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2026 Ford Maverick ReviewIs the New Nissan Leaf the Future of EVs?
Nissan recently revealed the newest version of the Leaf. Will the newest updates to this long-standing EV bring electrification to everyone?
Nissan Reveals the All-New Leaf
Headlines about six-figure battery-powered vehicles with outrageous performance may be exciting for those with the means to splurge, but what about the average American consumer? Those with normal jobs and needs, in other words, most of America. For that segment, there is good news on the horizon as several automakers have been hard at work developing cars for this broader universe in an effort to bring EVs to the masses. One of particular interest is the 2026 Nissan Leaf.
Nissan was early to the EV party with its first-gen Leaf back in 2011. It wasn’t a hit, for many reasons, nor was the follow-up second-generation model. But as they say, third time’s the charm, and that looks to be the case for the all-new third-gen Nissan Leaf. Visually, the new Leaf is a 180-degree turn with a sleek crossover profile highlighted by modern touches like an available full-width front light bar, motorized flush-mounted door handles, intricately designed 19” wheels, and a futuristic stacked rectangular taillamp design.
The New Nissan Leaf is an EV for Everyone
For those more interested in an electric vehicle that’s easy on the wallet, it would appear the new Leaf has that covered. Expected to start around $35,000, the 2026 Leaf will offer up to 303 miles of driving range on models equipped with the larger 75 kWh battery pack and 214-horsepower electric motor. That’s almost 100 miles further than the most efficient previous-generation Leaf could manage, plus Nissan is making a concerted push around building “the EV for everyone.”
Specifically, the Japanese automaker wants to simplify the transition from gas- to battery-powered vehicles for consumers. To get there, it is applying several new systems to the 2026 Leaf like dual charging ports. On one side is a J1772 port that works with typical household outlets and Level 2 chargers. On the other is a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which is compatible with Tesla’s network of 20,000+ Superchargers.
Nissan Wants to Make Charging Simple
Nissan aims to make the process of finding a public charger easier with the Nissan Energy Charge Network that displays nearby stations with real-time availability all in one place on the MyNISSAN app. The Leaf will also be the first Nissan to feature Plug & Charge, a system that allows drivers to plug their Leaf into a public charger and let the charging begin without having to open an app or swipe a payment card.
To ease anxiety from buyers worried that an EV like the Leaf will struggle in cold winter climates, Nissan notes the use of a special resin-covered battery pack to keep cold air, snow, and slush at bay. On SV+ and Platinum+ models, there is also a heat pump designed to help keep the cabin comfortable without leaning entirely on the battery pack for power.
Nissan’s Leaf Get a Big Upgrade
As for those in the market for the latest and greatest technology in their car, the upcoming Leaf comes standard with dual 12.3” displays – one for vehicle information and the other for infotainment – wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a surround-view monitor. ProPILOT Assist, which blends adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping to help the driver stay centered in their lane and maintain a set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead, is also standard fare.
Higher-end Leafs will feature dual 14.3” screens, a Bose audio system with integrated headrest components, and an electrochromic panoramic moonroof. With models like Kia’s new EV4, the reborn electric Toyota CH-R, and the next-gen Chevy Bolt – a longtime Leaf competitor – coming soon, this burgeoning segment of smaller EVs with affordable price tags and ample driving range is heating up. It will be interesting to see how the 2026 Nissan Leaf, that is scheduled to arrive at dealers this fall, will stack up.
