All-new Nissan Leaf.
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To say the new Nissan Leaf is an improvement over the previous generation is a huge understatement. It is a giant leap.
As it should be. Since the current model came out in 2017. And it was not even 100% new when it came out since it was still heavily based on the first generation from 2010.
9 years is quite a long time in the car business and an eternity in the EV world. Things have changed and improved a lot since the 2017 Nissan Leaf.
In the US, the Leaf’s best year was 2014 with over 30,000 sold. 2023 was pretty bad with only 7,152 units sold, howeever, it recovered a bit last yeart with over 11,200. Which is that bad for such an old and outdated EV.
The new Leaf looks a lot like a smaller Nissan Aryia, which is fine. Since the Aryia still looks more modern than most cars out there.
The new generation is much more powerful with 214HP and has a much longer range of up to 303 miles. These are the numbers for the top-of-the-line trim that will be available first, with a 75kWh battery. A smaller 52kWh unit will be available later with 174HP. The larger battery can add 155 miles in just 14 minutes.
The 2026 Leaf also has a new more sophisticated rear multi-link suspension. An available Bose system with extra speakers in the passenger’s headrests for phone calls and navigation info. Which is a really nice idea. And the option of a panoramic roof with e-Dimming function.
While much sleeker and more aerodynamic, the 2026 Nissan Leaf is actually 3 inches shorter than the current generation. In the US, the new 2026 Leaf offers both NACS and CSS charging ports. Allowing to basically charge anywhere without ever using an adapter.
The interior design also looks a lot like the Aryia. But things start looking pretty cheap in some areas. Especially the part with the center vents and transmission controls, under the dash. That cheap-looking black plastic piece with just a few buttons on it looks like an afterthought. And again, cheap.
Otherwise, it is probably fine for the segment. The current Leaf still starts at under $29,000 and the new model’s base price is not expected to rise that much. The loaded trim with the larger battery pack will probably be priced at over $36,000 or even a bit more. It still seems very reasonable for a loaded small hatchback EV. And still thousands below the Tesla Model 3.
Deliveries will start this fall in the US and next year in Europe.
I think Nissan could have a well-needed hit on their hands. If these ill-conceived and dopey tariffs don’t ruin the party that is…