2026 Nissan Leaf EV

• The 2026 Nissan Leaf EV sheds its old hatchback image and now rides with crisp, crossover‑like styling.

• A new 75 kWh battery delivers up to 303 miles (488 km) WLTP and supports 150 kW fast charging plus Tesla‑compatible NACS port.

• Interior feels modern and roomy—with dual 12.3‑ or 14.3‑inch screens, ProPILOT Assist, and clever tech for winter efficiency.

From Hatchback to Sleek Crossover

Gone is the frumpy Leaf of old. Photos of the 2026 Nissan Leaf EV show it has morphed into a compact crossover—call it hatchback evolution. It’s about 75 mm shorter and 15 mm wider than before. Proportions feel tighter, thanks to stubby overhangs and a flowing roofline with subtle fastback curves. Visibility sounds better, and flush front-door handles plus rear ones hidden in the C‑pillar lend a clean, aerodynamic side. No more CHAdeMO port—now you get dual ports, CCS and NACS, for Tesla Supercharger access.

The front fascia sports Nissan’s familiar wing‑inspired look but refined—LED lights tucked under subtle creases in the sheetmetal, and a smoother bumper with aero touches. The rear features a delicate spoiler, clear-cut light bar, and katana-like trim—simple yet intentional.

Battery and Range That Actually Matter

Finally, the numbers catch up. The new Leaf ships with a 75 kWh liquid‑cooled battery and single‑motor FWD setup delivering 214 hp (160 kW) and 261 lb‑ft (354 Nm) torque. Range is quoted at up to 303 miles (488 km) WLTP on higher trims. A base Leaf S will arrive later, packing 174 hp and a 52 kWh battery, good for around 255 miles. That’s a serious leap compared to the old max of ~212 EPA miles.

Fast charging is practical—up to 150 kW DC, letting you go from 10–80% in around 35 minutes. Also, there’s a J1772-handling on one side, and on the other—a NACS port. No adapters, no fuss. Plus, Nissan includes a heat pump and battery thermal management to help cold-weather range.

Interiors More Ariya, Less Outdated

Inside feels modern, something you’d expect from its CMF‑EV roots shared with the Ariya. The dash stretches horizontally, with standard dual 12.3‑inch displays, and 14.3‑inch units on top-end SV+ and Platinum+ trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over wireless, plus Google built‑in in upscale trims. Controls are clean—touch climate panels, rotary volume and play/skip knobs, plus simple push-button gear selector.

Rear packaging benefits too: front row feels roomier, and back seat legroom grows by nearly 9 inches. Holds about 20 cubic feet cargo with seats up, and 55.5 cubic feet folded—ideal for global markets where vehicles double as family haulers.

Tech That Helps, Not Distracts

There’s no gimmicky strip lighting or floating triangles everywhere. Just purposeful ambient lighting, an optional electrochromic panoramic roof in upper trims, and Bose headrest speakers on Platinum+. ProPILOT Assist includes lane centering and adaptive cruise, plus secondary collision mitigation braking in case of a rebound crash. Nissan also adds “Plug & Charge”—you just plug in and juice starts automatically. Effortless.

Competing and Living in Today’s EV World

This Leaf now targets Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, VW ID.4 and even lower-tier Model Y buyers. It’s less sporty than the EV6 or EV6 GT‑style flash, but it’s more grown-up, calmer, and practical. With 0.26 drag coefficient, NACS, extensive range, and improved cold-weather performance, it checks most boxes for an everyday EV. Nissan needed this to stay relevant—and they may just have pulled it off.

Technical Specifications

• Performance

  • Single-motor FWD variant: 214 hp (160 kW) with 261 lb·ft (354 Nm) torque

  • Base model (Leaf S): 174 hp (with smaller 52 kWh battery)

  • Acceleration and top-speed not yet disclosed

• Body Measurements

  • Length: 4,404 mm (173.4 in)

  • Width: 1,810 mm (71.3 in)

  • Height: 1,556 mm (61.3 in)

  • Wheelbase: 2,690 mm (105.9 in)

  • Ground clearance and track dimensions not yet specified

• Powertrain

  • Built on CMF‑EV platform (shared with Ariya)

  • 75 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery (main trims); 52 kWh battery for base Leaf S

  • Charge ports: combined DC fast-charging CCS (150 kW) + NACS for Tesla Supercharger access; J1772 AC for Level 2

  • Home charging: includes heat pump and enhanced thermal management, with battery heater and waste-heat recovery systems

• Capacities & Range

  • Battery: 75 kWh (higher trims), 52 kWh (Leaf S)

  • Range (WLTP): up to 303 miles (488 km) for 75 kWh models; ~255 miles for base 52 kWh version

  • Cargo: approximately 566 L (20 cu ft) with seats up; 1,572 L (55.5 cu ft) with rear seats folded

  • Aerodynamics: coefficient of drag 0.26

  • Charging times: 150 kW DC allows 10–80% charge in ~35 minutes; Plug & Charge enabled

Source