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You Are What You Drive - A Bottom Line Review
By Tony Leopardo - The Car Guy © AutoWire.Net
What is a Leaf? The Leaf is a subcompact all electric vehicle built in the Sunderland, England manufacturing plant, and is assembled for the US market in the Tochigi plant in Kaminokawa, Japan, and then shipped to the United States with the final assembly work done in Los Angeles, CA, and sold in North America by Nissan.
The 2016 Nissan Leaf is an all new, third generation all electric EV vehicle that has been completely transformed from a traditional hatchback into a more modern, coupe style subcompact crossover SUV. Positioned as one of the most affordable and accessible electric powered vehicles on the market, it features a radical design overhaul, a significantly improved interior, upgraded fast charging infrastructure, and the longest driving range in the nameplate's history at 303 miles on a full battery charge.
To showcase the new model, this week Nissan sent me a Leaf to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Platinum+ Edition is $38,990. The options on the SUV are: the CCS adapter for $170, the USB charging cable set for $95, the floor mat package for $345, the cargo area package for $440, the battery heater for $300, and the premium 2 tone paint package for $800. The manufacturer's suggested retail price, MSRP, including the $1,495 delivery charge is: $42,635.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to $47,964. At just 36 bucks under $48 Grand you get Nissan's all new 2026 Premium+ Plus all electric SUV that can go up to 259 miles on a full battery pack, and can charge to 100% battery capacity in just under 12 hours on a level II 240 volt home charger. The Tesla plug can charge the Leafs 75 kWh lithium-ion battery from 10% to 80% charge in about 35 minutes at maximum speed.
Today the Leaf is classified as a crossover SUV for the 2026 model year, as Nissan has redesigned the vehicle from its traditional subcompact hatchback shape, into a small all electric subcompact SUV. Now it has a raised and trendy fastback style with SUV vibes, and there are a few very important upgrades to note regarding the new EV platform.
Front Wheel Drive Only: Despite its new crossover styling, the 2026 Leaf is available with only front wheel drive FWD, as all wheel drive AWD is not an option.
Dimensions: While it is marketed as an SUV, it is actually slightly shorter in height than the previous hatchback generation, leading some to still refer to its physical layout as a hatchback, even though Nissan categorizes it as an SUV.
Upgraded Performance: The shift to an SUV also brought in massive capability upgrades, including an available driving range of up to 303 miles, compared to the old model's maximum of 212 miles, and the compatibility with Tesla NACS fast chargers.
The 2006 Nissan Leaf now is at the highly competitive intersection of affordability and cargo capability, competing directly with other budget electric crossovers like the Hyundai Kona Electric EV, and the Chevy Equinox EV.
Pricing Advantage: The new 2026 Nissan Leaf starts at a base window sticker price of only $29,990, and it's under the $30,000 barrier, undercutting both the Kona Electric EV and the Equinox EV significantly.
Trunk Layout: Despite having the smallest numerical cargo numbers, the upright fastback silhouette means it's easier to load the Leaf full of big and bulky items, and it also has a unique and discreet under the cargo floor personal storage system.
Passenger Space: As the Leaf has a little less second row legroom at 31.8" inches, it still maintains its subcompact footprint, making it a best buy in the small electric SUV class.
Here are some of the best reasons to buy a 2026 Nissan Leaf over the competition.
Competitive Pricing: Starting under $30,000 it undercuts popular rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai IONIQ 5, making it one of the most budget friendly new EVs on the market today.
Driving Range: The third generation redesign dramatically boosts battery capacity, offering up to 303 miles of range, easily rivaling more expensive EV's.
Tesla Supercharger Access: Nissan has ditched the old charging port for a built-in NACS North American Charging System with Plug & Charge capability, giving you access to over 27,500 Tesla Superchargers in North America.
Fresh Crossover Styling: The quirky hatchback look is gone, replaced with a modern and sleek subcompact SUV stance, that looks like a more expensive and upscale SUV.
Upgraded Technology: It features built-in Google, a large 14.3" inch infotainment display on higher trims, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment.
OK, then why should you buy one? Because the 2026 Nissan Leaf stands out from the competition by offering a completely redesigned crossover body style, an impressive EPA estimated range of up to 303 miles, has the NACS fast charging support, and starts with an extremely affordable base window sticker price of only $29,990.
If your electric car buying budget is in the $30,000 range you should call, click or visit your local Nissan dealer for a test drive, and a bottom line price review on the all new 2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+ FWD All Electric SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Leaf starts at only $29,990.
The tag line for the new generation Nissan Leaf is - Effortlessly Electric and the EV for Everyone. Nissan also uses the phrase - More than ready to recharge your World. Both relate to the Nissan Leaf as being the leader in the affordable all electric vehicle market.
The key to life is to learn something new every day, and by reading my Bottom Line review, I hope you did just that, learned about something new and exciting. So, be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Drive safely, have a great day, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright - Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment send it to and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net
Name: The 2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+ FWD All Electric SUV
Topic: The 2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+ FWD All Electric SUV
Word Count: 1,083
Pic Cap: The 2026 Nissan Leaf Platinum+ FWD All Electric SUV
Photo Credits: Nissan Internet Media
Series number: 2026 - 33
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