The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF has been named as the Best Subcompact Electric SUV for 2026 in U.S. News 2026 Best Hybrid and Electric Car Awards.
The U.S. News Best Hybrid and Electric Car Awards recognize standout electric and electrified vehicles through a fully objective evaluation process. For 2026, the awards expanded to better differentiate vehicles across size and price segments. Rankings are determined by combining U.S. News Best Car Rankings scores with EPA fuel economy, range, and energy‑use data, pricing details, and the consensus of the automotive media, including insights from U.S. News vehicle testing experts.
"The redesigned 2026 Nissan Leaf, our winner as the Best Subcompact Electric SUV, demonstrates that affordable doesn't need to be basic or limiting," says John Vincent, senior editor for vehicle testing at U.S. News. "The Leaf offers a great balance of range and features, at a price that's within reach of many SUV buyers."
The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF builds on its heritage of reliable, affordable and stylish electric mobility, delivering exceptional value for mainstream EV buyers. With an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 303 miles per charge1, it provides confidence for everyday driving. A built-in NACS port with Plug & Charge2 capability also gives drivers access to more than 27,500 Tesla Superchargers3 making public charging convenient and easy.
Now in its third generation, the reimagined Nissan LEAF features clean, dynamic body lines that blend a sleek silhouette with an SUV-like stance. Its extensive roster of advanced technologies includes an available segment-first dimming panoramic roof4, standard class-exclusive Intelligent Around View® Monitor5, 64-color ambient interior lighting, flush door handles, 3D holographic tail lamps and available dual 14.3-inch displays with Google built-in6, including Google Maps.
The all-new 2026 LEAF has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the S+ grade of $29,9907 – a lower MSRP than the original 2011 LEAF.
Find more information on the 2026 Nissan LEAF, including specifications, photos and video, in the full press kit.
Quick Q&A
Who recognized the 2026 Nissan LEAF?
The 2026 Nissan LEAF was recognized by U.S. News, specifically by John Vincent, senior editor for vehicle testing at U.S. News, who called it the "Best Subcompact Electric SUV."
What was announced regarding the 2026 Nissan LEAF?
The 2026 Nissan LEAF was named the Best Subcompact Electric SUV by U.S. News, following a redesign and expansion of their Best Hybrid and Electric Car Awards for 2026.
When did the 2026 Nissan LEAF receive this award?
The 2026 Nissan LEAF received this award for the 2026 awards cycle, which expanded to better differentiate vehicles across size and price segments.
Why is the 2026 Nissan LEAF's recognition significant?
The recognition of the 2026 Nissan LEAF demonstrates that an affordable electric vehicle can still offer a great balance of range and features, with an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 303 miles per charge.
What are the future implications of the 2026 Nissan LEAF's features?
The 2026 Nissan LEAF's inclusion of a built-in NACS port with Plug & Charge capability gives drivers access to more than 27,500 Tesla Superchargers, making public charging more convenient for future owners.
About Nissan North America, Inc.
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube. EPA-estimated range up to 303 miles for combined city/highway driving. 2026 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 131 City, 111 Highway. Based on EPA formula of 33.7 kW/hour equal to one gallon of gasoline energy, EPA rated LEAF 75kWh S+ equivalent to 131 MPGe measured as gasoline fuel efficiency in city driving, and 111 MPGe in highway driving. Actual mileage will vary with trim levels, options, and driving conditions. See Customer Disclosure Form for details. Use for comparison only. Subscription and activation required. See Nissan Store in the MyNISSAN app for Terms and Conditions. Public charging networks are provided by independent companies and are subject to their own respective policies, terms, and/or conditions, and are not within Nissan's control. Should such independent companies terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to Nissan or its partners or agents. Nissan is not responsible for associated costs (including additional equipment or equipment replacements/upgrades, if available) or other third party changes that may be required for connectivity with a charger station. Availability of charging stations not guaranteed. Please see your Owner Manual for important operating and safety instructions. Available feature. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan LEAF vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV - Compact Class (EVs only). AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan LEAF vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV - Compact Class (EVs only). Based on manufacturers' websites. Intelligent Around View Monitor cannot eliminate blind spots and may not detect every object. Driver should always turn and check surroundings before driving. I-AVM includes Moving Object Detection. See Owner's Manual for safety information. Feature availability varies by vehicle model year, model, trim level, packaging and options. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services SELECT package ("Package") required. Package trial period included with eligible new vehicle purchase or lease. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice. After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. Only use features when safe and legal to do so. Never program while driving. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Connectivity service required. App subscriptions may be required. Data rates may apply. Subject to third party service availability. Should such service providers terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to NISSAN or its partners or agents. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC. For more information, see www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal. All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube. EPA-estimated range up to 303 miles for combined city/highway driving. 2026 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 131 City, 111 Highway. Based on EPA formula of 33.7 kW/hour equal to one gallon of gasoline energy, EPA rated LEAF 75kWh S+ equivalent to 131 MPGe measured as gasoline fuel efficiency in city driving, and 111 MPGe in highway driving. Actual mileage will vary with trim levels, options, and driving conditions. See Customer Disclosure Form for details. Use for comparison only. Subscription and activation required. See Nissan Store in the MyNISSAN app for Terms and Conditions. Public charging networks are provided by independent companies and are subject to their own respective policies, terms, and/or conditions, and are not within Nissan's control. Should such independent companies terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to Nissan or its partners or agents. Nissan is not responsible for associated costs (including additional equipment or equipment replacements/upgrades, if available) or other third party changes that may be required for connectivity with a charger station. Availability of charging stations not guaranteed. Please see your Owner Manual for important operating and safety instructions. Available feature. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan LEAF vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV - Compact Class (EVs only). AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan LEAF vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV - Compact Class (EVs only). Based on manufacturers' websites. Intelligent Around View Monitor cannot eliminate blind spots and may not detect every object. Driver should always turn and check surroundings before driving. I-AVM includes Moving Object Detection. See Owner's Manual for safety information. Feature availability varies by vehicle model year, model, trim level, packaging and options. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services SELECT package ("Package") required. Package trial period included with eligible new vehicle purchase or lease. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice. After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. Only use features when safe and legal to do so. Never program while driving. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Connectivity service required. App subscriptions may be required. Data rates may apply. Subject to third party service availability. Should such service providers terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to NISSAN or its partners or agents. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC. For more information, see www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal. All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.