Peter Lyon
February 6, 2026
The all new Nissan Leaf has been honored as Best EV in the 2026 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards, adding to its impressive and growing list of industry commendations.
Meanwhile, the Leaf has also been named The Drive’s Best EV of 2026. The publication selected the new Leaf based on its impressive value proposition and driving experience.
“The LEAF brought EVs to a wide consumer audience back in 2011, and 15 years later, it has gotten a total redo. The new LEAF gives buyers even more reasons to take a peep at the LEAF for their affordable EV driving needs,” said John Davis, host and creator of MotorWeek.
The Drive Awards are based on scores from the publication’s editors who evaluate a vehicle based on driving satisfaction, usability, standard equipment compared to competitors, fuel efficiency or driving range, and value. LEAF scored 9 out of a possible 10 points, putting it at the top of the EV segment in this year’s awards.
MotorWeek’s production team evaluates more than 150 cars, trucks and SUVs every year. Drivers’ Choice Award winners, in 12 consumer-driven categories, are chosen based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and value. The 2026 Drivers’ Choice Award winners will appear in an episode of MotorWeek airing on public television stations starting February 7.
The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass market. It offers an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 303 miles per charge1, and a built-in NACS port with Plug & Charge functionality provides seamless access to more than 27,500 Tesla Superchargers for convenient public charging.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The new Leaf also delivers the industry’s best charging infrastructure. A built-in NACS port with Plug & Charge6 functionality provides seamless access to more than 27,500 Tesla Superchargers for convenient public charging, making LEAF ideal for commuting and road trips alike.
