The new Nissan Leaf has been named AutoExpress' Car of the Year 2026, and we got behind the wheel to see if it lives up to the hype. The third-generation model swaps the familiar hatchback for a crossover SUV body style, a bold reinvention of the car that first made electric vehicles mainstream.
A Complete Reinvention
The original Leaf launched 16 years ago and sold over half a million units across almost 60 global markets, proving that electric cars could go mainstream. The second-generation model arrived in 2018 with extended range and power output, but kept the hatchback styling. For 2026, Nissan has completely redesigned the car, and the hatchback is gone.
Giovanny Arroba, vice president of Nissan Design Europe, said he wanted his team to "truly explore and rev their imagination". The result is a car that looks similar to a Qashqai at the front, but cleaner and more engaging. Hidden door handles and a black V-motion grille stand out, while the rear features sharp LED taillights in the style of classic American muscle cars.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the most significant update is the distinct lack of buttons, in line with modern EV crossover rivals. The 75kWh model we tested is fitted with dual 14.3-inch high-resolution touchscreens powered by Android Automotive, with built-in Google Maps support. The graphics are sharp, but the touchscreen is difficult to use at first, with pop-ups flashing up and radio stations sometimes refusing to appear until a hard reset.
The addition of a Heads Up Display projecting speed and navigation onto the windscreen is a welcome feature, and the synthetic leather seats are among the most comfortable at this price point. The crossover design also brings more room, with 437 litres of boot space expandable to over 1,052 litres with the rear seats folded down. Unlike many EVs, there is no front frunk, but there is a dedicated space for chargers in the boot.
Performance and Range
The entry-level 52kWh Leaf has 174bhp, hitting 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, with a range of 272 miles and a charging speed of 1-5kW, topping up from 10% to 80% in around 35 minutes. The higher-trim 75kWh model we tried has up to 217bhp, reaching 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, and an official WLTP range of up to 387 miles – well above the market average.
The 75kWh model weighs 1,982 kg, and you can feel this through corners with some understeer at times. However, the car still feels planted and stable, with light steering making driving almost effortless. Variable brake regen offers four modes adjusted via flappy paddles behind the wheel, with the lowest setting making the car feel less jumpy than many EVs.
Cost and Verdict
Buyers can take advantage of Labour's full £3,750 electric car grant, meaning the base model costs a competitive £28,849 – cheaper than the Kia EV3 and VW ID.3. The 75kWh model starts at £32,249, with finance deals from around £285 per month.
The new Leaf is a bold new step for Nissan and a confident move in the right direction. Despite a few issues with the infotainment, the minimalist interior is comfortable and stylish, and the standout feature of the premium 75kWh model is its impressive range. The car is cheaper than many of its closest rivals and is certain to catch the attention of customers when it hits forecourts. It's a new era for the Leaf, and Nissan's plucky hatchback brand that once changed EV history is writing another new chapter.
