A car that helped launch the modern EV age, the Nissan Leaf gets a much-needed redesign for the 2026 model year.

The 2026 Nissan Leaf represents the latest redesign of Nissan’s pioneering EV since the 2017 model year. This third-generation Leaf boasts more range, up-to-date tech and charging hardware, and new styling that looks more crossover than hatchback. But where the original Leaf was pioneering, the new Leaf returns to a mature segment populated by competent rivals from Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Verdict: The new Leaf picks up where the old one left off with low pricing, and it only occasionally reminds you of that.