2026 vs 2025 Nissan LEAF: 3 Improvements and 2 Misses
The Nissan LEAF has entered the vehicle’s third generation of existence, and we recently spent three weeks with one over the December holidays. Overall, it was a positive experience with to more to like than not like.
To summarize and highlight our findings, below we’ve listed three major ways the new 2026 LEAF is better than the outgoing 2025 LEAF. But not everything is absolutely better. There are two areas where we still prefer the older LEAF.
Improvement: Bigger Battery, More Range, More Power
The biggest news with the 2026 LEAF is the increased battery and range. Entry level models now get a 52 kWh hour lithium-ion battery instead of a 40 kWh battery. Higher trim models, like the one we tested late last year, go from a 60 kWh battery up to a new 75 kWh battery.
This significantly increase range as the 2026 LEAF with the 75 kWh battery pack is rated for 259-303 miles on a single charge, depending on trim. The old 2025 LEAF with the 60 kWh battery could only muster 212 miles on a single charge.
To compensated with the added weight of the larger batteries, the motors have increased power as well. The entry level motor in the 2026 LEAF now makes 174 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque, compared to 110 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque in the 2025 model. The larger motor retains the same power figure of 214 hp for the 2026 model year, but torque increases from 250 lb-ft to 261 lb-ft.
Miss: Reduced Capability
With the new generation 2026 Nissan LEAF, the manufacturer has reclassified the vehicle from compact hatchback to small crossover. With the more SUV-like moniker, improved capability should be expected, but that’s not the case with the new LEAF.
Besides remaining front-wheel drive only, ground clearance has gone down, not up, with the new model. The 2025 LEAF has a quoted ground clearance of 5.9-inches (150 mm), while the 2026 LEAF is rated fat 5.3-inches (135 mm).
Neither figure is ready to attack the local off-road park, but we’d expect an increase in ground clearance with the new crossover-bodied LEAF as opposed to the opposite.
Improvement: New Look
While on the topic of styling for the new LEAF, we’re big fans. The 2025 LEAF was distinctly styled, especially when it came to the wheels, but the overall shape and silhouette were a bit generic.
The 2026 Nissan LEAF is a big departure from the old model, incorporating some styling cues from other products in the brand’s portfolio. We see some Murano, Ariya, and even the Z sports car in the new LEAF. The overall shape is reminiscent of a SUV-coupe with a raked rear roof profile. Combined with the funky wheels and a vibrant color like Sea Breeze Blue, and the LEAF is quite the attention getter.
Miss: Less Cargo Capacity
That stylish raked rear roofline does come with a penalty though: reduced cargo capacity. With the glass on the rear flowing at such an angle, the height of the cargo area is reduced. Officially, the 2026 Nissan LEAF can hold 20.0 cubic feet (566 L) of gear behind the rear seats. In contrast, with a more up right rear hatch, the 2025 Nissan LEAF was rated at 23.6 cu ft (660 L) behind the rear seats.
Improvement: Upgraded Technology
With a new generation vehicle, it’s expected more technology will be present, and the 2026 Nissan LEAF doesn’t disappoint. Most trims feature dual 12.3-inch screens, one for driver information and one for the infotainment system. Google built-in is included as well as up to four USB-C ports, and Nissan ProPILOT Assist is now standard.
Other features found in higher trims includes 64-color ambient lighting and a dimming panoramic glass roof.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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