nissan leaf

Nissan announces 2026 Leaf pricing, starting at $29,990

Cars, nissan leaf / Beth Washington / August 19, 2025

The Leaf SV+ adds bigger wheels and a better infotainment system, and it can be fitted with an optional battery heater for those in cold climates. This trim will cost $34,230, which will make it almost $2,000 cheaper than the model-year 2025 Leaf SV+ despite the fact that the MY26 car has a range of 288 miles (463 km) versus just 212 miles (342 km) for the outgoing model.

The top trim is the Platinum+, which has an identical powertrain to the S+ and SV+, but with much more standard equipment. This version will start at $38,990.

Finally, there will be an even cheaper Leaf than the S+, called the S. We’re unlikely to see the Leaf S here until next year at the earliest, and it will use a smaller 52 kWh battery pack than the S+/SV+/Platinum+. In June, we wrote that “the closer the S trim starts to $30,000, the better,” despite the problems that tariffs will cause for this made-in-Japan EV. Now, it looks likely that the entry-level Leaf will undercut that target by some margin.

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Everything we know about the 2026 Nissan Leaf

Cars, nissan leaf / DJ Henderson / June 17, 2025

The first-generation Nissan Leaf was an incredible achievement for the company and for the industry. A mass-market EV that wasn’t priced out of reach was something the industry needed at the time.

That’s important. Since then, things have stagnated. To say that the 2026 Leaf is the most important EV launch for Nissan since the original car would be an understatement. It must get it right, because the competition is too good not to.

Starting things off, the car is available with two battery options. There is a 52 kWh base pack and a 75 kWh longer-range option. Each option has an active thermal management system—a first for Leaf—to address DC fast-charging concerns. Those batteries also deliver more range, with up to 303 miles (488 km) on the S+ model.

The 2026 Leaf is 3 inches shorter (76 mm) than the current hatchback, although the wheelbase is only 0.4 inches (10 mm) shorter. Nissan

The 52-kWh version makes 174 hp (130 kW), and the 75-kWh motor generates 215 hp (160 kW).

The Leaf adopts Nissan’s new 3-in-1 EV powertrain, which integrates the motor, inverter, and reducer. This reduces packaging by 10 percent, and Nissan claims it improves responsiveness and refines the powertrain.

Native NACS

Instead of a slow and clunky CHAdeMO connector, the Leaf rocks a Tesla-style NACS port for DC fast charging. Interestingly, the car also has a SAE J-1772 connector for AC charging. The driver’s side fender has the J plug, while the passenger side fender has the NACS.

Confusingly, the NACS connector is only for DC fast charging. If you’re going to level 2 charge, you must use the J plug or a NACS connector with an adapter. It’s weird, but the car will make it obvious to owners if they plug into the wrong connector.

When connected to a DC fast charger that can deliver 150 kW, both battery sizes will charge from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes. While not class-leading, it wipes the floor with the old model. It also supports a peak charging rate that is higher than its bigger sibling, the Ariya.

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