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

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 173.6 in | 71.3 in | 61.4 in | 105.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,213 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEAF 75kWh (18 inch steel Wheels) EV | 160 kW AC 3-phase | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 303 mi · 27.8215 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| LEAF 75kWh (18 inch alloy Wheels) EV | 160 kW AC 3-phase | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 288 mi · 30 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| LEAF 75kWh (19 inch Wheels) EV | 160 kW AC 3-phase | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 259 mi · 32.7274 kWh/100mi | – | $750 | – |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Leaf (this car) | 303 mi | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda HR-V | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Chevrolet Trax | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Buick Envista | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Not every 2026 Nissan Leaf is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Leaf years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2024 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2023 Leaf | 212 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2022 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 96 |
| 2021 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 57 |
| 2020 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 167 |
| 2019 Leaf | 226 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 260 |
| 2018 Leaf | 151 mi | 176.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 67 |
| 2017 Leaf | 107 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 17 |
| 2016 Leaf | 107 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 36 |
| 2015 Leaf | 84 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 109 |
| 2014 Leaf | 84 mi | 175.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 31 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →