Nissan Leaf's successor to be an electric SUV

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】The Nissan Leaf, a pioneer in mass-market electric cars, will be transformed into an SUV starting in 2026, according to reports. The third-generation Leaf will adopt a coupe-style SUV design, similar to the larger Ariya SUV. The new Leaf is expected to offer up to 25% more driving range than the current model. Nissan dealers were also informed about two additional electric models that will join the lineup before the end of the decade.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 9:37 AM PT

Nissan Leaf's successor to be an electric SUV

The Nissan Leaf, known for being a pioneer in mass-market electric cars, is set to undergo a major redesign. According to reports, the third-generation Leaf will transition from its familiar hatchback design to become an electric coupe-style SUV starting in 2026. This marks the end of the Leaf's nearly fifteen-year run as a battery-powered hatchback.

In recent years, the Leaf has faced tough competition from Chinese and South Korean brands, which have surpassed Nissan in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology. As a result, the Leaf has slipped down the sales charts. In response to this, Nissan executives have informed US dealers that the Leaf could adopt a design similar to the larger Ariya SUV instead of its traditional hatchback shape.

Although no photos have been provided, there are speculations that the Leaf's new design could resemble Nissan's 'Chill-Out' concept from 2021. This concept features a sloping back window and increased ride height, which aligns with the expectations for the new Leaf.

According to sources, the new-generation Nissan Leaf is projected to offer up to 25 percent more driving range than the current model, which has a claimed driving range of 270km to 385km, depending on battery capacity. This improvement in range aims to address one of the Leaf's shortcomings compared to its competitors.

The next-generation Leaf is expected to begin production at Nissan's Sunderland factory in 2026, as stated in government documents. Additionally, Nissan dealers have been informed about two additional electric models that are expected to join the lineup by the end of the decade. These new models include a performance sedan and another SUV, both utilizing the CMF-EV electric-car platform.

Nissan has ambitious plans for its electric vehicle lineup, with a goal of launching 15 electric cars and eight new hybrid models by 2030. The company also aims to achieve 'price parity' between its electric cars and traditional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, despite the current price difference.

Jordan Mulach, a Canberra/Ngunnawal native currently residing in Brisbane/Turrbal, joined the Drive team in 2022. With previous experience at Auto Action, MotorsportM8, The Supercars Collective, TouringCarTimes, WhichCar, Wheels, Motor, and Street Machine, Jordan is an iRacing enthusiast who can often be found behind the wheel of his Octavia RS or passionately discussing cars.