2026 Nissan LEAF

Price Range: $29,990 - $38,990

Good

The redesigned 2026 Nissan Leaf is flashier and more functional than its predecessor. We also like its long range and low pricing. Unfortunately, the Leaf's lackluster driving experience, slow charging and some cabin quibbles keep it a mid-pack pick among small EVs.Read full review

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Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$29,869

Edmunds suggested price is based on sales in VA thru 8/31/26, including destination fee, but not other dealer fees. Final assembly in Japan.

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At a Glance:

4 Colors
3 Trims

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Pros

Affordable EV pricing
Loads of standard tech and safety-related features
Comes with dual ports for two common types of chargers
Long range for a low-priced EV

Cons

Uncomfortable ride quality
Interior can get loud on the highway
Backseat legroom is snug for adults
Relatively slow fast-charging speed

Overview

Written by automotive expert Jared Gall

Updated: 4/3/2026

The first mass-market EV of the modern era, the Nissan Leaf is all-new for 2026. Its new styling makes it look like a shrunken Ariya (Nissan's bigger all-electric SUV), but the Leaf remains the least expensive new EV in the U.S. It might look like a crossover, but don't be fooled; the Leaf is still only available with front-wheel drive. The new third-generation Leaf is also more capable and enjoyable to drive than its predecessor.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Nissan LEAF EV Insights

Trim:

LEAF S+

Range

EPA Estimated Range not available

Charging

No charging time information available

EV Battery Warranty

No battery warranty information available

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

No rebates available in 20147

Cost to Drive

$59/mo

LEAF

$228/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

See All EV Insights

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

6.9

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Nissan LEAF on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

5.7/10

How does the Nissan LEAF drive? We were underwhelmed with the Leaf in our testing. At our test track, the Leaf needed 7.2 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. That's decent and comparable to the acceleration of a Chevy Equinox EV and Kia Niro EV, but ultimately a lot slower than a Tesla Model Y. The ride quality could also be better. The Leaf can get overly floaty and bouncy over bumps but also too harsh-riding when you drive over broken pavement, rattling the interior.

The Leaf comes with selectable regenerative braking modes, where the car will slow itself down when you lift off the accelerator. In its highest e-Pedal setting, the Leaf's brake pedal will physically move to mimic the pressure you'd be applying to achieve the same amount of stopping force, and we hate this — it makes it hard to make smooth, consistent stops. The best thing about e-Pedal is that you don't have to use it.

There are some bright spots, however. The Nissan Leaf is easy to park thanks to its compact shape and big windows. Its advanced driver aids, such as lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control, are easy to activate and work smoothly in stop-and-go traffic.

Comfort

6.1/10

How comfortable is the Nissan LEAF? The Leaf isn't what we'd call plush, though the front seats offer appealing support and comfort for long drives. The EV's upright shape is a boon for headroom; both front and rear passengers won't have trouble getting comfortable. Legroom is adequate, but the rear door openings are small, making the Leaf tough to get in and out of — and even tougher to install a car seat into.

Generally speaking, the Leaf's controls are easy to locate and use. But we were annoyed to find that only the driver's window has an auto up/down function; for the rest, you'll have to keep using the switch to fully raise or lower the window. Nissan doesn't offer dual-zone automatic climate control on the Leaf either. A final complaint: It's loud inside the Leaf, with prominent wind noise. On multiple occasions, we had to check to make sure a window wasn't inadvertently cracked.

In-cabin tech

8.4/10

How’s the tech? Higher-spec Leaf trims come with a dual-screen setup featuring a 14.3-inch central touchscreen. The system prioritizes function over fashion, and that's fine with us. The on-screen menus are easy to understand and navigate while on the go. All of the fonts are crisp and easy to read. We never found ourselves hunting for an intended function in either the multimedia interface or reconfigurable gauge cluster.

Nissan offers the MyNissan app, which allows you to remotely lock and unlock the Leaf. There's a vehicle preconditioning function, too. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and connect to your phone wirelessly.

Storage & cargo

8.1/10

How’s storage and cargo? The new Leaf sort of blurs the line between sedan and SUV with its shape, but this pays dividends in terms of this EV's cargo-hauling abilities. Leave the rear seats upright and there's 20 cubic feet of space, or fold them down to reveal 55.5 cubic feet. Nissan includes a handy underfloor storage system, so you can securely stow valuables or smaller items. And those upright dimensions mean it's easy to load the Leaf full of blocky or bulky items.

The Leaf has decent storage for small items. The door pockets are small, but thankfully, the cupholders in the center console are generous and able to accommodate beverage containers of all sizes. Storage under the center armrest is only average at best.

Value

6.6/10

Is the Nissan LEAF a good value? We like the Leaf's carpet-like material used on the dashboard and door panels, and major touch points like the steering wheel and climate controls feel premium. There are some cheap-feeling plastics along the center console, however.

We think the Leaf is a good deal at its $30,000 starting price, but optioned up to $40,000 like our Platinum+ test vehicle, this EV loses its luster. The fact that it's missing amenities like dual-zone climate control and automatic windows is just plain strange. At least Nissan offers all of its driver assistance features as standard equipment. The basic warranty coverage is average for the class, though you do get 36,000 miles of free maintenance.

Range/Efficiency/Charging

6.4/10

How are the range and efficiency? Our Leaf Platinum+ test car exceeded our expectations in the official Edmunds EV Range Test, traveling 310 miles. That's a solid increase compared to the EPA's 259-mile estimate for the Platinum+. Similarly, the Leaf boasted great efficiency; we observed energy consumption of 27.8 kWh used for every 100 miles of driving. The EPA estimates you'll use 33 kWh of electricity per 100 miles.

