All-New 2026 Nissan Leaf Remains Cheapest EV Available, Starts at $31,485

The only things the 2026 Nissan Leaf has in common with the 2025 model are its name and the fact that it’s electric. Otherwise, the original mass-market electric vehicle is wholly reimagined for the new model year. No longer an awkward dumpling of a hatchback, the Leaf is now a sleek electric crossover with more standard power, greater range and faster charging than its predecessor — as well as an attractive, modern interior packed with features previously unheard of in the budget-friendly EV.

Related: 2026 Nissan Leaf Up Close: Third Time’s Truly a Charm

Release Date and Pricing

The 2026 Nissan Leaf goes on sale this fall. Pricing, including the $1,495 destination charge, is as follows; pricing for the entry-level S trim is not yet available.

• S+: $31,485
• SV+: $35,725
• Platinum+: $40,485

Despite the overhaul, the Leaf is likely only slightly more expensive than it was for 2025. Even the mid-level Leaf S+ is still the lowest-priced EV, and Nissan points out that it is significantly cheaper than the first Leaf was when it debuted for 2011.

Trim Levels

The Leaf S and S+ are identically equipped; the only difference between them is that the S+ is fitted with a bigger battery and a more powerful electric motor. Both ride on 18-inch steel wheels and have LED exterior lighting with automatic high beams and keyless entry and starting. Their cabins feature automatic climate control, white ambient lighting, four speakers and a pair of 12.3-inch displays: a digital instrument panel and a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Upgrading to the SV+ nets 18-inch aluminum wheels, steering-wheel paddles to control regenerative braking, rear-seat vents and a heat pump, which is a more efficient means of controlling cabin temperature. The SV+ also includes larger 14.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system, navigation, wireless phone charging and six speakers.

At the top of the Leaf lineup, the Platinum+ features 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a dimmable panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate and a head-up display. It also adds 64-color ambient lighting and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Standard and Available Safety Features

Even the base 2026 Leaf boasts a full complement of safety technologies. Standard features include forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist, lane-centering steering, blind spot intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, road-sign recognition, a 360-degree parking camera and rear parking sensors. The only additional feature is front parking sensors, which are standard on the SV+ and Platinum+.

Read More About the Nissan Leaf:

• 2026 Nissan Leaf Goes Crossover, Finally Gets the Range It Deserves
• Nissan Approves Fermata Energy Bidirectional Charger for Use With Leaf EV
• Nissan Signs Charging Agreement With Tesla
• Research the Nissan Leaf

Powertrain Specs and Range

Every 2026 Leaf is front-wheel drive. Powertrain specs are as follows:

• S: 174-horsepower electric motor with 254 pounds-feet of torque; 52-kilowatt-hour battery pack; range TBA
• S+, SV+ and Platinum+: 214-hp electric motor with 261 pounds-feet of torque; 75-kWh battery pack; 303 miles of range (S+), 288 miles (SV+) or 259 miles (Platinum+)

With both setups, the Leaf includes a J1772 Level 2 charging port on the driver’s side and a North American Charging Standard port compatible with Tesla plugs on the passenger side. Nissan says both batteries are capable of DC fast-charging from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes. Bidirectional charging is standard across the line, allowing Leaf drivers to power external electrical equipment. To do so with the S, S+ or SV+, an adapter will be required to use the J1772 port; the Platinum+ gets a dedicated plug in its cargo hold.

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