2026 Nissan LEAF Unveiled: Format Change and 488 Km Range

Expected in North America this coming fall, the 2026 Nissan LEAF promises an impressive range of up to 487 km thanks to a series of technical and aerodynamic optimisations. Oh and it’s also now a crossover.

Design of the 2026 Nissan LEAF

Nissan has abandoned the hatchback style for a more modern crossover format, reducing the coefficient of drag to 0.26—and even 0.25 in Europe thanks to narrower tires. The result: better air penetration, and thus a 40-percent increase in range compared to the previous model.

Regarding dimensions, note that the new LEAF is 76 mm shorter and 8 mm lower than the model it replaces. The wheelbase is also reduced by 10 mm. However, the 2026 LEAF is 21 mm wider.

Cargo space is 566 litres, which is less than the outgoing model's 668 litres. Fold down the rear seat, and your volume increases to 1,572 litres.

Powertrain of the 2026 Nissan LEAF

The new modular battery approach increases energy density by 17 percent. The top-end model receives a 75-kWh battery, up from 60 kWh previously. The base version goes up to 52 kWh. Three variants of the 75-kWh model will be offered, with the most powerful boasting an estimated 488 km of EPA range, while the Platinum+ version will top out at 341 km.

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