All-new 2026 Nissan LEAF named InsideEVs Breakthrough EV of the Year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF has been named Breakthrough EV of the Year by InsideEVs, recognizing its combination of affordability, innovation and refinement.

InsideEVs praised the 2026 LEAF for delivering a practical, enjoyable electric driving experience that appeals to both first-time EV buyers and seasoned enthusiasts. With a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $29,990¹, LEAF offers exceptional value for customers looking to make the switch to all-electric driving.

This honor adds to the 2026 LEAF’s growing list of accolades, including Car of the Year, Best EV and Best Budget Vehicle in the inaugural Buzz Awards. The 2026 LEAF is also a finalist for the prestigious North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award.

The all-new 2026 LEAF features an EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles² per charge, making it ideal for commuting and road trips. Built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) compatibility with Plug & Charge⁴ provides seamless access to more than 25,000 Tesla Superchargers⁵, ensuring fast and convenient public charging.

LEAF’s modern design combines clean, minimalist surfacing with advanced details such as motorized flush door handles—a Nissan first—alongside a sleek, curving roofline with a katana blade-like molding inspired by the Z sports car and a segment-first dimming panoramic roof³ that transitions between opaque and transparent at the touch of a button.

Advanced technology throughout makes living with LEAF effortless. Available Google built-in⁵, including Google Maps with Intelligent Route Planner, simplifies navigation and provides access to familiar apps. New camera technologies include standard, class-exclusive Intelligent Around View® Monitor⁶, Invisible Hood View⁷ and Front Wide View⁷ functions for added confidence and convenience.

The 2026 Nissan LEAF is available now at U.S. dealerships nationwide.

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1. All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.
2. EPA-estimated range up to 303 miles for combined city/highway driving. 2026 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates: 131 City, 111 Highway. Based on EPA formula of 33.7 kW/hour equal to one gallon of gasoline energy, EPA rated LEAF 75kWh S+ equivalent to 131 MPGe measured as gasoline fuel efficiency in city driving, and 111 MPGe in highway driving. Actual mileage will vary with trim levels, options, and driving conditions. See Customer Disclosure Form for details. Use for comparison only.
3. Available feature. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan LEAF vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV - Compact Class (EVs only).
4. Public charging networks are provided by independent companies and are subject to their own respective policies, terms, and/or conditions, and are not within Nissan's control. Should such independent companies terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to Nissan or its partners or agents. Nissan is not responsible for associated costs (including additional equipment or equipment replacements/upgrades, if available) or other third-party changes that may be required for connectivity with a charger station. Availability of charging stations not guaranteed. Please see your Owner Manual for important operating and safety instructions.
5. Feature availability varies by vehicle model year, model, trim level, packaging and options. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services SELECT package ("Package") required. Package trial period included with eligible new vehicle purchase or lease. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice. After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. Only use features when safe and legal to do so. Never program while driving. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Connectivity service required. App subscriptions may be required. Data rates may apply. Subject to third-party service availability. Should such service providers terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to NISSAN or its partners or agents. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC. For more information, see www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal.
6. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan LEAF vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV - Compact Class (EVs only). Based on manufacturers' websites. Intelligent Around View Monitor cannot eliminate blind spots and may not detect every object. Driver should always turn and check surroundings before driving. I-AVM includes Moving Object Detection. See Owner's Manual for safety information.
7. Driver-assist and safety features have limitations which affect how they function in certain situations. The driver must never rely exclusively on any vehicle feature to warn about, prevent, or lessen the severity of a collision.  It is the driver's responsibility to always be in control, monitor the surroundings, and safely operate the vehicle. Read your vehicle's Owner's Manual for further information.