It’s Nashville, 2010, and I’m driving the first-generation Nissan Leaf at the press preview. It’s smooth and quiet if a little wobbly under its ugly duckling styling, and impressive with a five-passenger cabin, hatchback cargo area and…100 miles range. Unfortunately, if I could predict the future, the similar-sized Chevy Bolt will soon go 250 miles. What’s a Tesla?
Good memories, but it’s been challenging times for the Leaf. Thankfully, an all-new model for 2026 vastly improves its cachet.
The old homely hatch transforms into a future-tech swan with compact crossover style channeling Nissan’s larger Ariya EV. It’s beautiful from its curved flush face through contrasting color roof and smoked taillamps. Squinty headlamps are browed by Ziggy driving lamps up front while muscular fenders cradle dark 19” wheels. Lots of black sculpted plastic disguises the Leaf’s pudgy proportions. Check integrated roof rails and illuminated front badge.
Look close at the front fenders and you’ll notice a door on each side. I knew the Leaf had a Tesla-style NACS plug, but when I opened the driver side door to recharge at home, it was the old style. “Like, what”, I thought. Then, I realized the second door revealed a NACS plug. No adapters. No drama. Nice.
That’s just plugging in. After, our Platinum+ edition claims 259 miles range, but other Leafs achieve 300 miles. Expect to recharge to 80% in about 35 minutes on a fast charger or completely on a 240v home charger in 6.5 hours. Using the back-up household charger will take all day, so don’t.
Whether running to the office for a couple of meetings, dropping my minion off at school, or picking up friends at the airport, the Leaf was a happy companion. Nissan rates output at 214 horsepower and 261 lb.-ft. of torque, which even with front-drive only, zipped the Leaf up to speed. It’s not Tesla fast, but that’s not really the point. The stiff body structure eked not a squeak, creak, nor rattle no matter the rough pavement. The drive mode selector changes sensitivity of the accelerator but conjures no more power.
Ariya vibes continue inside with twin 14.3-inch screens, layers of rich materials, plush seats and climate controls flush-touched to the dash. It’s all very artful, but also luxurious with Bose headrest speakers, hands-free liftgate, two rows of heated seats and a heated steering wheel too. Connecting phones is easy with wireless CarPlay, Auto and a clever wireless charging slot armrest extension. I marveled at the glass roof that turns from clear to opaque in theater that mimics a physical cover retracting or deploying. Cool.
Safety was not overlooked as our Leaf came with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear auto brake and blind spot warning. I especially appreciated the head-up display and rain-sensing wipers. The swipescreen is easy enough to use, but I’d appreciate a proper tuning knob to keep eyes on the road.
The distance traveled by the Leaf over fifteen years and three generations is best measured by increased range, exquisite styling and everyday usability. It can also be measured in dollars.
That original Leaf wore a $32,780 sticker before incentives. Inflation-adjusted, that’s over $48,000! For a car that went 100 miles on a good day and took forever to charge. By comparison, the 2026 Leaf starts at just $29,990, rising to $41,930 for our very well-equipped Platinum+. It’s a pretty swell deal, but tough competitors include the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, Subaru Uncharted, Toyota C-HR and reintroduced Chevy Bolt.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.