The new third-generation 2026 Nissan LEAF gets a little shorter and higher. Moving from a mini hatchback to a compact crossover SUV with a fastback design. With its cool, refreshing looks, better performance, and features, will it be able to revive its iconic past?
The new 2026 Nissan LEAF models will be assembled at the Tochigi Plant in Japan and at the Sunderland facility in England. It will first be launched in the U.S. and Canada by late 2025 and would then be followed in other markets.
Electric vehicles are not new to Nissan. In fact, the first Nissan EV was launched in 1947, the 4-seater Nissan Tama E4S-47, which was mainly used in taxis and had a top speed of 35.2 km/h with a range of 96.3 km. The Nissan LEAF was first introduced in 2010. Since then 700,000 units have been sold globally and have traveled a cumulative distance of around 28 billion kilometers.
So what’s different in the new 2026 Nissan LEAF?
- New crossover SUV fastback design
- 3-in-1 powertrain with an integrated motor, inverter, and reducer
- Flush door handles
- Bigger 19-inch alloy wheels
- Liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with intelligent navigation-linked thermal conditioning
- 3D holographic taillamps
- Dual 14.3-inch displays
- Intelligent Distance Control Assist for EV
- 3D Intelligent Around View
- Intelligent Route Planner
- Preinstalled Google Maps, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
- 64-color ambient interior lighting
- Dimming Panoramic Roof with heat shielding
- North American Charging Standard (NACS) port
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality
Nissan LEAF specs, performance, and technology
The new 2026 Nissan LEAF offers a top speed of 160 km/h and a maximum range of 600 km. The FWD motor provides a maximum power of 214 HP at 355 Nm of torque. It is equipped with two battery sizes of 52 and 75 kWh that can charge from 10-80% in 35 minutes on a 150 kW DC fast charger. This will be able to add up to 250 km of range in just 14 minutes.
Nissan has so far not released any details regarding its pricing.
The new 3-in-1 EV powertrain is 10% smaller and has a 75% reduction in motor vibration when compared to the current LEAF model. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with thermal conditioning functionality offers at least 25% more capacity than the outgoing model. The new intelligent navigation-linked thermal conditioning function optimizes battery cooling and warming in order to conserve energy.
“The all-new LEAF delivers a responsive, smooth, and confident drive. All elements have been optimized to support efficiency,” says Richard Candler, vice president of global product strategy.
| Performance : | ||
| Current Nissan Leaf | New 2026 Nissan Leaf | |
| Price | – | |
| 0-100 km/h – sec | 7.9 | – |
| Top Speed – km/h | – | 160 |
| Maximum Power – HP | 214 | 214 |
| Maximum Torque – Nm | 340 | 355 |
| Max Range – km | 400 | 600 |
| Max Battery Size – kWh | 60 | 75 |
| Fast Charging – kW | 100 | 150 |
| Charging : 10-80% – min | 60 | 35 |
| Drag Coefficient | – | 0.25 |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Boot Space – Liters | 405 | 435 |
| Dimensions : | ||
| Current Nissan Leaf | New 2026 Nissan Leaf | |
| Length – mm | 4,490 | 4,360 |
| Width – mm | 1,788 | 1,810 |
| Height – mm | 1,540 | 1,550 |
| Wheelbase – mm | 2,700 | 2,690 |
| Ground Clearance – mm | 155 | – |
| Weight – kg | 1,680 | 1,980 |
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Nissan LEAF exterior design
The very first difference that strikes is its looks. The new crossover SUV design takes some design clues from the latest Nissan N7 sedan and Nissan Ariya crossover. The new Nissan LEAF boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25.
The front gets a full-width LED strip, an illuminated Nissan brand logo, a sloping hood, and headlights featuring six rounded rectangles arranged in a tapered fashion.
At the side, a fastback-like smooth silhouette designed to improve aerodynamics. Retractable front door handles, integrated wheel arch moldings, and 19-inch alloy wheels in similar lighting design add to its dynamic appeal.
The rear also has 3D holographic taillamps arranged in a rectangular pattern and the Nissan branding boldly written on a gloss black, glass-like background.
Both the front and rear lights have been programmed to illuminate in a welcome or farewell fashion upon approaching and departing from the vehicle. The new LEAF will feature eight exterior color combinations, including the vibrant Seabreeze Blue Pearl paired with a black roof.
Nissan LEAF interior design
The new LEAF features a spacious cabin benefitting from an almost entirely flat floor design. Depending on the grade and region, it has either dual 12.3-inch or 14.3-inch touchscreens.
The Intelligent Route Planner can provide real-time route information showing active charging stations coming along the planned way. Thus reducing range and charging anxiety. Depending on the grade, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, NissanConnect, Google Maps, and wireless smartphone charging are also available. The Intelligent Distance Control Assist intuitively helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front, which is especially useful while driving in city traffic. The 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor provides multiple views from around the vehicle.
Zero Gravity seats with front headrest-integrated speakers. A dimming, heat-shielding panoramic with polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology and a small LEAF wordmark. The rear liftgate is motion-activated.
The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality can discharge up to 1,500 W of power, allowing owners to power a variety of devices while camping outdoors. In Japan, it also offers vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality, allowing the vehicle to supply electricity back to a home or receive solar-generated energy when connected to a home energy-management system.
The new 2026 Nissan LEAF: In short
The new 2026 Nissan LEAF is a big step forward for this model. Moving from a hatchback to a crossover design along with loads of new innovative features. The vehicle’s cool, refreshing looks are much more futuristic and attractive than the outgoing model. This will definitely help Nissan attract new buyers, enter the large crossover market segment, and improve the company’s performance.
With improved aerodynamics and design, the vehicle offers much better performance and a spacious interior. Nissan has so far not disclosed its pricing details, but it’s expected to be very competitive. If so, Nissan could really offer a tough time to its competitors.
“Beyond EV intenders and innovators, we wanted the all-new Nissan LEAF to offer a truly credible alternative to combustion vehicles. We wanted it to balance emotional and rational appeal, ensuring it looks sleek and bold, whilst meeting the real-world needs of families with thoughtful design,” says Richard Candler, vice president of global product strategy.
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