Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: U.S.
Shade: Coulis Pink Pearl and Tremendous Black
Miles pushed: 233
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | C |
| Gas Economic system | A |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 214 horsepower |
| Engine Kind | Electrical motor |
| Transmission | Computerized |
| Drive Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
Battery capability: 75 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 103
EPA-estimated driving vary: 259
Most Cost Charge: 150 kW
Client Information vary estimate (preferrred situations): 300+ miles
Cost Port Location: Entrance driver-side fender (CCS), entrance passenger-side fender (NACS)
Charging Commonplace: CCS and NACS
Snow Efficiency:
Poor Truthful Good Very-Good Wonderful
Frunk Capability: N/A
Base value: $38,990 (not together with $1495 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Flooring Mat Bundle ($345), battery heater ($500), particular 2-tone paint ($800)
Worth as examined: $41,930
Audio-System Model
Bose
Audio-System High quality
Poor Truthful Good Very-Good Wonderful
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Fashionable appear and feel, worth value
The nice: Enjoyable to drive, good vary
The not so good: Low-grade inside supplies, no AWD choice
Assessment
For those who haven’t been paying consideration, you might not have seen that the present political local weather is unfriendly—arguably hostile—to these considering promoting and proudly owning electrical automobiles.
EV Headwinds
This previous September the $7500 federal tax credit score for EV purchasers expired, whereas federal spending for public charging infrastructure growth has been stalled, and in lots of cased killed.
But, whereas these appear lie darkish days for the electrical automobile, there are some vivid spots. Learn the information and study that superior battery know-how continues to be being explored, and that we must always—probably even this decade—see the impression of high-energy-density solid-state batteries, which promise better vary, and lowered per-unit price.
Nissan Leaf
However till there’s a governmental regime change, and till future-tech batteries arrive, what’s a well-intended EV shopper to do immediately? One choice is to purchase a 2026 Nissan Leaf.
New for 2011, the Leaf was a pioneering EV effort, arriving on the scene at about the identical time because the considerably dearer, and extra luxurious, Tesla Mannequin X. A small, arguably ungainly hatchback, the Leaf loved first rate evaluations from the automotive media, however its uninspiring design, restricted vary (simply 73 miles), and simply ample acceleration left even green-minded shoppers chilly.
A 2018 redesign introduced with it elevated vary—as much as 226 miles—up to date styling, and a few thrilling tech, together with Nissan’s ProPilot semi-autonomous driving system. Nonetheless, patrons stayed away, seemingly searching for extra vary, and one thing apart from a small hatchback.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2026, Nissan fully redesign its long-standing EV, bequeathing it a real crossover design, a lot improved driving vary, and, maybe most significantly, accessible pricing.
For 2026, the Leaf is obtainable within the following trim ranges:
- S (value not but introduced)
- S+ ($31,485)
- SV+ ($35,725)
- Platinum+ ($40,485)
Powertrain
All 2026 Leafs function a front-wheel-drive format, and save for the bottom S, are geared up with a 75-kWh battery and 214-horsepower motor. Vary varies by trim degree, with the S+ being EPA rated at 303 miles on a full cost, the SV+ at 288 miles, and the Platinum+ at $40,485. Although attributable to arrive through the 2026 mannequin yr, we’d not be stunned to see the S launched as an early 2027 mannequin.
Dimensions
As we famous earlier, the Leaf turned a crossover for the brand new yr, although in reality isn’t a lot modified in total dimension. The brand new Leaf is about 3 inches shorter total, however about as excessive because the 2025 version.
Contained in the 2026 Leaf claims barely much less front-row headroom (although there’s nonetheless beneficiant area even for tall drivers), however barely extra leg, shoulder, and hip room. Rear-seat dimensions are additionally much like the 2025, although legroom is down by greater than an inch.
The massive information is for 2026 is the large leap in cargo area versus the outgoing mannequin. Whereas the 2025 Leaf supplied roughly 30 cubic ft of stowage space with the rear seat folded flat, the redesigned Leaf boasts almost 60 ft of room for diapers, tenting gear, groceries, and dusty file collections.
