Nissan Teases the 2026 All-New Leaf

The first modern all-electric vehicle sold to U.S. customers did not come from that company that starts with a “T.” Instead, it was the Nissan Leaf, which dates to October 2010 as a 2011 model year. It has the current distinction of being the most affordable new EV available in the U.S. It has already gone through two design generations and Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia is happy to inform you that Nissan is close to bringing out the model’s third generation for the 2026 model year. 

Nissan has received tremendous praise for the recent introduction of its new Murano and Kicks models, leading to speculation about the new Leaf continuing the trend of transforming Nissan into a new era. However, Nissan has been secretive about the details regarding what will continue to be its smallest and most affordable EV model.  

What is known is that the Leaf will transition from a hatchback to crossover-like proportions, though a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version is not expected. It will sit on a smaller version of the CMF-EV platform currently used by the Ariya model, and it will be the first Nissan EV equipped with the North American Charging System (NACS). This will give direct access to the Tesla Supercharger network without the need for a converter.  

Nissan has additionally announced that it will have a drag coefficient of 0.26 and will be available with 19-inch alloy wheels and panoramic moonroof rails. However, Nissan has been tight-lipped about other details such as the drivetrain, battery size, motor size, and power. It is likely to offer more than one battery size, and there has been speculation that the highest range model could top 300 miles. If so, that would represent a meaningful change from the current model, which has a range of 149 miles for the base model and up to 212 for the SV model. Charging times are also expected to be faster than those of the current model.  

You can expect additional electrification from other upcoming Nissan models. The fourth generation of Nissan’s best-selling model, the Rogue, is also anticipated for the 2026 model year, introducing both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Additionally, an off-road-focused SUV is in development, reminiscent of the rugged and capable Xterra from the past but featuring an all-electric drivetrain. This model will be manufactured at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi, assembly plant. 

There are plenty of exciting models coming, even if they are not available just yet. You can see the exciting direction Nissan is heading by visiting Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia and looking at the exciting new 2025 Kicks and Murano models.