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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $29,135–$38,963 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2026 Nissan LEAF at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional ev — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.5/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $29,135–$38,963, fully electric, seating 5, the Nissan LEAF sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Our take: The 2026 Nissan LEAF is a passable ev but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Nissan LEAF ranks #203 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $29,135 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 45%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
Across the LEAF model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $29,135 | |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $29,135 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $28,260 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.2/10 | $27,386 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $26,512 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $25,638 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $24,764 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.9/10 | $23,890 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $23,016 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.8/10 | $22,142 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.9/10 | $21,268 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Propulsion system / Traction battery 26/03/2026 · 26V188000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 LEAF vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage that can cause a short circuit within the battery module. |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
