Nissan's Leaf Priced at $29,990 Offers More Value Than Its Price Suggests: Review | Carscoops

      Starting at under $30,000, the 2026 Leaf is a comfortable and efficient electric vehicle with a range exceeding 300 miles.

      by Michael Gauthier

      PROS ›› Comfortable ride, 303-mile range, base price of $29,990 CONS ›› Cramped second row, peculiar charging features, only available as FWD

      The removal of the clean vehicle tax incentive in the U.S. is anticipated to hinder electric vehicle uptake, yet newcomers continue to emerge. Among them is the reimagined Nissan Leaf, which appears well-suited for this new era without credits.

      When it hits dealerships in the upcoming weeks, priced from $29,990, it will be the most affordable electric vehicle available in the U.S. A less expensive model is also rumored to be in development, potentially starting at $25,360.

      Additionally, Nissan has hinted at producing a Leaf NISMO if there’s sufficient demand.

      In both instances, the 2026 Leaf remains significantly below Tesla’s entry-level models, the larger Model 3 and Model Y Standard, which compromise on many features to meet their price points of $36,990 and $39,990 respectively.

      However, compared to those models, the Leaf offers far more than just a budget-friendly EV. It’s comfortable, quiet, and surprisingly fast, benefiting from experiences learned from its last two generations, providing it an advantage over numerous competitors.

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      A Crossover-Inspired Design

      When the original Leaf debuted in 2010, it presented as an unconventional hatchback. The second generation, released seven years later, featured a more traditional design, though it arrived at an unfortunate time as crossovers began to dominate sales.

      The trend has continued to grow, making the transformation of the third-generation Leaf into a crossover quite predictable. This change was a smart move, as the model appears upscale, incorporating premium features such as flush door handles and a dimming panoramic glass roof.

      This roof feature, typically found on high-end vehicles like the Cadillac Celestiq and McLaren 750S Spider, is standard on the $38,990 Leaf Platinum+. While not the most extravagant option on the market, it seamlessly transitions from clear to opaque at the touch of a button, mimicking a classic sunshade.

      The dimming roof serves as a cool and practical feature, enhancing aerodynamics and headroom compared to a conventional moonroof, while also providing better insulation against heat and cold, boosting efficiency.

      The 2026 Leaf showcases a sleek front with LED headlights connected by a slim illuminated strip, accentuating the crossover’s width, which has increased by 0.8 inches (20 mm).

      Conversely, many other dimensions have decreased: the crossover is 3 inches (76 mm) shorter, with a 0.4-inch (10 mm) reduction in wheelbase, and the height has also lowered by 0.4 inches (10 mm), indicating the old hatchback was taller than the new crossover.

      Notably, ground clearance has reduced from 5.9 inches (150 mm) to 5.3 inches (135 mm). This is surprising, and the design team deserves credit for creating a model that appears more robust and capable than it actually is.

      The Leaf employs soft curves and fluid surfaces, accompanied by concealed rear door handles and a prominent spoiler, which collectively help reduce the drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.26.

      Additional highlights include 18- or 19-inch wheels and an optional motion-activated power liftgate. The model also offers an attractive two-tone paint job, along with 3D holographic taillights featuring a “2-3” emblem, pronounced as “ni-san” in Japanese.

      A Comfortable, Yet Constricted Interior

      Nissan’s ambition to offer a ‘class above’ experience in the latest Leaf is evident inside, as the cabin exudes a surprisingly upscale feel. This is particularly true for our top-tier Platinum+ model, which includes dual 14.3-inch screens and a bright heads-up display.

      The front is outfitted with heated Zero Gravity seats covered in TailorFit upholstery, claimed by Nissan to be softer than normal leather while also being more durable and eco-friendly as it consists of 65% recycled materials.

      The front seats are well-padded, featuring a unique pattern that enhances the interior. They also offer power adjustments and lumbar support for optimal comfort.

      Regrettably, the rear seating area is less impressive, as the legroom felt cramped for this 6’2” reviewer, with only 31.8 inches (808 mm) available. However, headroom is ample, and the rear seats come equipped with heating, two USB-C charging ports, and air vents.

      In terms of cargo capacity, the Leaf provides 20 cubic feet (566 liters) behind the second row, expandable to 55.5 cubic feet (1,572 liters) by folding down