Nissan simply revealed particulars on what to anticipate with its upcoming 2026 Leaf electrical car (EV), and it is fairly a step up from the present mannequin yr.
We’re speaking all-new styling, longer vary on a single cost, and a refreshed cabin with improved creature comforts. Oh, and it is not a hatchback.
Certainly, the third-generation Leaf breaks from custom in additional methods than one. Gone are the compact physique fashion and the downward-facing angular grille that is subtly developed over the mannequin’s final 15 years of existence. Of their place, you will see a coupe-SUV with full-width headlights frequent to many new automobiles in the marketplace.
There are a bunch extra adjustments that set the brand new Leaf other than its predecessor. Here is all the pieces that is new and price a more in-depth look if you take it for a check drive.
Exterior
Regardless of its look, the brand new Leaf is definitely smaller than the outgoing hatchback by a wee bit. It has a shorter wheelbase, it is shorter by 0.4 inches (1 cm), and has a contact much less floor clearance too.
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Nevertheless, there is a bit extra cargo space within the new mannequin if you fold down the rear seat: 56 cubic ft (1,586 liters) in comparison with 30 cubic ft (850 liters) within the 2025 model.
There are LEDs gracing the brand new entrance fascia lighting, in addition to the 3D holographic taillights. You may additionally discover flush door handles and as much as 19-inch alloy wheels relying on the trim you select.
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Underneath the hood
The brand new top-end Leaf’s front-wheel drive powertrain places out 214 hp – the identical because the final mannequin’s SV Plus variant – albeit with 261 lb.ft (354 Nm) of torque as an alternative of 250 lb.ft (339 Nm). The larger distinction is within the base mannequin, which does 174 hp and 254 lb.ft (344 Nm) as an alternative of 147 hp and 236 lb.ft (320 Nm).
Nissan says it is labored extensively on aerodynamics and greater battery packs to increase vary. So that you’re taking a look at 303 miles (487.6 km) of vary from the 75-kWh battery, up from 212 miles (341 km) with the older 60-kWh pack; the corporate hasn’t stated what its base mannequin 52-kWh battery can be good for.
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Whichever variant you go for, you will get quicker charging than the earlier Leaf, in addition to the inclusion of an NACS charging port that can allow you to use Tesla’s community of Superchargers.
Inside
The brand new cabin will get a tech glow-up, with bigger twin 14.3-inch shows, a head-up show, and a 360-degree digicam feed that can assist you slot close to charging factors extra simply.
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There are additionally a bunch of nice-to-have options, together with a dimming panoramic roof, a Bose audio system with the flexibility to tune the sound stage for simply you or the entire cabin, and headphone tech constructed into the headrests.
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Nissan says you’ll be able to anticipate higher acceleration this time round, and adjustable regenerative braking with paddles to manage coasting and deceleration.
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All these updates equate to a notable refresh that is value a detailed take a look at the dealership when it arrives later this yr. Pricing is but to be revealed, however it would probably begin someplace above the present mannequin’s just-below-US$30,000 mark, however beneath $40,000.
Take a look at the brand new mannequin over on Nissan’s site.
Supply: Nissan
