The 2026 Nissan Leaf Went 310 Miles in Our Real-World Range Test

• We just put the new Nissan Leaf through the Edmunds EV Range Test.
• Our Platinum+ tester has an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles.
• We observed 310 miles in our testing, with lower energy consumption as well.

How we range test

The Edmunds EV Range Test is designed to give you the most accurate representation of a car's real-world range. Rather than getting on the freeway, setting the cruise control at 70 mph and driving until the battery is depleted, we follow a strict route made up of 60% city and 40% highway driving, with an average speed of 40 mph. This better represents the actual driving buyers do day to day. We also stay within 5 mph of all posted speed limits, drive each car in its most efficient drive setting, and keep the climate control on auto at 72 degrees.

How does the Leaf stack up?

The Leaf is a small electric hatchback with a starting price right around $30,000. At the moment, its closest competitor is arguably the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and when we put a 2LT model through the Edmunds EV Range Test, the Chevy returned 356 miles of range with a consumption of 28.9 kWh per 100 miles.

The Hyundai Kona EV is another close competitor, though that small SUV didn't perform as well, going 264 miles on a full charge. The Kona used less energy than the Leaf, though; we observed consumption of 26.6 kWh per 100 miles.

Right now, the Nissan Leaf only comes with a 75-kWh battery pack and front-wheel drive. A smaller 52-kWh version is expected to join the lineup soon, boasting an even lower base price, but timing for that model is still TBD.

— Photos by Luke Huisman