2026 Nissan Leaf: America's Cheapest EV Just Crushed Its EPA-Estimated Range

The new Leaf isn't just a bargain. It's shaping up to be a range monster.

Photo by: Patrick George

Tim Levin

By: Tim Levin

Nov 3, 2025 at 6:58pm ET

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The 2026 Nissan Leaf blew past its EPA-estimated range in an independent test.
Edmunds drove the Leaf Platinum+ 310 miles, beating its official rating by 20%.
The test is a good sign for America's cheapest EV.

With a modern design, better electric range and faster charging, the third-generation Nissan Leaf is easily the best Leaf ever. And apparently it's even better than advertised.

Edmunds subjected the 2026 Leaf Platinum+ to its electric vehicle range test, and the little crossover passed with flying colors. The Leaf crushed its official EPA-estimated figure of 259 miles by 20%, managing to cover 310 miles before conking out. What's more, Edmunds clocked the Leaf's efficiency at 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour.

Now, there's a reason the Leaf did better than the EPA said it would, and that's because Edmunds tests range a bit differently. Its evaluations involve 60% city driving and 40% highway driving, whereas the EPA's formula is 55:45. Edmunds says its procedure better reflects how people actually drive.

Still, it's a great showing that bodes well the lower-cost Leaf variants we're most excited about. Nissan's top-of-the-line Leaf, the Platinum+ costs just over $40,000 before any options. It's also the lowest-range variant on sale right now.

Gallery: 2026 Nissan Leaf Review

Source: Patrick George

But the new Leaf's real coup de grâce for the EV market is how cheap and compelling the base model is. The S+ costs a little over $31,000—a price point practically unheard of in America's EV market—and carries a strong EPA estimate of 303 miles. That's almost 100 miles more than the outgoing model's best rating.

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Edmunds' test suggests that the S+ could blow past its rating, too. That would make America's cheapest EV an even better bargain than it already is.

Contact the author: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com