Nissan unveiled its third-generation Leaf earlier this 12 months, however we have been allowed some preliminary drive impressions on Wednesday. In fact, the very first thing that stands out concerning the new Leaf is its design. Nissan says it’s adopting a subcompact crossover fashion as a substitute of the hatchback fashion within the earlier two iterations.
I’ve at all times had a gentle spot in my coronary heart for the quirky design of the first-generation Leaf, however the design was polarizing to say the least. The second-generation Leaf was extra extensively palatable, however bland and nearly forgettable. The design crew at Nissan stepped up massively with the 2026 Leaf, channeling seems to be from the Nissan Ariya, which shares the identical EV platform.
Though it’s styled in a means that appears extra like a typical crossover than its predecessors, with its arched roofline, in observe, the 2026 Leaf nonetheless feels hatchback-ish, and actually stays near the size of the earlier era. Regardless of the case, the design is sleeker than ever, particularly within the rear, accentuated by the 3D holographic taillights that pay homage to the Nissan title in Japanese Kanji characters. I notably cherished the two-tone Seabreeze Blue Pearl colour choice, because it’s much more enjoyable than a few of the uninteresting colours that OEMs produce as of late.
The entrance of the Leaf may be very Ariya-looking, with stacked lighting and a lightweight bar, whereas the facet panels characteristic intentional strains with flush door handles to assist promote aerodynamics. Talking of which, Nissan labored onerous to enhance effectivity. This begins with a design with a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd, an enchancment over the second-gen’s 0.29 Cd. There’s additionally a brand new three-in-one powertrain, which mixes the motor, inverter, and reducer, bettering weight.
Nissan will provide the 2026 Leaf with two battery choices: 75kWh and 52kWh batteries. The bigger battery will likely be accessible first, whereas the 52kWh model continues to be being examined. The Leaf I drove was the top-of-the-line Platinum+ model, which options massive 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a dimming panoramic roof, and V2L inside retailers. Due to the additional weight of the wheels and roof, the Plat+ model is EPA rated at 259 miles of vary, whereas the SV+ and S+ garner 288 and 303 miles of vary, respectively.
Maybe probably the most crucial replace that Nissan has made to the Leaf is with charging. There are usually not one, however two charging ports, with one on every entrance fender. The port on the driving force’s facet is a typical Degree 1/2 J1772 port for at-home AC charging. You’ll discover a NACS port on the alternative fender for 150kw DC quick charging on Tesla’s Supercharger community. This setup means you may park head-in at a Supercharger location and simply plug and cost.
Because of the car’s enhancements in effectivity, thermal administration, and charging infrastructure, the car can cost from 10 to 80 % in simply 35 minutes, a marked enchancment over earlier generations. This, when mixed with the S+ model’s real-world vary that eclipses 300 miles, ends in a product that’s significantly better geared up to deal with grocery buying and longer street journeys.
The Plat+ model options inside V2L inside retailers, which give as much as 1500W of energy. You may as well join an adapter to the J1227 port and use the battery to supply electrical energy throughout energy outages, or as a conveyable energy provide to energy fridges, e-bikes, and different home equipment, with a max discharge of three.45 kW.
However how is the brand new Nissan Leaf to drive? That’s the place my expertise will get just a little extra attention-grabbing. It’s a front-wheel drive 160kw single motorized vehicle with as much as 214 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. With a curb weight north of 4000 lbs for the 75kWh config, it’s not precisely what I’d label peppy. It might competently merge into freeway visitors, however that’s concerning the extent of the efficiency.
In my transient driving check, I used to be pleased with the inside cabin design of the entrance driver’s seat. The twin 14.3-inch screens supplied all of the related data wanted, together with route planning powered by Google Maps. The Zero Gravity spinal help seats stored my again and legs feeling comfy after a couple of hours of driving, and visibility was consistent with what you’d anticipate from a hatchback/crossover fashion.
Nissan integrated a multi-link impartial rear suspension and upgraded rack digital steering, which made for a cushty experience, though suggestions was pretty muted, and physique roll was a problem by way of tight corners. It’s an enormous enchancment over the second-generation, nevertheless it’s not probably the most inspiring experience when it comes to sporty really feel, regardless of adjustable steering and acceleration settings that vary from Regular to Sport. The turning radius was good, although, one thing that we Mannequin Y drivers lengthy for.
As a longtime EV driver, I discovered the dearth of true one-pedal driving most disappointing. There are 4 completely different regen settings, with the best providing reasonable regen, however one-pedal driving will not be an choice, despite the fact that Nissan provided it on the earlier Leaf era. This considerations the corporate and Japanese cultural requirements greater than technical potential. Clearly, one-pedal driving may very well be carried out, however Nissan isn’t on board with providing it but.
Whereas the entrance seats supplied a cushty driver and passenger expertise, the remainder of the car left me wanting extra space. Rear passengers, particularly these six ft and above, must make do with minimal leg and headroom. As well as, cargo area within the rear isn’t lots, and there’s restricted area below the trunk’s subfloor for issues like charging {hardware}.
Oh, and like earlier Leafs, there is no such thing as a frunk. Reality be informed, I’m getting extra hatchback vibes out of the expertise than crossover, nevertheless it’s principally all useless nomenclature at this level.
The third-generation Leaf is an efficient car, and because of its sub $30,000 beginning worth, it ought to be poised to promote nicely. One of many important issues that this automobile has going for it’s curb attraction. Just like the design or not, it’s a head-turner that appears prefer it prices greater than it does from the skin. That’s half the battle, getting individuals to contemplate the Leaf an choice, and I feel the styling will get individuals to wish to do exactly that.
I’m barely much less optimistic concerning the driving dynamics, nevertheless it’s superb. Do not forget that my day by day driver is a Mannequin Y efficiency, which is excessive for getting from level A to level B. The Nissan Leaf is way improved over its predecessors, nevertheless it’s not what I’d describe as a blast to drive. It’s excellent for grocery buying and on a regular basis duties like commuting to work; most individuals shifting from a equally performing ICE automobile will likely be glad.
It’s a little bit of a tougher promote for a household, however that’s the place the Ariya comes into play. Rear seat room is proscribed, and there’s not numerous space for storing within the rear, though folding the rear seats down offers considerably extra cargo area. For {couples} or these with young children, it’s a extra practical endeavor.
The Platinum+ model I examined is for individuals who need the entire bells and whistles, just like the 19-inch wheels, dimming panoramic roof, V2L inside retailers, and 3D signature taillights. That model begins at $38,990, and garners 259 miles of vary as a result of weight of the roof and wheels. I feel the SV+ is the extra wise choice, although. At sub-35K you get 288 miles, twin 14.3 inch shows, heated seats, Google Maps, video playback whereas parked, and extra.
The 2026 Leaf is much from a driver’s car however has good vary, quick charging, and wonderful exterior styling. We’ll have extra protection on the Leaf as we get extra hands-on time. Within the meantime, what are your ideas?
