The 2026 Nissan Leaf has been unveiled, marking its biggest change in nearly two decades in the market. This new model has got an attractive design and an advanced electrical architecture. Despite its previous hatchback shape, it is now considered a "crossover," even though its predecessor models were taller and longer. The new Leaf will get two different batteries and two power levels for the front-drive electric motor, which is quite different from the previous two generations.
The new Leaf has ditched the flat-topped style of its predecessors in favour of a high roof that leans over the passenger compartment. In profile, it looks somewhat like the Tesla Model Y, although Nissan says its design is inspired by the Nissan Z sports car. The front looks similar to the Ariya, with a full-width daytime running light bar.
The unusual taillamps at the rear have two horizontal and three vertical light elements, which are homophones of "ni-san" in Japanese. Aerial improvements have reduced the car's drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.26. Although it is being called a "crossover," it is slightly smaller than the outgoing EV, shorter in length and wheelbase, but 0.8 -inch more in width.
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Due to the smaller size, cargo space is slightly reduced when the second-row seat is in place, going from 23.6 cubic feet in the 2025 Leaf to 20 cubic feet in the 2026 model. However, when the rear seat is folded flat, the cargo room increases significantly, to 55.5 cu ft as against 30 cu ft of the older model. This has been possible due to the lower battery and some changed hardware. The passenger space has also improved; Legroom for rear-seat passengers has increased by about 9 inches to 42.4 inches. The new Leaf is now based on the same CMF-EV platform as the Ariya.
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Those buying the 2026 Leaf can choose between a 52-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery or a 75-kWh unit. The smaller battery gets a 174-horsepower, 254-pound-foot electric motor, while the output increases to 40 horsepower and 7 torque with the larger battery. Both power units are now liquid-cooled to ensure longevity. The 2026 model takes heat from the onboard charger and electric motor to keep the battery at operating temperature, and a standard heat pump heats the cabin. The 2026 Leaf will have a NACS / J3400 DC charger standard, allowing it to use the Iona and Tesla charging networks.
Nissan hasn't estimated the range for the smaller 52-kWh battery, but says the 75-kWh unit can deliver up to 303 miles of range. This is better than the Ariya, whose 91-kWh battery gives a range of 287 miles. A range of at least 200 miles is considered possible for a small-range Leaf. The 2026 Leaf will come in three trim levels: S, S +, SV + and Platinum +. The S trim includes two 12.3 -inch displays, a heat pump, vehicle-to-load charging capability, and Nissan ProPilot Assist.
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The SV + gets 18-inch aluminium wheels and two 14.3 -inch screens, while the Platinum + trim gets a heated steering wheel and Bose Personal Plus audio system. It will arrive in dealerships by this fall, and pricing will be announced soon. The 2026 Leaf is expected to be one of the cheapest EV crossovers, compared to the $34,995 Chevrolet Equinox EV and the $34,425 Hyundai Kona Electric.
