The redesigned 2026 Leaf comes with a 214-hp electric motor powering the front wheels and a 75-kWh battery.
The EPA-estimated range is 259 to 303 miles, depending on the trim level.
An entry-level version with a 174-hp electric motor and 52-kWh battery arrives later.
There's both a Tesla-style NACS charging port and a J1772 port for Level 2 charging.
Cabin space and cargo room have improved.
The base model gets two 12.3-inch screens, while the two top trims get dual 14.3-inch screens for the gauges and infotainment.
The standard ProPilot Assist system combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance.
Notable Changes
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2018-2025
2018 Model Redesign Year
The second generation Leaf electric car has a 40-kWh battery.
We measured its driving range at 149 miles which is shorter than the Chevy Bolt's 250-mile range, but the Leaf is less expensive.
The 2019 Leaf Plus, with a 62-kWh battery, has a rated range of 215 miles.
It takes eight hours to charge it on a 240-volt connector.
The E-Pedal feature decelerates the Leaf quite significantly when the driver eases off the accelerator, sending energy back to the battery.
The Leaf accelerates decisively but the ride is stiff.
Its handling is mundane but secure.
The driving position can be uncomfortable for some drivers because the steering wheel doesn't telescope for reach.
The optional ProPilot Assist can help keep the car in its lane and adjust its speed to keep track with surrounding traffic.
2018 brought standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
For 2019, a rear passenger alert system is standard.
This feature is designed to prevent forgetting a child in the rear seat.
The 2020 model added standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and automatic high beams.
It also added standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Updates for 2022 brought updated ProPilot Assist software.
In 2023, the Leaf received mild exterior styling updates.
There were no changes for the 2024 and 2025 model years.
Holding the distinction of being the first widely available and affordable all-electric car, the five-seat Nissan LEAF hatchback has typical range of approximately 75-miles.
In our 2011 tests, a full charge took six hours using a 240-volt power source or 16 hours using 120 volts.
Since our test, charge times have been shortened through updates to the car.
At low speeds the extraordinarily quiet LEAF feels quick and rides comfortably.
Cabin access is easy and the rear seat is fairly roomy.
We measured 3.16 miles per kWh, the equivalent of 106 mpg.
Running costs are extremely low: 3.5 cents per mile at the national average of 11 cents per kWh.
Standard features include a heated steering wheel and seats.
Model year 2013 brought a faster onboard charger and a cheaper S version.
However, 2013 and later LEAF models scored Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
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