Textual content by Tim Healey
2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+ Overview
Base value: $38,990
As Examined Worth: $41,930 (incl. $1,495 inland freight & handing)
Overview
The Nissan Leaf, which was one of many first mainstream electrical vehicles available on the market, was at all times a little bit of an odd duck. Stylistically, the Leaf at all times regarded like a detrimental caricature of an EV – like one thing out of a Household Man episode mocking EVs. Not solely that, however Nissan put itself on one thing of an island by pursuing the CHAdeMO charging normal whereas nearly each different OEM began utilizing the North American Charging Commonplace (NACS).
Nissan’s third-generation Leaf addresses the earlier automotive’s flaws properly whereas nonetheless sustaining a character that permits it stand out. It was as soon as the category weirdo nobody needs to speak to, and now it’s the marginally geeky child who’s nonetheless a tad odd however far more regular.
No AWD
Nissan handed on the possibility to go all-wheel drive with this one. There’s one electrical motor (214 horsepower/160 kW) up entrance and nothing on the rear axle. The battery is a 75 kWh lithium-ion unit. Torque is available in at 261 pound-feet.
Much less Distinctive
Whereas automotive’s appears are nonetheless distinctive, the general theme continues to be far more mainstream than it was earlier than. That applies to the cabin, too–the within blends kind and performance properly.
Extra Vary
The earlier Leaf was just about a short-range city EV. It’s simple to park within the metropolis, and missing the vary for longer journeys. The brand new Leaf has a way more respectable vary of 259 miles.
Higher Commuting
The brand new Leaf is a a lot a greater commuter. It’s partaking to drive with more-than-decent energy, and like most EVs, you possibly can summon the torque proper off the bat from a cease. It’s no sports activities automotive, nor does it faux to be, nevertheless it handles engagingly sufficient for city obligation. The steering does lack really feel, however the automotive strikes extra sharply than one would anticipate.
Good Driving
The brand new Leaf blends sport and luxury properly, although it’s extra about being clean than sporty. It’s not stiff, at the very least. Paddles exist to permit the driving force to dial within the desired quantity of regenerative braking.
Inside
Occupants are greeted with a sweeping dual-screen show that sits apart the sprint, and the middle stack “floats” a bit above the open footwell. Nissan’s gone minimalist with regards to buttons, and the HVAC controls use a few of the dreaded haptic-touch, however fret not, the controls work simply effective right here.
The haptic contact controls on the steering wheel principally work, too, however they could be a bit irritating.
Room and Consolation
Entrance-seat head- and legroom are ample, although the sloping roof cuts extra into rear-seat head room than this taller driver would love, and rear-seat legroom is skimpier than it must be, as effectively. Youngsters and shorter adults will likely be effective, however taller and in any other case oversize grownup passengers received’t be pleased campers within the rear for lengthy.
Trim Ranges
There are three trim ranges on supply for the Leaf: S+, SV+, and the Platinum+ I examined. This high trim comes fairly effectively outfitted, with satellite tv for pc radio, wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wi-fi Android Auto, Bose audio with front-headrest audio system, wi-fi charging, entrance and rear USB ports, ProPilot help, keyless entry and beginning, heated entrance and rear seats, head-up show, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic roof with dimming, heated steering wheel, automated LED lights, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Security
Superior security aids embody high-beam help, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, around-view monitoring, and clever forward-collision warning.
Take a look at Automobile
That’s all for a base value of $38,990. Add in choices for two-tone paint ($800), ground mats ($345), and a battery heater ($300), plus vacation spot cost ($1,495), and the whole was $41,930
By no means Charged
Nissan says 10 % to 80 % fast charging would take about 35 minutes. The EPA means that charging on a 240-volt outlet would take 12 hours. Nissan now has the Leaf on the NACS normal. This now additionally permits Leaf drivers to make use of Tesla supercharging stations. There’s additionally a conventional CCS cost port.
Additionally Take into account…
The Leaf nonetheless wants some work to be actually aggressive. Different EVs supply extra vary for related or not far more cash, and others are extra fashionable or enjoyable to drive. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 involves thoughts. An SE model of that automotive gives extra vary for only a tick additional cash.
One can even spot downmarket supplies within the Leaf if one appears too carefully.
Worth
Nonetheless, it’s a strong commuter automotive for many who want to go EV. It’s comparatively partaking to drive, it’s clean when cruising, its styling is extra engaging, and the inside is a pleasant place to do enterprise. A skoosh more room and a few extra vary are the largest needs.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is way, a lot, improved. There’s work to be performed, however not like the earlier automotive, you’ll be pleased to ask it to the get together.
Tim Healey is an skilled automotive journalist and editor. He’s had bylines at Client Information, Web2Carz.com, AutoGuide.com, and elsewhere. Most just lately, he was the managing editor at The Reality About Vehicles. He additionally dabbles in sports activities with bylines at Preventing Irish Wire and Da Windy Metropolis. He lives in Chicago.
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