Nissan’s third-gen LEAF just made its global debut, and the specs indicate it's a clean break from the last-gen hatchback, which had fallen behind on range, charge times, and overall appeal.
The goal: This is Nissan’s swing at building a more practical EV. Something that gets them back in the EV conversation, but doesn’t aim to chase Tesla.
(They’ll leave that to Rivian and Lucid.)
What we already knew: In the weeks leading up to the reveal, Nissan teased subtle aero and packaging changes. Lower roofline. Flush door handles. A flat underbody. Basically, a layout that feels more crossover than compliance car.
But here’s what’s new:
The new LEAF offers up to 303 miles of range
150 kW fast charging (10% to 80% in 35 minutes)
Dual charging ports (NACS + J1772)
Plug & Charge support out of the box
214 hp motor or 174 hp on the 52-kWh version
And ProPILOT Assist and Safety Shield 360 standard on every trim
Other specs it has going for it:
Access to 20,000+ Superchargers
55.5 cu. ft. of cargo space, plus real second-row room
Cold-weather charging enhancements: sealed battery enclosure, heat recapture, and optional battery pre-heater
And Google Maps with EV routing, baked into dual 14.3" screens on upper trims
None of it’s headline-grabbing on its own.
But stitched together, it starts to look like a product designed for people who don’t want to think about owning an EV.
According to Nissan, that’s kind of the point: “We made it simple and clean, yet with a more energetic feeling,” Tase Nobutaka, program design director with Nissan, said.
Inside, that logic continues:
Flat floor and slim console make the cabin feel open
Optional dimming panoramic roof. (A segment first.)
64-color ambient lighting, Bose® headrest audio, wireless phone charging, and rear USB-C ports
However, some crucial specs are TBD…
Like pricing. Until that drops, none of this means much
Trim walk, especially how the 52-kWh model gets positioned
And lease strategy—the real growth play if Nissan wants to win back brand-switchers
Between the lines: Sure, the LEAF’s legacy still lingers (700,000 units sold since 2010), but it hasn’t been part of the EV conversation in years. But Nissan’s betting it can change that by aiming squarely at middle-market buyers who just want something more affordable and easy to live with.
What we’re watching: The 2026 LEAF checks the right boxes on paper—range, charging, cabin space. But expectations have never moved metal. Which is why, without clear pricing and a lease that converts, this revamp could still end up as another spec sheet that stalls on the lot.
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