Nissan States That An AWD Leaf Is Possible, But Is Uncertain If It Should Be | Carscoops

Nissan States That An AWD Leaf Is Possible, But Is Uncertain If It Should Be | Carscoops

      The 2026 Leaf's redesigned crossover shape does not currently offer an all-wheel drive option.

      Nissan has introduced several enhancements to the new-gen Leaf to improve its performance in colder conditions, yet it remains front-wheel drive. The company has indicated that an all-wheel drive version could be considered in the future, although it may not be practical.

      The 2026 Nissan Leaf is set to hit U.S. dealerships soon with a completely new design inspired by crossovers. However, it notably lacks all-wheel drive, a feature that many crossovers provide.

      While this isn't entirely unexpected, it raises some questions, especially since Nissan has integrated various improvements aimed at enhancing the ownership experience in colder weather.

      One of these updates includes a better thermal management system that captures waste heat from the motor and charger to heat the battery, which boosts energy efficiency and provides more consistent charging performance.

      In addition to the thermal upgrades, the SV+ and Platinum+ trims are equipped with a heat pump and a dedicated battery heater, which costs $300 and enhances winter charging capabilities.

      What about all-wheel drive?

      Considering the crossover-like design and the emphasis on cold-weather efficiency, we inquired about the potential for an all-wheel drive model in the future. Nissan representatives indicated that all-wheel drive was not part of the initial plan since the Leaf is marketed as an affordable electric vehicle.

      This approach aligns with industry norms, as competitors like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV also only offer front-wheel drive, placing Nissan in line with its rivals.

      Nevertheless, Nissan hasn’t entirely ruled out all-wheel drive. Officials mentioned that the possibility exists for the future. This is reasonable, given that the Leaf shares the CMF-EV platform with the Ariya, which already includes an all-wheel drive option.

      However, introducing an AWD Leaf might not be as logical as it appears. Officials noted that the majority of EV sales occur in the Sun Belt, where issues related to snow and ice traction are less of a priority.

      The Ariya Isn't Finished

      Furthermore, officials stated that the "Ariya isn’t done, it’s on pause," implying that claims of its discontinuation have been exaggerated, and it could make a comeback after a break.

      Nonetheless, as a Nissan spokesperson previously communicated, “No decision has been made yet. We are continuously assessing market conditions and will adjust our offerings to meet consumer demand for the appropriate lineup of electrified products.”

Nissan States That An AWD Leaf Is Possible, But Is Uncertain If It Should Be | Carscoops Nissan States That An AWD Leaf Is Possible, But Is Uncertain If It Should Be | Carscoops Nissan States That An AWD Leaf Is Possible, But Is Uncertain If It Should Be | Carscoops

