2026 Nissan Leaf Still Affordable With a Friendly $31,485 Starting Price
Despite benefiting from a full redesign for 2026, Nissan’s funky little EV is less expensive now than when it debuted 15 years ago.
2026 nissan leafView Exterior Photos
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The Nissan Leaf is entering its third generation, and the 2026 model will start at $31,485.
Despite getting a considerable overhaul, the third-gen Leaf’s new price keeps it less expensive than it was when the model first launched in 2011.
The redesigned Leaf will begin arriving at dealerships later this fall, with Nissan planning to announce pricing and details on the entry-level S trim later.
After two generations of awkward styling and meager range figures, the Nissan Leaf is being ushered into its third generation with the 2026 model year. Despite huge improvements in both the styling and performance departments, the pricing on the Leaf doesn’t change much, with the S+ trim carrying a starting price tag of $31,485.
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In fact, while the 2026 model is slightly more expensive than the entry trim for the 2025 model (at $29,280), it’s still cheaper than the Leaf was when it debuted in 2011. The S+, along with the two trims above it, is equipped with a 75-kWh battery and a single 214-hp electric motor driving the front wheels.
The steps between trims are somewhat large, but they’re offset by a bevy of niceties. The 2026 SV+ will start at $35,725. It comes with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels instead of the 18-inch steelies installed on the S+. It also trades out the S/S+ trim’s dual 12.3-inch screen setup for dual 14.3-inch displays. Moving up to the Platinum+ brings the starting price to $40,485—another steep jump—but one that includes 19-inch wheels, a dimming panoramic roof, Bose audio, and a hologram effect for the taillights.
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2026 Nissan Leaf S+
The Leaf could become even more approachable in the near future, too, though at the cost of range and niceties. Nissan confirmed that pricing for the entry-level S trim—which will be situated below the S+—will be announced at a later date. As for the three trims we know are coming for 2026, the automaker confirmed that they’ll begin reaching dealerships sometime this fall.
More on the Nissan Leaf
2026 Nissan Leaf Review, Pricing, and Specs
2026 Nissan Leaf Looks Fresh, Has 303-Mile Range
We Compare the New Nissan Leaf with the Old One
Headshot of Jack Fitzgerald
Jack Fitzgerald
Associate News Editor
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
