Tesla promised an electric car for 25,000 rubles, but Nissan beat them to it with the base version of the 2026 Leaf (2 photos)

2026 Nissan Leaf Pricing Update

Nissan has officially revealed pricing for the next-generation 2026 Leaf, making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the U.S. market. The base Leaf S will cost $25,360, which is $4,630 less than the next-gen S+.

The Most Affordable Electric Vehicle in the U.S.

With that price, the Leaf S will be the most affordable electric vehicle in the country, beating out potential competitors like GM’s Chevrolet Bolt or the hypothetical Tesla base model that Elon Musk has been promising since 2018 but never released.



The new Leaf is not only cheaper than previous versions, but also offers improved performance. For example, the base S model is equipped with a 52 kWh battery and a 174 hp engine, while other versions have a 75 kWh battery and 215 hp.

The new SV+ version costs almost $2,000 less than the 2025 model, despite the increased range and additional standard features.

Technical features

All versions except the base S are equipped with a 75 kWh battery, providing up to 303 miles of range. In addition, every Leaf for the US market has a NACS port for charging at Tesla stations, as well as vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.

Updated design and interior

The Leaf’s redesign gave it a fastback crossover form factor with a length of 173.4 inches and improved aerodynamics. LED lighting is now standard on all trim levels, and the top-of-the-line Platinum+ trim gets exclusive Nissan Z-inspired taillights.

The cabin is more spacious with a flat floor and updated seats. Base trims feature two 12.3-inch displays, while higher-end trims feature a 14.3-inch display. The Platinum+ trim also features a panoramic roof, head-up display, and a premium Bose audio system.

Release dates

Deliveries of the 2026 Leaf in the U.S. will begin in fall 2025, while the base S trim will go on sale in spring 2026. The car is also planned for launch in Japan, Europe, and Australia.

John Galas contributed to this article

The increasing competition in the electric vehicle market is forcing manufacturers to find new ways to lower prices without sacrificing quality. Nissan has managed to not only keep the Leaf affordable, but also significantly improve its technical characteristics, making it an attractive choice for those who are just starting to get acquainted with electric cars. The introduction of technologies such as V2L and compatibility with the Tesla network adds to its practicality in everyday use.