Nissan has officially unveiled the third-generation Leaf EV in the United States, and what stands out most is its unexpectedly attractive pricing. Despite offering a more advanced design, a larger-capacity battery, and a significantly improved driving range, the new Leaf arrives on the market at a lower cost than the model it replaces. This move is a clear signal that Nissan is aiming to maintain the Leaf’s reputation as one of the most accessible electric vehicles while simultaneously elevating its performance and technology.
For its U.S. debut, Nissan is offering the Leaf with the larger of two battery options. The new 75 kWh battery delivers an EPA-rated range of 488 kilometers, representing a 25 percent boost in capacity and extending the driving range by 43 percent compared to the previous long-range Leaf. This is a major step forward in addressing range anxiety and providing more practical daily usability.
The pricing news is equally noteworthy. When comparing equivalent long-range versions, the 2026 Leaf is priced 17 percent lower than its predecessor. The initial lineup in the U.S. will consist of four trims, with the 75 kWh Leaf S+, SV+, and Platinum+ being the first to reach customers. A more affordable 52 kWh Leaf S is scheduled to join the range later. By contrast, the outgoing Leaf lineup was limited to 40 kWh and 50 kWh versions, which now look less appealing given the improvements in both standard equipment and efficiency that the new generation offers.
Beyond the powertrain, Nissan has introduced several technological and structural upgrades. The new model incorporates a liquid-cooled battery that supports faster DC charging, addressing one of the previous generation’s shortcomings. The interior has been refreshed with larger infotainment and digital instrument displays, and new driver-assist features enhance safety and convenience. Despite these advancements, the car’s dimensions have slightly decreased, with a 140 mm reduction in overall length and a 10 mm shorter wheelbase, giving the Leaf a more compact profile.
In terms of U.S. pricing, the entry-level Leaf S+ starts at $29,990 (USD), while the SV+ begins at $34,230 (USD). For comparison, the prior-generation Leaf SV+ was priced from $36,190 (USD), highlighting the significant value improvement. Translating these reductions to the Australian market, early estimates suggest prices could fall to around $41,490 AUD for the short-range model and $50,190 AUD for the long-range version. This would be a considerable drop from the outgoing Australian prices, where the entry-level Leaf started at nearly $50,000 and the longer-range Leaf e+ at over $60,000 before on-road costs.
Of course, the Leaf will still face stiff competition from Chinese electric vehicle brands, which continue to undercut on price. Models like the Chery E5 (from $36,990 AUD + on-road costs) and the MG S5 (from $40,490 AUD drive-away) remain cheaper alternatives.
As for the Australian release, Nissan has confirmed that the new Leaf will arrive during the 2026 Japanese fiscal year, which spans March 2026 through April 2027. This means there will be a significant delay between the U.S. launch and local availability, much like what has already occurred with Nissan’s Ariya EV and Patrol 4x4. Final specifications and pricing for Australia will be announced closer to its official launch window.
With its combination of better range, more advanced features, and a surprisingly lower price tag, the 2026 Nissan Leaf represents a strategic push to keep the model competitive in an increasingly crowded EV market.