Nissan has revealed pricing for the new-generation Leaf electric vehicle in the United States, pointing to much sharper value for the more sophisticated new model.
Electric Cars
Nissan has launched the third-generation Leaf EV in the United States with a price tag that comes as a surprise.
Despite a larger, more sophisticated battery, improved driving range, and a host of additional equipment compared to its predecessor, the new Leaf undercuts the price of the model it replaces.
Nissan has launched the Leaf range in the United States with the larger of two available battery capacities.
Offering a 75-kilowatt-hour battery and a 488km driving range rating based on US EPA testing, the new Leaf provides a battery with a 25 per cent greater capacity and an EPA range that reaches 43 per cent further than the previous long-range version of the Leaf.
Despite the improvements, comparing the upsized battery versions, the 2026 Leaf's pricing undercuts its predecessor by 17 per cent.
The new Nissan Leaf range will be offered in four versions in the US, with the long-range 75kWh battery Leaf S+, SV+ and Platinum+ being the first versions to launch. A cheaper 52kWh Leaf S will join the range later.
The outgoing Leaf was offered in 40kWh Leaf S and 50kWh Leaf SV+ versions; however despite the new model technically being a lower trim level, Nissan’s bump in standard equipment means the new model comes with more than its dated predecessor.
Other changes between generations include a liquid-cooled battery with faster DC charging, larger infotainment and instrument displays, added driver assist features, but slightly smaller dimensions with a 140mm shorter length and 10mm shorter wheelbase.
Pricing for the Leaf S+ in the US starts from $US29,990 ($AU46,600) with the Leaf SV+ starting from $US34,230 ($AU53,190). The previous generation model Leaf SV+ was priced from $US36,190 ($AU56,240).
Regular pre-offer pricing for the 40kWh entry-level Leaf in Australia started from $49,990, while the longer-range Leaf e+ started from $60,490 before on-road costs.
While final pricing for Australian Leaf is yet to be locked in, and market forces could see different final pricing, applying the American price cut to Australian pricing would potentially bring the pricing down to around $41,490 and $50,190 for the short and long range, respectively.
With the new Leaf likely to be positioned against small SUVs rather than traditional hatchbacks, the pricing would see it undercut rivals like the Kia EV3 (from $47,600 +ORCs) and Hyundai Kona Electric (from $54,000).
Chinese rivals would still be cheaper though, with the Chery E5 starting from $36,990 +ORCs and the MG S5 starting from $40,490 drive-away.
Australian specifications and pricing are not yet confirmed, with the new Leaf joining other Nissan vehicles like the Ariya EV and Patrol 4x4 in experiencing significant delays between their international launch and local introduction.
Nissan has confirmed the Leaf will come to Australia during the 2026 Japanese fiscal year, which runs from March 2026 to April 2027.
Confirmed details for Australia will be revealed closer to this launch date.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
