The new Nissan Leaf is the most affordable electric vehicle in America, and it is set to become even less expensive. | Carscoops

      The latest generation of Nissan's electric vehicle provides improved value compared to its predecessor.

      12 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      The 2026 Nissan Leaf S Plus has a starting price of $29,990, with a more budget-friendly S trim expected soon.

      The SV Plus trim of the new EV is $1,960 less expensive than the previous model year version.

      All Leaf trims, except for the S, feature a 75 kWh battery combined with a 215 hp motor setup.

      The official pricing for the next-gen Nissan Leaf has been announced, offering a glimpse into how the well-known EV is evolving for 2026. The new version not only undercuts the similar trims of its predecessor, but also aims to be one of the most affordable electric vehicles available in the US. The only detail still pending is the price of the entry-level S trim, which Nissan has not yet revealed.

      As per the automaker, the Leaf now boasts the lowest starting MSRP of any EV sold in the country. For context, here’s a comparison between the 2026 model and the outgoing 2025 version.

      2026 NISSAN LEAF MSRP

      Nissan has managed to keep the S+ trim just below the significant $30,000 threshold, a notable achievement given the current inflationary pressures. It’s reasonable to assume that the upcoming S trim will come in even lower, enhancing the Leaf’s attractiveness as an economical EV.

      For now, the only straightforward comparison between generations can be drawn with the SV+. The new model starts at $34,230, which is nearly $2,000 less than the 2025 version, while providing more range and an enhanced list of standard features.

      Nissan

      Two Powertrain Options

      The S+, SV+, and Platinum+ trims utilize the larger 75 kWh battery, offering up to 303 miles (488 km) of EPA-estimated range. These variants are paired with a more powerful 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) motor. The base S trim employs a 52 kWh battery and a 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) motor, still an improvement over the previous entry-level configuration.

      In terms of charging, every Leaf sold in the US now comes with a NACS port for Tesla Supercharger access and enables vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities.

      Sleeker Design and Updated Cabin

      The design overhaul positions the Leaf as a fastback crossover, featuring a 173.4-inch (4,404 mm) body that presents a more aerodynamic silhouette than the hatchbacks it replaces. LED lighting is standard across all trims, while the Platinum+ trim boasts exclusive taillights inspired by the Nissan Z. Wheel choices range from steel 18-inch wheels with aero covers on the S and S+ to 18-inch alloys on the SV+ and 19-inch alloys on the Platinum+.

      Nissan asserts that the interior is larger than before, benefitting from a flat floor and newly designed seating. Up front, all trims feature a digital cockpit: the S and S+ include dual 12.3-inch displays, while the SV+ and Platinum+ upgrade to larger 14.3-inch screens.

      At the pinnacle of the range, the Platinum+ distinguishes itself with a panoramic roof that can transition from transparent to opaque at the press of a button. It also includes a head-up display, multi-colored ambient lighting, a motion-activated power liftgate, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. A comprehensive array of driver-assistance features is standard across the entire lineup.

      Deliveries of the 2026 Nissan Leaf in the US are expected to commence in fall 2025, with launches also scheduled for Japan, Europe, and Australia.

      2026 Nissan Leaf S+

      2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+

      Nissan