The 2026 Nissan Leaf is Coming Back as a Sleek Crossover

The Leaf is one of the original EVs. It first arrived in 2010 as a 2011 model and has come a long way since then. The 2026 marks the beginning of the third generation for the Leaf, and it’s completely redesigned as a crossover SUV. The latest Leaf is a big step up from the current model.

A Completely New Look

The 2026 Leaf is no longer a hatchback. It was over 15 years ago that the original LEAF debuted as the first mass-market electric vehicles. After several model years not showing many changes or updates, Nissan has gone big with the 2026.
It’s joining the ranks of the crossover SUV with a whole new style that features a fastback roofline. It’s more aerodynamic than ever with retractable door handles, and a flatter underbody to reduce drag.

Let’s Talk Power and Range

All the new Leafs will get power from a single electric motor. It produces 214 horsepower and sends power to the front wheels. This is the same amount of power that the top-level Leaf from the previous generation produced, but the 261 pound-feet of torque is higher.
Range is always the big question when it comes to an electric vehicle. The new Leaf delivers impressive numbers with up to 303 miles of range with a fully charged battery in the S+ trim.
The higher end trims get slightly lower range with estimates of about 288 miles if you’re behind the wheel of the SV+ and 259 miles of range for the Platinum+

Quicker Charging, Better Battery

Another important update to the new Leaf is the charging time. It’s much faster than before with the new Leaf’s 150 kWh battery getting up to 80 percent in just 35 minutes. Drivers can also benefit from the battery if they need to power external devices, since it supports vehicle-to-load.
Batteries for EVs have come a long way since the Leaf first debuted. Improvements to the Leaf’s new battery include thermal management which allows to charge consistently no matter how hot or cold it is outside. It sits behind a resin cover to protect is from the cold and Nissan also designed the Leaf to use heat from the motor and charger to keep the battery warmer.

High-Tech Interior

The new Leaf is loaded with updated tech. The higher trims have two 14.3-inch screens. The touchscreen houses the infotainment system which features Google Built-in with all the Google apps that you need including Google Maps. The map app includes a route planner that lets you know where EV chargers are along your route, and it shows how much of a charge you’ll have by the time you reach one of the chargers.
While you can keep your old Leaf going by bringing it to a Nissan service center, the new Leaf just might be what you need to go the extra mile. Its updated look, upgraded battery, and longer range will make you the top EV driver on the road.