--- title: "The 2026 Nissan Leaf Is an SUV Now So Hopefully People Will Buy One" date: "2025-03-26" modified: "2025-03-26" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-2026-nissan-leaf-is-an-suv-now-so-hopefully-people-will-buy-one" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "Leaf" - "Nissan" --- # The 2026 Nissan Leaf Is an SUV Now So Hopefully People Will Buy One ![]() *The Leaf and Friends about to drop the sickest album of 2026. Nissan* Over the next two years, [Nissan]() will bring a new range of vehicles to North America, but it all starts with the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf. The original Leaf popularized EVs in the United States, but three generations later, it's fallen drastically behind the competition. So it's only right that this new [Nissan Leaf]() leads the brand's charge, though this time, it's doing so as an SUV instead of a compact hatchback. The new Leaf will ride on the same CMF-EV platform as the [Ariya](), which isn't surprising when you look at it. It has big Ariya vibes, with its bubbly shapes, tall hoodline, and flowy body lines. It's also much bigger than the previous Leaf, as it's now supposed to be a family-friendly crossover. ![]() *2026 Nissan Leaf. *Nissan** Under that familiar design language is something new: Nissan's new ["3-in-1" electric powertrain](), made up of a motor, inverter, and reducer all built into one unit. This new powertrain is supposed to bring big range and power improvements, even if that's a low bar to clear. The current Leaf only has a maximum of 214 horsepower and 212 miles of range, so it won't be hard for the next-gen Leaf to best its predecessor. Nissan didn't reveal any specific power or range specs yet. Another big area of improvement over the old car is charging. Not only charging speed but also convenience. Gone is the current Leaf's archaic CHAdeMO DC charging port, as the new one will be the first Nissan to use NACS, meaning it will be able to access the Tesla Supercharger network. The 2026 Leaf is far from the only new Nissan product on the way, as 10 new or refreshed models are coming in the next couple of years. In addition to the Leaf, we'll also see a plug-in hybrid [Rogue](), a first for Nissan in North America. A new generation Sentra is also on the way in 2025, as is a refreshed Pathfinder. There's no word if either will get new hybrid powertrain options. ![]() *Infinit's Upcoming Lineup. *Nissan** Next year, Nissan will launch a new, fourth generation of Rogue, the first to use the new [e-Power powertrain](). The e-Power system is effectively like the old Chevy Volt since it's an electric drive unit but has a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that acts as a generator, and it's all built into one package. The fourth-gen Rogue will have a plug-in hybrid option, too, giving customers two electrified powertrains to choose from. In 2027, Nissan will begin production of an all-new, undisclosed EV at its Canton, Mississippi, plant alongside an all-new "adventure-based" SUV. Infiniti is going to join in on the fun, too. This year, we'll see a refreshed three-row QX60 SUV and a new "SPORT" version of the QX80 SUV. Next year, the Infiniti QX65 will launch, which was apparently inspired by the very popular old Infiniti FX series of bubbly crossovers. Then, in 2028, a new Infiniti electric SUV will also begin production in Canton, and it's inspired by the Vision QXe concept. Nissan has been lagging behind its competitors in North America for years, with far fewer EV and hybrid options. But that should change over the next half-decade as it drastically expands its lineups with new models, new powertrains, and new technologies. But it all starts with its most important model: the Leaf. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()