Autopia: Nissan Leaf, formerly a sedan, evolves into an SUV

Nissan is reshaping the Leaf for 2026, ending its long run as a hatchback and repositioning the third-generation model as a crossover utility vehicle. Nissan introduced the original Leaf in the U.S. in 2010 as a 2011 model, when it was the first mass-market electric zero-emission vehicle; U.S. sales peaked at about 30,000 in 2014 but slid to just over 5,000 last year. The 2026 Leaf comes in S, S+, SV+ and Platinum+ trims, with a single motor rated at 214 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s front-wheel drive only, with multiple drive modes and a 259-mile range. The top Platinum+ starts at $38,990 and adds features including Bose audio, a HUD, power liftgate, and 19-inch wheels.