Other articles

Model Y Owners Worry Their Children Might Get Stuck After an Accident | Carscoops Model Y Owners Worry Their Children Might Get Stuck After an Accident | Carscoops Owners are devising their own methods to operate the manual door releases in the second row. Rivian's CEO Prefers to Forfeit You as a Customer Instead of Incorporating Apple CarPlay | Carscoops Rivian's CEO Prefers to Forfeit You as a Customer Instead of Incorporating Apple CarPlay | Carscoops CarPlay enthusiasts might be let down as Rivian focuses on developing its own comprehensive infotainment system. Britain's Electric Vehicle Surge Is Now Fueled by China | Carscoops Britain's Electric Vehicle Surge Is Now Fueled by China | Carscoops BYD and other Chinese car manufacturers are fueling unprecedented electric vehicle sales in the UK, transforming the market. Jeep Discontinues Wagoneer as Grand Wagoneer Expands into a Larger Model | Carscoops Jeep Discontinues Wagoneer as Grand Wagoneer Expands into a Larger Model | Carscoops The existing Wagoneer is on the verge of being discontinued, right before the refreshed Grand Wagoneer is released. Honda Did Not Anticipate Baby Boomers to Flood Prelude Orders, Yet Here We Are | Carscoops Honda Did Not Anticipate Baby Boomers to Flood Prelude Orders, Yet Here We Are | Carscoops The new Honda coupe has resonated with nostalgia, as the majority of buyers in their 50s and 60s are contributing to its success beyond all anticipated levels. The latest Honda coupe has tapped into nostalgia, with a significant number of buyers aged in their 50s and 60s contributing to its outstanding success. Honda has received 2,400 orders for the Prelude within a month, which is eight times the expected amount. Most purchasers are in their 50s and 60s, with nostalgia cited as the primary reason for their interest in the model. Many of these buyers are adding the Prelude as a chic second car or for weekend use. The Prelude is officially making a comeback, and Honda’s focus on nostalgia combined with hybrid performance is already reaping rewards. Just one month after its debut on September 5, Honda reports securing 2,400 orders in Japan. This number is approximately eight times greater than Honda's initial projections, despite the Prelude’s premium price of ¥6,179,800 (around $41,100 or €35,000 at current exchange rates). This price point is not only high for Honda but even surpasses that of the Nissan Z, which offers 400 hp and starts at ¥5,497,800 ($36,300 or €31,100). To accommodate the unexpected demand, Honda is implementing adjustments behind the scenes. Some dealerships have already stopped accepting new orders, while Honda is increasing production to fulfill existing orders. The automaker aims for “as many customers as possible” to experience the Prelude, suggesting that production might soon exceed original forecasts. The Predominantly Older Buyers Interestingly, Honda is not attracting a wave of younger buyers with the Prelude; instead, it is Generation X and Baby Boomers in their 50s and 60s who are eagerly purchasing this new two-door hybrid. This demographic is filled with individuals who cherish memories of earlier Prelude models and are willing to invest now to relive aspects of their youth. While this modern version may not have the raw edge of the original, it remains both practical and stylish. The breakdown of color choices also sheds light on the buyers' preferences. A significant portion (63 percent) selected Moonlight White Pearl for their vehicle's exterior, followed by 16 percent choosing Meteoroid Gray Metallic, 11 percent opting for Crystal Black Pearl, and only 10 percent picking Flame Red. Hybrid Technology with a Honda Touch The new Prelude is built on Honda’s e:HEV hybrid platform, which finds a middle ground between a traditional hybrid and an electric vehicle. Notably, it does not feature a conventional transmission; instead, it uses two electric motors to send power to the wheels, drawing energy from a generator powered by the gasoline engine. A new feature called “S+ Shift” offers a “sharp shift feel similar to a stepped shift,” and the front suspension benefits from components of the Civic Type-R's dual-axis strut and active dampers. This setup is designed to deliver a driving experience unlike any other Honda has created. At the core of the Prelude is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 134 lb-ft (182 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine works in tandem with an electric motor that generates 181 horsepower and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm) of torque. However, since the two systems provide power differently, their combined output reaches 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm). Sales in the US The new Prelude is expected to hit the American market later this fall, with pricing information to be revealed soon. We are looking forward to experiencing it. The latest Honda coupe has tapped into nostalgia, with a significant number of buyers aged in their 50s and 60s contributing to its outstanding success. Honda has received 2,400 orders for the Prelude within a month, which is eight times the expected amount. Most purchasers are in their 50s and 60s, with nostalgia cited as the primary reason for their interest in the model. Many of these buyers are adding the Prelude as a chic second car or for weekend use. The Prelude is officially making a comeback, and Honda’s focus on nostalgia combined with hybrid performance is already reaping rewards. Just one month after its debut on September 5, Honda reports securing 2,400 orders in Japan. This number is approximately eight times greater than Honda's initial projections, despite the Prelude’s premium price of ¥6,179,800 (around $41,100 or €35,000 at current exchange rates). This price point is not only high for Honda but even surpasses that of the Nissan Z, which offers 400 hp and starts at ¥5,497,800 ($36,300 or €31,100). To accommodate the unexpected demand, Honda is implementing adjustments behind the scenes. Some dealerships have already stopped accepting new orders, while Honda is increasing production to fulfill existing orders. The automaker aims for “as many customers as possible” to experience the Prelude, suggesting that production might soon exceed original forecasts. The Predominantly Older Buyers Interestingly, Honda is not attracting a wave of younger buyers with the Prelude; instead, it is Generation X and Baby Boomers in their 50s and 60s who are eagerly purchasing this new two-door hybrid. This demographic is filled with individuals who cherish memories of earlier Prelude models and are willing to invest now to relive aspects of their youth. While this modern version may not have the raw edge of the original, it remains both practical and stylish. The breakdown of color choices also sheds light on the buyers' preferences. A significant portion (63 percent) selected Moonlight White Pearl for their vehicle's exterior, followed by 16 percent choosing Meteoroid Gray Metallic, 11 percent opting for Crystal Black Pearl, and only 10 percent picking Flame Red. Hybrid Technology with a Honda Touch The new Prelude is built on Honda’s e:HEV hybrid platform, which finds a middle ground between a traditional hybrid and an electric vehicle. Notably, it does not feature a conventional transmission; instead, it uses two electric motors to send power to the wheels, drawing energy from a generator powered by the gasoline engine. A new feature called “S+ Shift” offers a “sharp shift feel similar to a stepped shift,” and the front suspension benefits from components of the Civic Type-R's dual-axis strut and active dampers. This setup is designed to deliver a driving experience unlike any other Honda has created. At the core of the Prelude is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 134 lb-ft (182 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine works in tandem with an electric motor that generates 181 horsepower and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm) of torque. However, since the two systems provide power differently, their combined output reaches 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm). Sales in the US The new Prelude is expected to hit the American market later this fall, with pricing information to be revealed soon. We are looking forward to experiencing it. Aston Martin need not be concerned, as even Alexander Skarsgård can't rescue this advertisement.

Nissan States That An AWD Leaf Is Possible, But Is Uncertain If It Should Be | Carscoops

The 2026 Leaf's redesigned crossover shape is currently not available with an AWD option.