### The Nissan Leaf: A Value Leader in the EV Game The 2026 Nissan Leaf is an underrated player in the EV market, and for good reason. With a phenomenal value proposition, this car is swinging for the fences and offering an unbeatable combination of range, efficiency, and affordability. In this review, we'll dive into the details of the Leaf's design, features, and performance to see if it's the right choice for you. ### A Fresh New Design The 2026 Nissan Leaf marks the first true, full redesign of the automaker's EV. The exterior is both hit and miss, with flowing lines that look good and a rear end that leans into the Z's '90s heritage. However, the front's horizontal motif hides subtle retro nods, and the rear door handles integrated into the black trim near the C-pillar are a design trait that my kids strongly disliked. ### A Modern ...
### The Nissan Leaf: A Value Leader in the EV Game
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is an underrated player in the EV market, and for good reason. With a phenomenal value proposition, this car is swinging for the fences and offering an unbeatable combination of range, efficiency, and affordability. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of the Leaf’s design, features, and performance to see if it’s the right choice for you.
### A Fresh New Design
The 2026 Nissan Leaf marks the first true, full redesign of the automaker’s EV. The exterior is both hit and miss, with flowing lines that look good and a rear end that leans into the Z’s ’90s heritage. However, the front’s horizontal motif hides subtle retro nods, and the rear door handles integrated into the black trim near the C-pillar are a design trait that my kids strongly disliked.
### A Modern Cabin
Inside, the cabin feels fresh and modern, with a low-set dash featuring horizontal screens for the digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cloth trim, which also harkens back to ’90s-era Z cars, is a neat detail that added extra flair. The loaded Platinum+ model tested cost $41,930, and its electrochromatic glass roof could, by section, go from clear to frosted to block out the sun at the touch of a button.
### A Comfortable Ride
The front seats are comfortable, but my wife noted the lack of legroom for her as a passenger. The rear seat feels smaller than the Equinox EV’s, with less legroom and no toe room under the front seats. However, the hatchback design is extremely functional, with 20 cubic feet of cargo space and a large opening for loading items.
### Efficient Performance
The Leaf has a single motor sending 214 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels with juice coming from a 75-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. No dual-motor all-wheel-drive models are available at this time. The torque hits instantly, and the car scoots off the line quicker than necessary with passing power in the tank. The steering has a natural weight to it that is surprising and satisfying.
### Range, Charging, and Efficiency
The base S+ Leaf has an EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles, which is fantastic for about $30,000. However, start stepping up the content to SV+ and the as-tested Platinum+ trims drop the rating to 288 and 259 miles accordingly. The Leaf is an efficient EV, with an average range of 3.0 miles/kWh over 446 miles of mixed suburban driving.
### Verdict
At a current base price of $31,485, including a $1,495 destination fee, the 2026 Nissan Leaf offers great value. Even the base car comes standard with a surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster augmented by a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Frankly, the entire lineup is a solid buy, with a top-spec Platinum+ as-tested costing only $41,930, including heated leather seats front and back and a Bose audio system with speakers in the front seat headrests.
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