We also like that Nissan equips the Leaf with two types of charging ports. It features a CCS port and a Tesla-style NACS port, allowing you to easily plug in and charge just about anywhere. However, the Leaf can fast-charge at up to 150 kW, which is slower than other modern EVs. In the Edmunds EV Charging Test, we were only able to capture 378 miles of range per hour of charging, which is a below-average showing.

X factor

7/10

The Leaf's single most attractive figure is its low starting price. Avoid splurging on features exclusive to the Platinum+ trim and you've got a compelling EV with decent range for a low price. Loaded up, however, the Leaf makes less sense; rival EVs offer faster charging, more range and a better driving experience.

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2026 Nissan LEAF pricing in Ashburn, VA

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Build & Price

2026 Nissan LEAF trim level differences

The 2026 Nissan Leaf comes in three trim levels: S+, SV+ and Platinum+. (Nissan originally announced it would also offer a less expensive base S trim level but subsequently decided not to bring it to market.) All 2026 Leafs come with a 72-kWh battery pack and an electric motor that makes 214 horsepower and 261 lb-ft. The Leaf is front-wheel-drive. Compare the 2026 Nissan LEAF trim levels in-depth.

Which LEAF trim does Edmunds recommend?

While it has the same battery and motor as the S+, the SV+ includes a lot of additional everyday comfort upgrades. It gets a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and synthetic-leather front seats. The rear seats in the SV+ are still cloth, but they at least get their own climate control vents, something the S and S+ lack.

Competitors to consider

The Nissan Leaf's switch to SUV form puts it in direct competition against similar budget-friendly EVs. The Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV are corporate cousins that both boast generous standard-features lists and comfortable suspension tuning. The same can be said of the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which offers something the Leaf, Kona and Niro don't: available all-wheel drive.

Edmunds spotlight: More range for the 2026 Leaf

The new Leaf has a higher-capacity battery pack, which results in more range than last year. That nets an increase in maximum range from 212 miles for the 2025 model to 303 miles for the 2026 Leaf. Having more than 300 miles of driving range is a big improvement and will result in fewer charging stops and more convenient long-distance driving. The new Leaf also comes with a NACS-style charge plug port for public fast charging, which is increasingly the industry standard. It allows you to conveniently charge at Tesla's nationwide network of Supercharger stations.

Nissan LEAF Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

3 reviews

5(33%)

4(67%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

See all 3 reviews of the Nissan LEAF

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

best car I have ever owned

sailor guy, 05/12/2026

2026 Nissan LEAF SV+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

Fast, solid, really fun to drive. Very high quality materials in a very intelligent design. And the music volume is even controlled with a real knob, unlike the touchscreen in my last car. Best range in its class, virtually silent running. Couldn't be happier with the choice.

Rangey rover

Ben, 04/14/2026

2026 Nissan LEAF SV+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

While it's not perfect, Nissan made a giant leap for an affordable car with considerable range. I just drove from coastal Virginia to Louisville KY and back, over the VA an WV mountains, not the most populous stretch. The range estimates were right on, no problem spanning the distances involved between high-speed chargers. It performed flawlessly. Yes, it's not perfect, but for under …

Beauty

Beauty, 02/15/2026

2026 Nissan LEAF SV+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)

I'm not sure yet--only had it for a day. If certainly stands out--people stare, really. I have to learn all it offers--not there yet. It doesn't have a rear wiper, the interior is white and purple, I love it, but I need to order seat covers, car console cover as well to protect the light interior. I thought the trunk would open automatically, it doesn't. I'm a teeny bit bummed over the …

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2026 Nissan LEAF Features & Specs

Trim:

S+

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	No rebates available in 20147
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	303 miles
Cost to Drive	$59/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	12.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles

See Edmunds EV insights See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Nissan LEAF has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Nissan LEAF

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
EV battery Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Where the Nissan LEAF ranks:

#4 in Electric cars

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FAQ

Is the Nissan LEAF a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 LEAF both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 LEAF gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the LEAF has 20.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan LEAF. Learn more

Is the Nissan LEAF reliable?

To determine whether the Nissan LEAF is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the LEAF. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the LEAF's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Nissan LEAF a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Nissan LEAF is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 LEAF and gave it a 6.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 LEAF gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 LEAF is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Nissan LEAF?

The least-expensive 2026 Nissan LEAF is the 2026 Nissan LEAF S+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,990.

Other versions include:

S+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $29,990
SV+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $34,230
Platinum+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $38,990

Learn more

What are the different models of Nissan LEAF?

If you're interested in the Nissan LEAF, the next question is, which LEAF model is right for you? LEAF variants include S+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), SV+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), and Platinum+ 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). For a full list of LEAF models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2026 Nissan LEAF

Pricing

Pros

Cons

Overview

Nissan LEAF EV Insights

Range

Charging

EV Battery Warranty

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Cost to Drive

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Storage & cargo

Value

Range/Efficiency/Charging

X factor

2026 Nissan LEAF trim level differences

Which LEAF trim does Edmunds recommend?

Competitors to consider

Edmunds spotlight: More range for the 2026 Leaf

Nissan LEAF Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2026 Nissan LEAF Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Nissan LEAF ranks:

Check a dealer's price

FAQ

Is the Nissan LEAF a good car?

Is the Nissan LEAF reliable?

Is the 2026 Nissan LEAF a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Nissan LEAF?

What are the different models of Nissan LEAF?