Nissan Surpasses Tesla with $25K Electric Vehicle That Musk Claimed Wouldn't Occur | Carscoops

      Pricing for the entry-level 2026 Leaf S has been announced, making it the most affordable EV in America and setting a new standard for budget-friendly options.

      The Leaf S will debut in spring 2026, priced at $25,360, which is $4,630 less than the S+ trim.

      All Leaf variants aside from the S are equipped with a 75 kWh battery and produce 215 hp.

      Update: Shortly after Nissan released pricing for the 2026 Leaf excluding the base model, we now have that information. According to order guide data from CarsDirect, the starting price for the entry-level 2026 Leaf S will be just above $25,000 before tax incentives. This amount does not account for the soon-to-be-terminated $7,500 federal tax credit. Additionally, since the model won’t be available until next year, it won’t qualify for that incentive.

      America's Most Affordable EV

      At $25,360, the Leaf S undercuts the S+ by $4,630 and also costs $2,780 less than the previous generation S. This positions the Leaf S as the most affordable electric vehicle in the U.S., a title it is likely to maintain for a while.

      The main competition may come from GM’s future Chevrolet Bolt or a rumored entry-level Tesla. However, the latter remains uncertain due to Elon Musk's inconsistent production plans for a $25,000 EV that he has referenced since 2018, which now feels more like a joke than a viable offer. Musk even conceded last year that introducing a regular $25,000 model would be "pointless."

      Also: Nissan Will Discontinue the Ariya EV After 2025

      Details regarding the specifications for the base Leaf remain vague, but its range will likely be less than the S+, SV+, and Platinum+ versions, which offer between 288 and 303 miles. The S is powered by a 52 kWh battery and a 130 kW motor that generates 174 horsepower.

      Arrival Schedule

      Nissan has stated that the Leaf S will reach U.S. dealerships in spring 2026. This launch timeline is a few months later than the other trims, which are projected to go on sale soon.

      John Halas contributed to this report.

      Finally, the pricing for the next-generation Nissan Leaf is confirmed, giving insight into how this popular EV is evolving for 2026. The new model not only beats the pricing of its predecessor's equivalent trims but also establishes itself among the most budget-friendly electric vehicles available in the U.S.

      As per the manufacturer, the Leaf now boasts the lowest starting MSRP of any EV sold in the country. For comparison, here’s how the 2026 model year stacks up against the outgoing 2025 version.

      2026 NISSAN LEAF MSRP

      Nissan successfully keeps the S+ trim just under the key $30,000 threshold, a notable achievement considering the current inflation rate. Anticipation for the upcoming S trim to be even cheaper reinforces the Leaf’s reputation as an economical EV option.

      Currently, the only direct comparison between generations exists with the SV+ trim. The new SV+ starts at $34,230, almost $2,000 less than the 2025 model, while offering greater range and additional standard features.

      Nissan

      Two Powertrain Options

      The S+, SV+, and Platinum+ trims utilize the larger 75 kWh battery, providing an EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles (488 km). These versions are paired with a stronger motor generating 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS). The base S trim features a 52 kWh battery and a 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) motor, a step up from the previous entry-level model.

      On the charging front, all U.S. Leaf models are equipped with a NACS port for Tesla Supercharger access and support for vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.

      Sleeker Design and Updated Cabin

      The Leaf’s redesign transitions the model into fastback crossover territory, featuring a body length of 173.4 inches (4,404 mm) that offers a more aerodynamic silhouette compared to the hatchbacks it replaces. LED lighting is standard across all trims, while the Platinum+ trim comes with unique taillights inspired by the Nissan Z. Wheel options range from 18-inch steel wheels with aero covers on the S and S+ to 18-inch alloy wheels on the SV+ and 19-inch alloys on the Platinum+.

      Nissan claims the cabin is more spacious than before, aided by a flat floor and newly designed seating. Up front, every trim includes a digital cockpit: the S and S+ feature dual 12.3-inch screens, while the SV+ and Platinum+ increase to larger 14.3-inch displays.

      At the top, the Platinum+ distinguishes itself with a panoramic roof that can switch from clear to opaque