The upcoming 2026 Nissan Leaf offers increased driving range and remains the most affordable electric vehicle in the United States.
- Nissan revealed the cost of the 2026 Leaf model.
- The S+ version begins at $29,990 prior to additional charges and provides an approximate driving range of 303 miles.
- That’s among the top value options available in America’s electric vehicle market.
Nissan has introduced a major overhaul to the reliable Leaf, along with significantly increased range for
the 2026 model year
. And maintains the budget-friendly price label, the car manufacturer announced on Tuesday.
Nissan said that the
2026 Leaf
The crossover will begin at $29,990 for the S+ version prior to delivery charges—roughly half the typical cost of a new electric car nowadays. As this model offers the longest range in the line-up, estimated at 303 miles, it signifies that the American electric vehicle market is now receiving something experts claim has been desperately lacking: an additional high-range choice without a hefty price tag.
The pricing and specifications for the base S model will be revealed at a future time—and we expect it to be cheaper than the S+—however, Nissan has already shared the costs for the more premium versions. Below is what we have learned about the Leaf models up to now:
| 2026 Nissan Leaf trim | MSRP | Estimated Range | Battery Size |
| S | TBD | TBD | 52 kWh |
| S+ | $29,990 | 303 miles | 75 kWh |
| SV+ | $34,230 | 288 miles | 75 kWh |
| Platinum+ | $38,990 | 259 miles | 75 kWh |
At this point in time, the
2026 Nissan Leaf
It will retain its status as the most affordable electric vehicle in America upon its release this autumn. The reality that the nation’s least expensive electric car now provides more than 300 miles of range highlights just how far the EV industry has advanced in recent times. When the Leaf was introduced in 2011, it had an EPA-estimated driving distance of only 73 miles and cost approximately $33,000. The current 2025 edition can offer up to 212 miles of range.
The updated Leaf offers improvements in various aspects as well. It has transitioned into a small SUV rather than a station wagon. Additionally, it leaves the factory equipped with the
Tesla-designed charging plug
known as the North American Charging Standard. This will enable charge sessions without adapters at thousands of Tesla Supercharger locations.
2026 Nissan Leaf
The demand for more affordable choices to support America’s electric vehicle sector has been clear for many years, particularly as sales have declined in recent months. Currently, there is truly only one significant rival to the 2026 Leaf.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
. The latest compact SUV from Chevrolet is priced below $35,000, provides a driving range of 319 miles, and comes with
been a runaway hit
For General Motors, during the first half of 2025, it became the top-selling electric vehicle not made by Tesla in the United States.
However, more budget-friendly choices are coming soon. This month, Ford revealed that it is developing an electric pickup truck priced at $30,000, which will be available in 2027.
Slate Auto
The electric vehicle startup supported by Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos intends to begin manufacturing its affordable, minimalistic truck in 2026. The Kia EV3 is also one to keep an eye on. Similarly, Chevrolet aims to revive its well-known line-up.
Bolt EV
later this year.
Contact the author:
Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
Revised at 10:30 AM EST with details about the Leafs’ rivals and upcoming affordable electric vehicles.
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