2026 Nissan Leaf Is Cheaper Than The 2010 Model — Here’s How It Stacks Up To Hyundai And Chevy EVs originally appeared on Autoblog.
The Nissan Leaf Is Cheaper Than It Was A Decade And A Half Ago
Following a comprehensive update for the 2026 model year, including yet more range and new looks, Nissan has announced pricing for the new Leaf. The updated EV is now much more crossover than hatchback, and it's also cheaper than ever. As an indication of how cheap, Nissan states today's Leaf is cheaper than the Leaf of 15 years ago, when it cost $32,780.
Pricing is as follows:
LEAF S+ : $29,990
LEAF SV+ : $34,230
LEAF PLATINUM+ : $38,990
Undoubtedly, that's pretty cheap for an EV with a claimed 303 miles of driving range and a load of shiny, new, modern looks and features. So, let's see how it stacks up to the next cheapest EVs on the market: the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Chevrolet Equinox EV.
The Kona Electric Is Still Darn Cheap
On the whole, the Kona EV is more expensive than the new Leaf. Its entry trim, the SE, costs as much as a mid-tier Leaf. The Kona EV also brings some serious strengths to the table for the money: the new Kona EV is a big improvement in space and ride quality over the previous model, and its range-to-price ratio is pretty appealing, topping out around 260 miles with the car's largest battery option. That, however, is notably less than the Leaf's claimed 300+ mile figure.
Pricing for the Kona EV is as follows:
SE: $34,470
SEL: $38,470
N Line: $39,870
Limited: $42,645
The Equinox EV Can't Touch The Leaf On Price
Chevrolet only offers two trims with a few option packages for the new Equinox EV. The LT is closest to the Leaf on price and range, with 319 miles of EPA-estimated range for front-drive models. Notably, the Equinox EV does offer similar range to the Leaf, even with AWD, which the new Nissan doesn't have, at 285 miles of range. At least Nissan will offer CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pricing for the Equinox EV is as follows:
LT: $34,995
RS: $44,795
At least on first glance, the Leaf looks relatively competitive - a big change for a hatchback that was woefully outdated a year ago. It offers a similar run of features to competitors like the electric Kona and Equinox without also killing buyers' wallets. While the lack of all-wheel drive is notable, Nissan does find other ways to make the new Leaf enticing, like its integrated Google Maps functionality and other advanced driver aids.
2026 Nissan Leaf Is Cheaper Than The 2010 Model — Here’s How It Stacks Up To Hyundai And Chevy EVs first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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