Nissan launches third-gen Leaf with up to 488 km of range

Built on the same platform as the more expensive Ariya EV, the 2026 Leaf drops its car proportions to become a crossover with better range.

2026 Nissan Leaf front — *The third generation Nissan Leaf is launching for 2026. – Nissan Canada photo*

The new Nissan Leaf has arrived, offering more of everything.

The updated electric vehicle is now built on the same platform as the more expensive Nissan Ariya electric SUV. The Leaf drops its previous car proportions to become a full-on crossover SUV, with more space and comfort on the inside, vastly increased range, greater access to fast charging stations, improved design and more.

The third generation Leaf is launching for the 2026 model year.

Driving range varies by trim, with the highest-rated version having an estimated range of 488 kilometres. The second-gen Leaf maxed out at 342 kilometres.

The third-gen Leaf is powered by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 75 kWh, up from the previous generation’s 40- and 60-kWh options.

2026 Nissan Leaf side — *The 2026 Nissan Leaf has flush door handles. – Nissan Canada photo*

Powertrain

Nissan is also launching its new 3-in-1 electric powertrain in the new Leaf, which the automaker said is 10 per cent smaller than the motor used in the outgoing Leaf, yet offers more power.

The 2026 Leaf has 214 hp and 261 lb.-ft. of torque powering the front wheels, compared to the outgoing Leaf’s 147 hp.

The new Leaf comes standard with the North American Charging Standard port, allowing it to easily access fast charging stations such as Tesla Superchargers. Charging is also faster in the new Leaf than the outgoing version.

2026 Nissan Leaf dashboard — *The new Nissan Leaf is said to be quieter than before. – Nissan Canada photo*

The new powertrain is more powerful and efficient, and it’s also more refined. Nissan said noise and vibration is reduced. At speeds of 50 km/h, the interior of the new Leaf is said to be two decibels quieter than that of the second-gen Leaf.

“The all-new Leaf delivers a responsive, smooth and confident drive. All elements have been optimized to support efficiency,” said Richard Candler, Nissan’s vice president of global product strategy, in a news release.

The crossover also gets a multi-link rear suspension with lateral stiffness increased by 66 per cent.

Despite riding on larger wheels, up to 19 inches, the new Leaf has a turning radius reduced by 0.1 metres, making it more maneuverable in urban settings.

2026 Nisan Leaf rear and side — *The new Nissan Leaf has a more SUV-like stance. – Nissan Canada photo*

Design

On the design side, the third-gen Leaf gets an SUV-like stance.

There’s an available dimming panoramic roof with heat shielding.

2026 Nissan Leaf panoramic roof — *A dimming panoramic roof is available on the 2026 Nissan Leaf. – Nissan Canada photo*

And, I might be the only one, but, thanks to the blacked out section at the back, the rear end and taillights of the new Leaf remind me of the taillights and rear-end design of the 1990s Nissan 300ZX, an inspiration that’s also evident in the modern Nissan Z.

Check out the slider here to see how the old ZX and the new Leaf compare from behind.

*2026 Nissan Leaf rear compared to 1990 Nissan 300ZX. – Nissan photos*

New features available on the Leaf for the first time include:

Liquid cooled lithium-ion batteries with up to 75-kWh usable capacity
Available dual 14.3-inch displays
Available Google built-in including Google Maps
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto
Flush door handles
Available 19-inch wheels
Available 64-colour ambient interior lighting
3D Around View Monitor with Fixed Views Moving Object Detection
Invisible Hood View and Front Wide View
Available Bose Personal Plus premium audio

The Leaf is assembled in Japan.

For updates, visit the Nissan Canada website.