First Drive: 2026 Nissan Leaf Takes Some Steps Forward, Some Back

The SUV-ified Leaf moves into the 2020s with more range, a widely available fast-charging plug, and a sleek, modern interior with less intuitive controls

By Stef Schrader
Content Creator, Autos

Updated February 23, 2026

The groundbreaking Nissan Leaf electric vehicle got such a thorough makeover for 2026 that it transformed from a small hatchback into a subcompact SUV. It’s now a thoroughly modern crossover—for better and for worse. Gone is the hard-to-find CHAdeMO DC fast-charging port. In its place is a Tesla-style North American Charging System (NACS) port, which is the plug style that is being adopted across the auto industry. The driving range was increased as well, to 259-303 miles, depending on the trim, making it less of a commuter car and more of one you might consider for a longer trip.

Despite its taller stance, the new third-generation Leaf carries nearly identical dimensions to the outgoing hatchback. The exterior features a fastback roofline meant to mimic the current Nissan Z sports car. Nissan went out of its way to make the new Leaf as aerodynamic as possible to help it achieve that improved range figure, with a smooth, body-colored panel for a grille, flush door handles, and a small lip spoiler.

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The Leaf’s interior also got a major rework, with a comfortable cabin that feels more expensive than it is. The Leaf still has a low starting price of just $29,990 (plus a $1,495 destination fee), making it a great entry point into the world of EVs. Yet the new model takes a step back in terms of usability, as its 2020s-style interior carries 2020s-style slick-panel and on-screen controls that are simply harder to use than the old Leaf’s dashboard array of physical buttons and knobs.

At launch, all Leafs come with a 214-hp electric motor paired with a 72-kWh battery, although a less expensive S trim with a smaller 52-kWh battery and a less powerful 174-hp motor is coming later. (More details on the Leaf S, including range estimates, are coming later.) The longest-range version at the time of this writing is the current base model, the S+, with an EPA-rated 303 miles. Two higher trims are available, but as with many EVs, range decreases with the extra luxuries: 288 miles in the mid-grade SV+ and 259 miles in the top Platinum+ model.

The Leaf Platinum+ loaned to us by Nissan included just three added-cost options: a floor mat package, a battery heater, and upgraded two-tone paint. Consumer Reports recently purchased its own 2026 Leaf SV+ as well, which just entered our testing program.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Nissan Leaf is available to you below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the Leaf we purchased through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

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2026 Nissan Leaf driving at CR's Auto Test Center — The 2026 Nissan Leaf’s external dimensions didn’t grow much over the previous model, but it now sports a taller-looking, SUV-like shape.

What we borrowed: 2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+ FWD
Powertrain: 214 hp single electric motor; direct drive transmission; front-wheel drive
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $38,990
Options: Floor Mat Package, $345; Battery Heater, $300; Premium Two-Tone Paint, $800
Destination fee: $1,495
Total cost: $41,930
Final assembly: Tochigi, Japan

What we bought: 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+ FWD
Powertrain: 214 hp single electric motor; direct drive transmission; front-wheel drive
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $34,230
Options: Splash Guards, $255; CCS Adapter, $170; Floor Mat Package, $345; Cargo Package, $165; Battery Heater, $300; Premium Two-Tone Paint, $800
Destination fee: $1,495
Total cost: $37,760
Final assembly: Tochigi, Japan

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Stef Schrader

Stef Schrader is an automotive reporter who joined Consumer Reports in 2025 to cover new vehicles and consumer issues. She focuses on road tests, feature stories, and guidance on car buying and ownership. Stef brings over a decade of reporting experience to the team, having written for Jalopnik, The Drive, and Cars.com. In her spare time, she enjoys wrenching on and racing her various project cars. Follow her on Bluesky: @hoonofthe.day.