2026 Nissan LEAF SV+ Consumer Review: Are EVs Ready for Primetime?

Late last year we asked ourselves a question: are we ready? We wanted to know if it is finally time. That point in history where electric vehicles are just as easy to live with as their fuel-burning counterparts.

Plenty of folks have already said yes to this question and made the transition to EVs over the years. But there have always been a few drawbacks that kept the general public away. Price, range, availability, and plenty other factors have slowed EV adoption. But time does not stand still, and technology is advancing at a rapid pace.

To get a taste of what basic electric-vehicle ownership is like in 2026, we borrowed a brand new 2026 Nissan LEAF SV+ (SV Plus in Canada) for three weeks over the holiday season. We would treat this as our primary car for a family of three with a small dog. It would be called upon for trips short and far, needing to tackle all forms of weather. After nearly a month behind the wheel, here are our thoughts.

The biggest change for the 2026 LEAF is the body. Despite the classification change, the size has basically stayed the same as the outgoing model, measuring 173.4 inches (4,405 mm) in length, 71.3-inches (1,810 mm) in width, and a height of 61.3-inches (1,557 mm). In fact, despite the new SUV nomenclature, the 2026 LEAF has a slightly lower roofline than the 2025 model, and at 5.3-inches (135 mm), a lower ground clearance too.

The new LEAF is quite stylish, and several neighbors commented on its looks. Some of that may be due to the vibrant Seabreeze Blue exterior paint, and those distinct 18-inch wheels. I personally really like the Nissan-Z-like taillights and built in rear lip spoiler.

Although it is an all-electric vehicle, unlike some other EV SUVs on the market, the LEAF still houses its motor under the hood. Eventually there will be a lower power option for the vehicle, but right now it only comes with the single motor making 214 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the front-wheels through a single-speed direct drive transmission.

Power delivery doesn’t differ much from the 2025 model as the 2026 LEAF has plenty of power around town, pulling with authority from a complete stop. Once at freeway speeds, the swiftness of the vehicle tapers, but it still has adequate acceleration above 70 mph.

How the power is delivered can be adjusted through four drive modes, which also changes other features like steering feel. To further personalize the driving behaviour, regenerative braking force can be altered through 5 levels via the steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. If more automatic braking force is sought after, there is an e-Pedal Step model which essentially is one-pedal driving.

In optimal conditions, the 2026 Nissan LEAF SV+ is rated for up to 288 miles (463 km) of range. The lower trim S+ is capable of a bit more, listed at 303 miles (488 km). During my three-week review, I was seeing around 261 miles (420 km) on average in below freezing temperatures.

Power for the LEAF SV+ comes from a 75kWh battery that is capable of recharging at speeds upwards of 150 kW. The vehicle comes with two charging ports from the factory, one on each side. On the passenger’s side is a J1772 port that is only capable of level 2 charging. On the driver’s side is a NACS (Tesla) port that can do stage 3 fast charging. The LEAF is available with a J1772 adaptor for the NACS port in case owners want to fast charge at one of those stations.

During my time with the vehicle, I never used the handy MyNISSAN app’s NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network function as I exclusively home charged. With the 7.2 kW on board stage two charger, it only takes about 6.5 hours to recharge the LEAF. Having a home charger is probably the biggest factor in fully adopting to an electric vehicle. Every night I plug the LEAF in, and by morning it’s fully charged ready to go. It’s also quite affordable, costing just a few dollars for half a battery charge during off-peak hours.

For the 2026 model year, the Nissan LEAF features a strut front suspension and multi-link set up in the rear. The SV+ rides on 215/55R18 tires and weighs 4,240 pound (1,923 kg). Even with relatively skinny tires and hefty curb weight, the LEAF feels lighter on its feet than I expected. Handling is no worse, nor better, than the average small SUV. Although there is a small rear window, the vehicle is easy to operate and feels nimble in tight parking lots.