Check Vehicles
Client Information just lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2026 Leaf Platinum Plus in 2-tone Coulis Pink with Tremendous Black trim. All instructed, our absolutely loaded check automotive got here $41,930 together with vacation spot cost, and the non-compulsory battery heater, which we’ll speak about presently.
Cabin
Inside, the Leaf appears to be like clear and fashionable, with design prospers saved to a minimal. The electrical Nissan employs the now fashionable single-pane touchscreen and instrument panel (IP) setup, and to good impact. We discovered the IP clear and straightforward to learn—and the vary and battery situation data useful and straightforward to decipher at a look—and the touchscreen format easy, and logically arrayed.
Room and Consolation
There’s additionally loads of grownup area within the entrance row, with massive door openings making straightforward work of ingress and egress. Second-row area is usually ample, although tall occupants will discover knee room restricted behind taller front-seat passengers.
And although the cabin appears to be like the function of a contemporary, environment friendly EV, the supplies used to line the inside are comprised largely of arduous plastic. At this value level we are able to forgive the shortage of soft-touch parts, however we had hoped for extra.
Energy and Efficiency
Beneath method you’ll discover the Leaf—a minimum of in non-S trim, dynamically partaking. There’s loads of clean energy from a cease or as soon as shifting. Whereas the Leaf is not any rocket by EV requirements, it’s simply the acceleration equal of like-size gasoline-powered crossovers.
Journey and dealing with are additionally spectacular. The Leaf might be hustled round corners with confidence, whereas experience high quality a minimum of matches that of Nissan’s Kicks non-EV small crossover–which is excessive reward.
Vary
We drove the Leaf throughout a sudden chilly snap right here within the Chicago space, and located the automotive’s estimated vary to be conservative. Our well-optioned, large-wheeled, Leaf is EPA estimated to journey 259 miles on a full battery cost. Regardless of the chilly climate—which usually compromises battery efficiency—we estimate our Leaf would have traveled a minimum of 280. This makes 300 miles a possible determine during times of extra delicate temps.
Battery Heather
And talking of the chilly, our check automotive was geared up with an obtainable battery heater. The heater might be employed to pre-warm the EV battery to arrange it for quick charging. Accessed through the touchscreen, the heater is straightforward sufficient to have interaction, and might shorten cold-weather charging classes. We didn’t have an opportunity to make use of the heater, however suspect that, at $500, it’s well worth the value.
Charging
The charging state of affairs itself is one thing of a blended bag, because the Leaf is supplied each with a conventional “CCS” charger port (entrance driver-side fender), and Tesla-style “NACS” port (entrance passenger aspect). Sounds easy, however right here’s the place issues get difficult:
The CCS aspect accepts solely level-1 (wall outlet) and level-2 (220-volt dwelling charger) connections. This whereas the NACS aspect accepts solely level-3 (DC “quick” charging) through a Tesla charging station. That stated, the NACS port will settle for an adaptor to be used of non-Tesla charging stations.
It’s loads to recollect, however finally does present a specific amount of charging flexibility shifting ahead, because the CCS system will ultimately get replaced by the Tesla NACS customary nationwide. However, if you have already got a level-2 charger at dwelling, it’s seemingly CSS, and none of that is going to matter very a lot you—you’re all set.
Worth
Nissan has described the latest technology of the Leaf an EV for shoppers who’ve already owned an electrical automobile. This makes some sense, because the Leaf is obtainable in smart value ranges with good—although not excellent—vary, and good, if not loopy energy. Briefly, the Leaf is ideal for people who’ve gotten previous unrealistic vary expectations, having realized that going 400 miles in a day is one thing they hardly ever do.
We named the Nissan Leaf to our 2026 Client Information Finest Purchase checklist, and predict that this latest model of the maker’s pioneering EV will hit price-conscious electric-car customers with a mixture of content material and worth that’s tough to disregard. And, for people searching for a good higher worth, the approaching S mannequin guarantees to be a category discount, relying on the way it’s priced.
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2026 Nissan Leaf Footage