The 2026 Nissan Leaf is now an SUV, so let's hope it attracts buyers.

      The Leaf and Friends are set to release the most anticipated album of 2026. Nissan

      In the coming two years, Nissan plans to introduce a new lineup of vehicles to North America, beginning with the completely redesigned 2026 Nissan Leaf. The original Leaf was a pioneer for electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States, but three generations later, it has significantly fallen behind its rivals. Therefore, it is fitting for the new Nissan Leaf to spearhead the brand's efforts, now taking the form of an SUV rather than a compact hatchback.

      The new Leaf will utilize the same CMF-EV platform as the Ariya, which is evident in its design. It exhibits strong Ariya characteristics with its rounded shapes, high hoodline, and flowing body lines. Additionally, it has grown in size compared to the previous Leaf, now positioned as a family-oriented crossover.

      Beneath the familiar design is something innovative: Nissan’s new “3-in-1” electric powertrain, which combines a motor, inverter, and reducer into a single unit. This new powertrain is expected to deliver significant improvements in both range and power, which is a low benchmark considering the current Leaf offers a maximum of 214 horsepower and 212 miles of range. Consequently, surpassing its predecessor should not be an issue. However, Nissan has yet to disclose specific power or range figures.

      Another major enhancement compared to the older model is in the charging capabilities, focusing on both speed and convenience. The outdated CHAdeMO DC charging port from the existing Leaf will be replaced, as the new model will be the first Nissan to adopt the NACS standard, allowing access to the Tesla Supercharger network.

      The 2026 Leaf is not the only new Nissan vehicle on the horizon, as ten new or updated models are set to be launched in the next few years. In addition to the Leaf, a plug-in hybrid Rogue will also be introduced, marking Nissan's first such model in North America. A new generation of Sentra is expected to debut in 2025, along with a refreshed Pathfinder. There hasn't been any announcement regarding new hybrid powertrain options for these models.

      Infiniti's Upcoming Lineup. Nissan

      Next year, Nissan will debut the fourth generation of the Rogue, which will be the first to feature the new e-Power powertrain. This system is akin to the old Chevy Volt, combining an electric drive unit with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that serves as a generator, all integrated into one package. The fourth-gen Rogue will also offer a plug-in hybrid option, providing customers with two electrified choices. In 2027, Nissan will begin producing a brand-new, unnamed EV in its Canton, Mississippi plant, along with a completely new "adventure-based" SUV.

      Infiniti will also participate in this expansion. This year, a refreshed three-row QX60 SUV and a new “SPORT” variant of the QX80 SUV will be introduced. The Infiniti QX65, inspired by the popular Infiniti FX series of bubbly crossovers, will launch next year. In 2028, a new electric SUV from Infiniti, inspired by the Vision QXe concept, will start production in Canton.

      Nissan has been trailing behind its competitors in North America for years, offering significantly fewer EV and hybrid options. However, this situation is expected to improve over the next five years as Nissan expands its lineup with new models, powertrains, and technologies. The foundation of this shift begins with its most crucial model: the Leaf.

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