Review and specifications

2026 Nissan Leaf

The Leaf electric vehicle got a thorough makeover for 2026--for better and for worse. Nissan replaced its outdated CHAdeMO plug with a Tesla-style NACS port, making it compatible with many more public chargers and capable of DC fast charging. The driving range was increased to 259-303 miles, depending on the trim, which means it's less of a commuter-only car and now more for long-distance travel. We saw 292 miles in our 70-mph highway-range test on an SV+ trim, which is EPA-rated at 288 miles. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive powertrain is quiet and smooth, and its well-balanced chassis offers predictable, easy-to-control handling. The ride is more absorbent than the old Leaf. Cabin fit and finish rival more expensive cars, and we found the front seats comfortable and supportive. The rear seat, though, is tight and short on underleg support. It's unfortunate that Nissan replaced the old Leaf's easy-to-use array of interior buttons with controls that rely heavily on touchscreen menus and capacitive-touch panels that are difficult to use while driving.

Market value

$22,875

Fuel

Electric

Transmission

Automatic

Seats

5