Image: Mike Schlee
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR GREG MIGLIORE:
I tested a Nissan Leaf Platinum+ this winter, and I really liked it. Despite the cold, the range held up reasonably well, and I think Nissan is offering a nice recipe of value, features and electric range. It looks great to my eye. Calling it a lifted Z car is taking it too far, but it certainly has some of the old Maxima’s stylistic flair, with attractive curves accented by LED lights front and rear. Inside, I found it to be one of the nicer Nissans I’ve tested recently, with a clean aesthetic, relatively easy-to-use infotainment and pleasing materials. It’s quick enough, with 214 hp sent to the front wheels, and there’s a touch of hot (OK, medium spicy) hatch vibes. If it were my money, I would look at a lower trim, like the S+, which offers up to 303 miles of range with its smaller steel wheels (The Platinum uses larger alloy rollers and gets 259 miles).
I did some errands with the Leaf, put the family in it, and everyone was somewhat comfortable, with a highback booster carseat wedging in the back. The cargo hold is pretty roomy, especially for the subcompact segment that Nissan is dropping the Leaf into. There, I ran into some dissonance. To me, the Leaf was a car. Frankly it still is. The ride height is just slightly higher. That said, given some of the lifted hatches that other carmakers are calling SUVs and crossovers, well, sure the Leaf is a crossover now. With the $7,500 tax credit it would have been a screaming deal, but it’s still a compelling EV choice for style and value.
Kyle Patrick, Road Test Editor
Image: Kyle Patrick
Unlike Greg (and Mike), I didn’t get an opportunity to drive the Leaf in the winter. I drove it in picture-perfect weather on the national first drive in San Diego. I know, sometimes life is hard that way.
But testing the car in optimal conditions provides its own insights. For starters, range seemed right in-line with the official figures, and that was through a whole heap of winding mountain roads. Nissan might call this a crossover but importantly it still drives like a car. The Leaf is comfortable and capable and quick enough for day-to-day driving. If there’s one thing I didn’t care for, it’s the umpteen levels of barely-different regenerative braking, but no full one-pedal setup. C’mon Nissan, make it happen!
The other aspect my specific situation provided was a great test of sound insulation. The major advantage a Leaf has over a similarly priced ICE car is that smooth and quiet progress that is core to the EV experience. It really goes some way to making the Leaf feel like a more premium method of conveyance.
So does the cabin. The Leaf’s interior design is smart and pared-back but doesn’t feel budget-restricted. Yes, the model I drove was a top trim, but it employed plenty of interesting and thoughtful materials.
Overall, while I still quibble at Nissan’s categorization of this third-generation Leaf, there’s no denying it’s brought a level of affordability and style to a part of the market that was underserved.
Mike Schlee, Managing Editor
Image: Mike Schlee
Out of the three of us, I spent the most time with the 2026 Nissan LEAF. I had it for three weeks over the December holidays and experienced every type of weather. Having good road manners in the dry wasn’t much of a surprise as previous generations of the LEAF drove quite well. What really surprised me is how surefooted it was in the snow. With proper winter tires in over 12-inches of white powder, the vehicle never missed a step. I could have almost been convinced the rear wheels were aiding in acceleration.
As a family hauler, the new LEAF isn’t bad either. With a stage 2 home charger, I never had to worry about range, even when driving for multiple hours in a day. The new sloped rear glass is a bit of an issue though as it cuts into cargo capacity. Officially, the new generation LEAF has less cargo storage behind the rear seats compared to the previous generation. For a family of three (and a small dog) going on a Christmas weekend getaway, complete with presents, space was tight.
Overall though, I was pleased with the new 2026 Nissan LEAF and think it could help ease potential customers into the world of all-electric vehicles.
