Peter Lyon
December 20, 2025
Nissan’s all-new Leaf EV has been picking up awards left, right and center. It has earned significant recognition, including being crowned The Sun’s Overall Car of the Year at the Motor Awards 20205 in the UK. In the U.S., it also won multiple Buzz Awards, taking top honors for Car of the Year, Best EV, and Best Budget Vehicle, highlighting its affordability, desirability, and practicality.
Now, the all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF has been named Breakthrough EV of the Year by InsideEVs, recognizing its combination of affordability, innovation and refinement.
InsideEVs praised the 2026 LEAF for delivering a practical, enjoyable electric driving experience that appeals to both first-time EV buyers and seasoned enthusiasts. With a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $29,9901, LEAF offers exceptional value for customers looking to make the switch to all-electric driving.
This honor adds to the 2026 LEAF’s growing list of accolades, including Car of the Year, Best EV and Best Budget Vehicle in the inaugural Buzz Awards. The 2026 LEAF is also a finalist for the prestigious North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award.
The all-new 2026 LEAF features an EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles2 per charge, making it ideal for commuting and road trips. Built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) compatibility with Plug & Charge4 provides seamless access to more than 25,000 Tesla Superchargers⁵, ensuring fast and convenient public charging.
LEAF’s modern design combines clean, minimalist surfacing with advanced details such as motorized flush door handles—a Nissan first—alongside a sleek, curving roofline with a katana blade-like molding inspired by the Z sports car and a segment-first dimming panoramic roof3 that transitions between opaque and transparent at the touch of a button.
Advanced technology throughout makes living with LEAF effortless. Available Google built-in5, including Google Maps with Intelligent Route Planner, simplifies navigation and provides access to familiar apps. New camera technologies include standard, class-exclusive Intelligent Around View Monitor6, Invisible Hood View7, and Front Wide View7 functions for added confidence and convenience.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
This EV is sold in international markets and boasts very different ranges between regions. In the US, the EPA-estimated range is up to 303 miles for combined city/highway driving. However, Nissan is parading the range of its Japan-based Leaf at 702 kms, which equates to 436 miles. Yes, that is very different from the US figure, and raises some question marks. One thing is for certain—the US (EPA) figure is a lot closer to the real-world figure than the Japanese one.
