Nissan has additionally included a NACS charging outlet for the primary time, which lets you entry Tesla’s Supercharger community whereas additionally addressing the CHAdeMO constraints that plagued earlier variations.
Now, for the trims – Nissan has introduced S+, SV+ and Platinum+ variants, all sporting the identical 75-kWh battery and a motor that places out 214 hp and 261 lb.ft (353 Nm) of torque.
The S+ begins at $31,485, and comes with steelies, a twin 12.3-inch display screen setup, a set of 4 audio system, and most significantly, the perfect vary of all out there trim ranges of 303 miles (488 km).
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Shifting up, the $34,230 SV+ trades the steelies for 18-inch alloys wrapped in the identical Yokohama tires. Heated entrance seats, an eight-way motorized driver’s seat with a six-way adjustment for the passenger seat, a middle armrest within the rear, and a Divide-and-Cover cargo space are all necessary additions.
The infotainment display screen additionally grows to 14.3 inches in dimension, whereas this trim degree additionally will get NissanConnect options akin to Google and door-to-door Nissan Navigation. It additionally receives two further audio audio system (for a complete of six), a wi-fi charging pad, entrance parking sensors, and a sun shades holder. These upgrades, nevertheless, come at the price of lowered vary: 288 miles (463 km).
On the high of the household tree is the Platinum+ trim. Nearly all of the SV+ options carry over to the LEAF Platinum+, however there are key variations, such because the 19-inch aluminum wheels shod with 235/45R19 Bridgestone Alenza Sport All-Season tires. Add to that checklist the trademark “3D” taillights that stack two on high of one another on the liftgate facet and three side-by-side on the physique facet.
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Inside, the steering wheel is heated and accompanied by multi-color ambient lighting, a motorized liftgate, TailorFit inside supplies, heated rear seats, a heads-up show, a frameless auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and the Bose Private Plus audio system with 10 audio system. You additionally get a V2L plug within the cargo space, which may be supplemented with an optionally available 120-volt energy outlet.
The Platinum+ trim is undoubtedly probably the most loaded of all, however just like the SV+, it too comes with a lowered vary of 259 miles (417 km), costing nearly 10 grand greater than the entry-level, at $38,990.
You are most likely questioning in regards to the variant that’s reportedly cheaper than the 2011 LEAF… Nicely, that’s truly a fourth (and the least known-about) trim. Nissan has confirmed that this S taste will slot under the S+ because the true entry-level mannequin. It should use a unique powertrain setup of a 174-hp AC synchronous electrical motor paired to a 52-kWh lithium-ion battery. That can imply decrease energy and fewer vary, however not less than it is going to be a pair thousand bucks extra inexpensive than the S+.
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The 2026 Nissan LEAF is about to go on sale within the US fall. Protected to say, Nissan has chosen to go aggressive with its entry-level EV. That’s to not say it received’t have any competitors – the brand new Chevrolet Bolt is on the way in which, and it might ship a stable finances punch. However for now, the 2026 LEAF is probably the most inexpensive new EV in the marketplace, even when you take into account the step-up S+ trim.
Supply: Nissan
