All-new 2026 Nissan LEAF wins 2026 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for Best EV

2026 Nissan LEAF_SD_Red-13152
Image courtesy Nissan
2026 Nissan LEAF_SD_Red-13152
Image courtesy Nissan

The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF has been honored as Best EV in the 2026 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards, adding to its impressive and growing list of industry commendations.

“The LEAF brought EVs to a wide consumer audience back in 2011, and 15 years later, it has gotten a total redo. The new LEAF gives buyers even more reasons to take a peep at the LEAF for their affordable EV driving needs,” said John Davis, host and creator of MotorWeek.

MotorWeek’s production team evaluates more than 150 cars, trucks and SUVs every year. Drivers’ Choice Award winners, in 12 consumer-driven categories, are chosen based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and value. The 2026 Drivers’ Choice Award winners will appear in an episode of MotorWeek airing on public television stations starting February 7.

The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass market. It offers an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 303 miles per charge1, and a built-in NACS port with Plug & Charge2 functionality provides seamless access to more than 27,500 Tesla Superchargers3 for convenient public charging.

Now in its third generation, the Nissan LEAF has been completely reimagined with clean, dynamic body lines, combining a sleek profile with an SUV-like stance. Its extensive list of advanced technologies includes an available segment-first dimming panoramic roof4, standard class-exclusive Intelligent Around View® Monitor5, 64-color ambient interior lighting, flush door handles, 3D holographic tail lamps and available dual 14.3-inch displays with Google built-in6, including Google Maps.

Reflecting Nissan’s drive to deliver affordable, value-packed electric mobility, the all-new 2026 LEAF has a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the S+ grade of $29,9907 – a lower MSRP than the original 2011 LEAF.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow us on Microsoft Start.

Notes:

  1. 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.
  2. Subscription and activation required. See Nissan Store in the MyNISSAN app for Terms and Conditions.
  3. 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.
  4. Available feature. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan LEAF vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV – Compact Class (EVs only).
  5. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Nissan LEAF vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV – Compact Class (EVs only). Based on manufacturers’ websites. Intelligent Around View Monitor cannot eliminate blind spots and may not detect every object. Driver should always turn and check surroundings before driving. I-AVM includes Moving Object Detection. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.
  6. Feature availability varies by vehicle model year, model, trim level, packaging and options. Consumer activation of NissanConnect Services SELECT package (“Package”) required. Package trial period included with eligible new vehicle purchase or lease. Trial period may be subject to change or termination at any time and without notice. After trial period ends, monthly subscription fee required. Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. Only use features when safe and legal to do so. Never program while driving. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Connectivity service required. App subscriptions may be required. Data rates may apply. Subject to third party service availability. Should such service providers 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. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC. For more information, see www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal.
  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.

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the founder of Motoring Chronicle and an FIA accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following motorsport and the global automotive industry. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered Formula 1 races and automotive events at venues around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every race report, car review, and industry analysis he writes. His work spans the full breadth of motoring — from the latest EV launches and road car reviews to the cutting edge of motorsport competition.

Leave a Comment

More in News

kapa65-car-headlights-235729_1280

How to Remove Moisture From Inside Your Headlight Before It Costs You £500

A light haze inside a headlight that clears once the ...

What Red and Amber Warning Lights Actually Mean (and Which Fail an MOT)

A red dashboard warning light means stop when it is ...

How to De-Ice Your Windscreen Fast Without Cracking It (and Staying Legal)

The fastest safe method is wipers off, engine on, heater ...

New Cars Face Euro 7 Rules From 29 November With a £264 Price Rise

Euro 7 rules take effect for any brand new car ...
Parking ticket for a penalty or fine stuck on Range Rover cars windscreen, captured in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England, UK — Photo by Brasilnut

What the Traffic Penalty Tribunal’s 33 Percent Success Rate Means for Every Driver

The Traffic Penalty Tribunal's 2025 to 2026 annual report shows ...

Trending on Motoring Chronicle

-26AZ-3008-T2T-ZR1X-0166

1-of-1 2026 Corvette ZR1X raises $2.6 million for America’s heroes

On Saturday, January 24, a bespoke 1-of-1 Stars & Steel-inspired ...
Young man helping disabled senior woman in wheelchair to get into car outdoors

The FCA Has Been Asked To Investigate Motability Over Disabled Drivers Losing Their Cars

A financial regulator has been asked to investigate Motability Operations ...
Audi Nuvolari high-performance hybrid supercar in Titanium paint

Audi Nuvolari Revealed as Brand’s First Supercar With 1,001 PS Hybrid V8

Audi has revealed the Nuvolari, the first supercar in its ...
Freedom or safety for young drivers? UK can and must deliver both, says GEM 11/05/2026 SHARE: Images are for editorial use only. Experts gathering at Young Driver Focus in London on 13 May to press for action, not further delay Young drivers remain disproportionately at risk, with preventable deaths continuing on UK roads International evidence shows graduated driver licensing can cut crashes by up to 40% GEM Motoring Assist will return to the RAC Club, London, on 13 May as headline sponsor of Young Driver Focus 2026, renewing calls for decisive action to improve protection for newly-qualified drivers. Despite years of evidence and advocacy, the UK has yet to introduce a comprehensive system of graduated driver licensing (GDL) - a move GEM and other road safety groups say is costing young lives. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “We are long past the point of asking whether we should act. The evidence is overwhelming, and the consequences of delay are measured in lives lost and families devastated.” GDL is a phased approach that allows new drivers to gain experience under lower-risk conditions before progressing to full driving privileges. Common measures include limits on late-night driving and restrictions on carrying same-age passengers during the months after passing the test. International research consistently shows crash reductions of between 20% and 40% where GDL systems are in place. In some regions of Canada, reductions in young driver deaths have exceeded 80%. In the UK, drivers aged 17 to 24 account for around 20% of road deaths, despite making up just 7% of licence holders. Inexperience, distraction and overconfidence remain key risk factors - precisely the issues GDL is designed to address. GEM stresses that a well-designed system supports rather than penalises young people, and a recent TRL review1 found no significant negative impact on access to education, employment or social activity. GEM supports a system that extends structured learning, reduces known high-risk conditions and allows young drivers to build skills progressively and safely. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “We do many things well in the UK, particularly in driver training, but the current system offers too little structured support once someone passes the test. That’s where the real risk begins. “The choice is simple: continue with a system we know is failing too many young people, or take proven steps that will save lives. Doing nothing is not a neutral position - it is a decision with consequences… and Young Driver Focus offers a chance to translate the latest insight into real-world action.”

What the UK’s First Graduated Driving Licence Means for Every Learner Driver From October

Northern Ireland is set to introduce the most significant reform ...
Z95_7070-Edit copy

McLaren Project: Endurance debuts Triple Crown inspired livery during Monterey Car Week [Photo Gallery]

McLaren Project: Endurance customer Le Mans Hypercar unveiled to Americas ...