One morning we woke up to a foot of fresh snow on the ground. I was surprised how incredibly good the vehicle is in the snow. Wearing proper winter tires, there was minimal front wheel slip from a stop, which can be an issue for torque-rich EVs. Acceleration remained smooth and constant. The LEAF not having all-wheel drive isn’t much of an issue in several inches of snow, as long as the proper tires are installed.

One weird nuance in cold weather has to do with the battery gauge. During the snowy weather I drove the LEAF from a 100% battery charge, down to 76% left. The next morning the vehicle read it had 88% charge remaining even though I had not plugged it in. The actual estimated distance remaining in miles was still the same, it was just the battery percentage that fluctuated. Later in the week it continued, after one full recharge on a Monday, the car kept stating it still had 100% charge each morning on Tuesday and Wednesday, even though I had driven 10-15 miles each day. The estimated distance remaining once again properly decreased though.

The LEAF’s ride quality and drivability are well sorted. As is the case with many EVs, the vehicle feels more sophisticated to drive, especially considering its size and price point. It also absorbs bumps well despite a somewhat shorter wheelbase.

In the SV+ the drive has an eight-way adjustable power driver seat, and both front seats are heated. The Canadian SV Plus gets more cold weather equipment, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. American customers need to step up to the Platinum model to get those features.

Space for front seat occupants is generous with 42.4-inches (1,078 mm) of legroom and 39.9-inches (1,014 mm) of headroom. Those in the back have less space, a scant 31.8-inches (808 mm) of legroom and 37.3-inches (946 mm) of headroom.

With the new swoopy shape, cargo capacity has taken a hit, down to just 20.0 cubic foot (566 L) behind the manually opening rear lift gate (only the Platinum has a power hatch). The raked rear profile really eats into cargo capacity which was especially noticeable during a weekend away over the holidays. We barely were able to cram all of our gear in the vehicle. I wish it still had a more traditional, squarer rear hatch.

The SV+ comes swathed in leatherette surfaces, with a choice between Unique and Dark. My tester had Unique which meant light colored leatherette on the seating surfaces. There is a soft touch panel of blue across the dashboard and a light gray fabric material that wraps around from the doors across the dash as well. If I were to buy a 2026 LEAF, I would go with the Dark leatherette option. It may be less exciting and not as stylish to look at, but that light grey fabric was already looking quite dirty on the driver’s door after a mere 2,000 miles on the odometer.

The LEAF continues to pack a lot of modern technology, with the SV+ including a 14.3-inch infotainment screen, a 14.3-inch customizable driver information screen, 6 speaker audio system, Google Assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, Google Maps built-in, and a wiper de-icer.

On the safety front, this mid-level trim LEAF includes Nissan ProPILOT Assist hands-on adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, intelligent forward collision detection and avoidance, pedestrian automatic braking, rear automatic braking, active lane keep assist, intelligent driver alertness, and more.

Pricing has long been a key factor in turning general consumers away from electric vehicles and although things are getting better, there’s still a premium to pay. In the United States, the 2026 Nissan LEAF starts at $31,485 (all prices including destination charges). As tested our lightly optioned SV+ totaled $36,825. For reference within the same brand, that’s roughly the same price point as Rogue Rock Creek.

In Canada pricing for 2026 Nissan LEAF starts at $47,093. As tested our SV Plus came in at $50,888. That's relatively more expensive in Canada as it’s around the same price as the Rogue Platinum.

The gap between gas and battery powered vehicles continues to shrink. Although there are a few quibbles with the 2026 Nissan LEAF, it is nothing I couldn’t get past. As a whole, the small crossover is a great package. It’s well executed, has commendable driving manners, features fun styling, and is stuffed with a ton of technology.

Pricing though still remains a factor. Until we get price parity between EVs and conventional gas-powered automobiles, it’s a hard sell for plenty of consumers. Otherwise, with a home charger in an urban area, life with an electric vehicle, like the 2026 Nissan LEAF, is quite easy.

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