2026 Nissan Armada, Nissan LEAF named Cars.com Best of 2026 Awards winners

Two Nissan vehicles won their categories in the Cars.com Best of 2026 awards. The 2026 Nissan Armada was named Best SUV of 2026, and the all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2026.

“The all-new Nissan LEAF earned Cars.com’s Best Car of 2026 award by redefining affordable EV ownership with strong range, smart technology and exceptional value,” said Mike Hanley, senior road test editor, Cars.com. “At the same time, the Nissan Armada took home Cars.com’s Best SUV of 2026 thanks to its rare combination of comfort, safety features, capability and versatility. Winning in two very different segments shows how well Nissan is meeting the needs of today’s car shoppers.”

Cars.com’s Best Car of 2026 awards is selected from a pool of over 40 all-new or redesigned models. When determining the Best Car award winner, Cars.com experts consider three key criteria: quality, innovation and value. The remaining five categories of Cars.com’s Best Of awards program are Best Car, Best Pickup Truck, Best Electric Vehicle, Best SUV, Best Luxury Car and Best Family Car. Cars.com’s experts consider all model-year 2026 vehicles in a corresponding category for these six awards.

The 2026 Nissan Armada continues to make its mark on the full-size SUV segment with supreme comfort, premium interior features, confident handling, effortless off-road capability and helpful technologies. There is an Armada grade for every adventure, including the rugged PRO-4X, dynamic NISMO and luxurious Platinum Reserve.

Armada’s standard twin-turbo V6 is rated for 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, enabling a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds¹. Advanced technologies that help simplify off-roading, commuting and highway driving include available Invisible Hood View², Front Wide View² and 3D Intelligent Around View® Monitor² camera systems, and available ProPILOT Assist 2.1³, enabling hands-off freeway driving for attentive drivers.

Armada PRO-4X excels beyond the pavement with all-terrain tires, an off-road-specific front bumper with an increased approach angle, underbody skid plates, an electronic locking differential and Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension⁴. New for the 2026 model year, the first-ever Armada NISMO has an additional 35 horsepower over other Armada models, for a total of 460 horsepower (when using premium fuel only)⁵, plus NISMO-exclusive steering and suspension tuning, NISMO 22-inch forged alloy wheels and aerodynamically enhanced bodywork.

The all-new electric 2026 Nissan LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass market. It has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 303 miles per charge⁶, and a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the S+ grade of $29,990⁷.

Now in its third generation, LEAF’s design has been completely reimagined with clean, dynamic body lines, combining a sleek profile with an SUV-like stance. A built-in NACS port with Plug & Charge⁸ functionality provides seamless access to more than 27,500 Tesla Superchargers⁹ for convenient public charging, making LEAF ideal for commuting and road trips alike.

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Notes:

1. Up to 8,500 lbs towing for 2026 Nissan Armada. Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner’s Manual for additional information. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always secure cargo.
2. Driver-assist and safety features have limitations which affect how they function in certain situations. The driver must never rely exclusively on any vehicle feature to warn about, prevent, or lessen the severity of a collision. It is the driver’s responsibility to always be in control, monitor the surroundings, and safely operate the vehicle. Read your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for further information.
3. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services ProPILOT Assist 2.1 package (“Package”” required for ProPILOT Assist 2.1 functionality. Package trial period included with new vehicle purchase. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice.  After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. See www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal for more subscription information.  ProPILOT Assist 2.1 cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver’s responsibility to be in control of the vehicle and monitor traffic conditions at all times. Hands-off freeway driving is possible when driving in a single lane, on the condition that the driver remains attentive on the road ahead and is prepared to immediately take manual control of the steering wheel when conditions of the road, traffic, and vehicle require it. System operates only when lane markings are detected.  Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions.  System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety.  See Owner’s Manual for safety information.
4. Available feature. Lowering and raising action for Access mode can only be performed when vehicle is at a complete stop and parked. Please see Nissan Owner’s Manual for full details and information before using.
5. Horsepower varies by trim level and use of fuel grade. Contact dealer for details.
6. EPA-estimated range up to 303 miles for combined city/highway driving. 2026 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 131 City, 111 Highway. Based on EPA formula of 33.7 kW/hour equal to one gallon of gasoline energy, EPA rated LEAF 75kWh S+ equivalent to 131 MPGe measured as gasoline fuel efficiency in city driving, and 111 MPGe in highway driving. Actual mileage will vary with trim levels, options, and driving conditions. See Customer Disclosure Form for details.  Use for comparison only.
7. All prices are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.
8. Subscription and activation required. See Nissan Store in the MyNISSAN app for Terms and Conditions.
9. Public charging networks are provided by independent companies and are subject to their own respective policies, terms, and/or conditions, and are not within Nissan’s control. Should such independent companies terminate or restrict service or features, service or features may be suspended or terminated without notice or with no liability to Nissan or its partners or agents.  Nissan is not responsible for associated costs (including additional equipment or equipment replacements/upgrades, if available) or other third party changes that may be required for connectivity with a charger station. Availability of charging stations not guaranteed. Please see your Owner Manual for important operating and safety instructions.