Makes›Nissan›Leaf›2026

2026 Nissan Leaf

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.

Nissan Leaf
Pictured: Nissan Leaf (ZE2) autoMOBIL Tübingen 2025 DSC 2752. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Station Wagons
Body styles
4dr SUV
Engines
Electric motor
Horsepower
214 hp
Transmission
single-speed (direct drive)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
EV
EV range
303 mi · 12 h on 240 V
Length
173.6 in
Curb weight
4,213 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Long EV rangeUp to 303 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Strong performanceUp to 214 hp, versus about 158 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a small station wagon powered by electricity and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,213 lb.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 303 miles and takes about 12 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2026

  • New body dimensions: 2.8 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Longest EV range up from 212 to 303 miles

Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Leaf →

Trims, performance & features

Powertrain214 hpElectric motor
Transmissionsingle-speed (direct drive)
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

S/S+SV+

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Kamikamou, Kaminokawa, Kawachi District, Tochigi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2026 Leaf configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV173.6 in71.3 in61.4 in105.9 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,213 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
LEAF 75kWh (18 inch steel Wheels) EV160 kW AC 3-phaseAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive303 mi · 27.8215 kWh/100mi–$650–
LEAF 75kWh (18 inch alloy Wheels) EV160 kW AC 3-phaseAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive288 mi · 30 kWh/100mi–$700–
LEAF 75kWh (19 inch Wheels) EV160 kW AC 3-phaseAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive259 mi · 32.7274 kWh/100mi–$750–
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.6 MPG2026 Small Station Wagons average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Nissan Leaf.

Similar 2026 small station wagons

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2026 Nissan Leaf (this car)303 miNot rated2
2026 Subaru Impreza29 MPGNot rated0
2026 Honda HR-V28 MPGNot rated0
2026 Chevrolet Trax30 MPGNot rated0
2026 Buick Envista30 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (2)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Jul 1, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V425000 · 3,788 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 LEAF vehicles. The outer rear seat belt automatic locking retractors (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent a child restraint system (CRS) from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An improperly secured child restraint system may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rear outboard seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated October 28, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R26A7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 7, 2026.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Mar 25, 2026 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 26V188000 · 51 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 LEAF vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage that can cause a short circuit within the battery module.
Risk
A short circuit in a high voltage battery module increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and should not charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery modules, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R25F1. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 27, 2026.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2026 Nissan Leaf is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

3Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
5,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System3
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
26/04: 126/06: 126/10: 126/0426/0626/10max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Other Leaf years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 Leaf212 mi176.4 inNot rated07
2024 Leaf212 mi176.4 inNot rated05
2023 Leaf212 mi176.4 inNot rated322
2022 Leaf226 mi176.4 inNot rated496
2021 Leaf226 mi176.4 in★★★★★457
2020 Leaf226 mi176.4 in★★★★★6167
2019 Leaf226 mi176.4 inNot rated5260
2018 Leaf151 mi176.4 inNot rated467
2017 Leaf107 mi175.2 inNot rated217
2016 Leaf107 mi175.2 inNot rated436
2015 Leaf84 mi175.2 inNot rated4109
2014 Leaf84 mi175.2 inNot rated631

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →