Nissan is planning a revamped lineup over the next couple of years, and the first new model to break cover is the next-generation 2026 Nissan Leaf. The modernized Leaf will be an electric crossover slotted below the Nissan Ariya.
“Over the next two years, we are excited to roll out an impressive lineup that will redefine the road! This includes the reimagined Nissan Leaf and a daring new Micra EV,” said the current Chief Planning Officer and soon-to-be CEO of Nissan. The current-generation Micra is unavailable in North America, but the next-gen electric model could replace the Versa as Nissan’s subcompact offering in the region.
This isn’t quite a full unveiling of the all-new Nissan Leaf, but it’s our first look at what the next-gen model will look like. More details are coming in mid-2025. What we know for now is that the 2026 Nissan Leaf will ride on the CMF-EV platform that debuted with the Ariya. A couple of Renault EVs and a future Alpine EV share this platform, but the Ariya is its only application in North America for now. Nissan is promising the new Leaf will deliver greater efficiency, enhanced driving performance, and “significant range improvements” over the aging second-gen model that debuted in 2018.
In the same announcement showing the first look at the 2026 Nissan Leaf, the Infiniti luxury brand teased a refreshed lineup. The revamp includes a refreshed Infiniti QX60, a coupe-like Infiniti QX65, and an electric crossover inspired by the Infiniti Vision QXe concept.
Throughout the lifecycle of the first-generation Chevy Bolt EV, which ran from 2017 to 2023, the Nissan Leaf was always its closest rival. They were competitive in price, and both had the advantage of expansive dealer networks, but the Bolt had a better range.
With the third-generation Nissan Leaf becoming a crossover, it will be interesting to see how it compares in size, range, and price to the second-generation Chevy Bolt, also set for a 2026 model year debut. We reported back in December of 2023 that the next-gen Bolt will be based on the Bolt EUV. Rather than being split into two models like the first-gen, post-facelift Bolt, the 2026 Bolt model range will consist solely of a subcompact crossover.
Comments
car in appearance seems not bad.. better clean than what a GM those days is,,, however an EV… and EVs do not come into consideration for us… but as car designer, ok saw it
The Bolt EUV is not a crossover. And this new Nissan Leaf is not one either.
Agreed, the EPA classifies the Bolt as a small station wagon on the window sticker.
The chevy bolt is an excellent car for local driving…not quite enough range yet. Not enough cargo space. The next up Equinox castor much space, although with great range
Quite confusing