In an exciting development for electric vehicle enthusiasts, Nissan has officially announced the pricing for the 2026 Leaf, including the previously missing base model details. According to data from CarsDirect, the entry-level 2026 Leaf S will start at just over $25,000 before any incentives. Notably, this price does not factor in the soon-to-be-discontinued $7,500 federal tax credit, and since the model is not expected to hit the market until next year, it will not qualify for this incentive.
With a starting price of $25,360, the Leaf S undercuts its closest competitor, the Leaf S+, by $4,630, and even the previous generation Leaf S by $2,780. This pricing strategy positions the Leaf S as the most affordable electric vehicle in the United States, a title that is likely to remain firmly in its grasp for the foreseeable future. The only potential challengers could be GM’s upcoming Chevrolet Bolt or a rumored entry-level Tesla. However, the latter's likelihood remains in question, as Elon Musk has repeatedly revised his plans for a $25,000 EV, often labeling such aspirations as unrealistic.
While detailed specifications for the base Leaf S are still pending, it is anticipated that its range will fall short of the impressive 288 to 303 miles offered by the higher trims such as the S+, SV+, and Platinum+. The Leaf S will be equipped with a 52 kWh battery and a 130 kW motor that produces 174 horsepower, marking an upgrade over the previous entry-level setup.
Nissan has announced that the base Leaf S is set to arrive in US showrooms in spring 2026. This timeline places the launch of the Leaf S several months after the other trims, which are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks, establishing a staggered rollout for the popular model.
The official pricing for the next-generation Nissan Leaf provides valuable insights into its positioning in the electric vehicle market for 2026. The new model not only undercuts the pricing of its predecessor but also establishes itself as one of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles currently available in the US. For context, the 2026 model year demonstrates a clear advantage over the outgoing 2025 version.
Nissan has successfully kept the Leaf S+ trim just below the psychological barrier of $30,000, a remarkable achievement considering the current inflationary climate. With the upcoming S trim expected to be even lower in price, the Leaf’s appeal as a cost-effective EV is undeniably strong. The direct comparison between generations currently highlights the SV+ trim, which starts at $34,230, nearly $2,000 less than its 2025 counterpart while offering enhanced range and a richer array of standard features.
The Leaf’s S+, SV+, and Platinum+ trims feature a larger 75 kWh battery, delivering up to 303 miles (or 488 km) of EPA-estimated range. These variants are paired with a more powerful motor that produces 215 horsepower. The base S trim, on the other hand, utilizes a 52 kWh battery and a 174 horsepower motor, still representing an upgrade over the previous entry-level model. Additionally, all US-market Leaf models now come equipped with a NACS port for Tesla Supercharger access and support vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
The Leaf’s redesign transforms its profile into a sleek fastback crossover, measuring 173.4 inches (or 4,404 mm) in length. This aerodynamic design replaces the traditional hatchback look. Standard features now include LED lighting across all trims, while the Platinum+ trim boasts exclusive taillights inspired by the iconic Nissan Z. Wheel options vary from steel 18-inch wheels with aero covers on the S and S+ trims to 19-inch alloys on the Platinum+.
The interior of the Leaf is reported to be more spacious than its predecessor, aided by a flat floor and redesigned seating. Each trim level comes with a digital cockpit; the S and S+ models feature dual 12.3-inch displays, while the SV+ and Platinum+ variations are equipped with larger 14.3-inch screens. The high-end Platinum+ trim distinguishes itself with a panoramic roof that can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, along with a head-up display, multi-color ambient lighting, a motion-activated power liftgate, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.
A comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features is included across all trims, ensuring that safety and convenience are prioritized in the 2026 Nissan Leaf. Deliveries in the US are expected to commence in fall 2025, with additional launches planned for markets in Japan, Europe, and Australia.
