The Nissan Leaf was once the undisputed leader in EV sales before being overtaken by the ever-popular Tesla Model 3. Still, the Japanese automaker’s compact electric car remains one of the best options on the market today.
For 2026, Nissan has decided to completely reinvent the Leaf, which will now take the form of an SUV for its third generation — a move that, in my opinion, could make the model even more popular.
A Bold New Design
Rumors about the third-generation Nissan Leaf have been floating around the web for some time now. Fortunately, Nissan has finally pulled back the curtain, and the result, frankly, exceeds expectations.
Let’s start with the styling, which is a success from every angle. The automaker has gone with a very modern design, accented by a few retro touches. The Leaf is also available in a vibrant palette of bold colors. Depending on the version you choose, you get 18- or 19-inch wheels to complete the look. In short, this is a complete departure from what we’ve seen before — and I must say, I like what I see.
The redesign continues inside the cabin, which now features a fully digital instrument cluster, with either a 12.3-inch or a 14.3-inch screen, depending on the version. The rest of the interior is sleek, modern, and minimalist.
Ironically, the Leaf SUV is more compact than the car it replaces. However, it is slightly wider, which helps offset the difference in interior space. Overall, it doesn’t feel cramped — though it’s worth noting that the cargo area is a bit smaller.
A New Powertrain
Where things get particularly interesting with the 2026 Nissan Leaf is under the hood — or rather, under the floor. The entry-level version features a 56-kWh battery pack, while an optional 75-kWh pack is available. As for the motors, the standard setup delivers 174 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive variant offers 214 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of range, the top-tier S+ version can travel up to 488 kilometers on a full charge. Other versions will offer a range between 417 and 463 kilometers, which remains highly competitive in today’s EV landscape.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
