Nissan previously announced a low (for EV) price of $31,845 for the all-new 2026 Leaf, but that was for the S+ trim. Where there’s an S+, there’s usually an S, and naturally, it’s apparently even less expensive—$4,630 less expensive, to be exact. According to CarsDirect citing “latest order guide data,” the 2026 Nissan Leaf S will start at $25,360 before destination or $26,855 after a $1,495 freight charge.
When S+ pricing was announced, it was already the cheapest new EV in the U.S. and a certified “screaming deal,” but the $27K S widens that gap even more—a hollerin’ deal, if you will. It’s worth noting that the $26,855 MSRP (before any government incentives or dealer-level offers, by the way) would be $2,780 cheaper than the last-gen 2025 Leaf it replaces. We’ve reached out to Nissan for confirmation and will update this story when we hear back.
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As of this writing, Leaf S pricing has yet to hit official Nissan channels, but the company’s spec literature says that instead of the 160-kW electric motor that comes in every other trim, the S uses a 130-kW motor that results in 174 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the 160-kW motor makes 214 hp and 261 lb-ft. Leaf S also uses a smaller 52-kWh battery instead of the 75-kWh unit of higher trims. Range is TBD, but expect it to be shorter than the S+’s 303 miles. Less serious equipment also means the Leaf S is the lightest of the Leafs, weighing in at 3,955 pounds, 232 pounds less than the S+ and a whole 414 pounds less than the top Platinum+.
As for creature comforts, Nissan specifies that the S will still get dual 12.3-inch screens with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, as well as two USB-C ports up front. No sad penalty box displays for the base-base Leaf. ProPilot Assist ADAS and keyless entry with push-button start are also standard across the board.
A widely available, sub-$30,000 electric car that isn’t massively compromised as an item you’d actually want to live with has been a bit of a fever dream for the industry for quite a while. Now, it’s here.
Top graphic image: Nissan
The post The Cheapest 2026 Nissan Leaf Will Start at $26,855, Actually appeared first on The Autopian.
