2026 Nissan LEAF: How designers turned the iconic EV into a sleek, air-cheating crossover

The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF¹ is the boldest iteration yet of the brand’s pioneering electric vehicle (EV). Designers transformed the hatchback into a crossover featuring a bold new face, muscular fenders and wheels pushed toward the corners of the chassis. And thanks to precise adjustments and attention to detail, the third-generation LEAF has a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.26.

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Giovanny Arroba, vice president of Nissan Design Europe, led the project. From the beginning, he encouraged the design team to lean into their creativity and embrace Nissan’s Japanese heritage.

“We wanted the team to truly explore and rev their imagination,” he said.

An electrifying legacy

LEAF was the first mass-market, fully electric vehicle when it debuted in 2009. In the 16 years since, more than half a million have been sold globally².

“LEAF is quite special,” Arroba said. “The design philosophy for the new LEAF really is keeping a spirit of timeless Japanese futurism and bringing impactful, striking design as we reimagine it as a crossover for the next generation.”

The most noticeable change is LEAF’s crossover proportions. Designers pushed the wheels closer to the corners, raised its stance and shortened the front overhang. Combined, they present a message of sportiness and capability.

“It has a much more agile presence on the road,” Arroba said.

Sleek, striking and seamless

Since EVs do not require a traditional grille, Nissan designers incorporated more of the body color into the front fascia, creating a cohesive look. LED headlights are connected by a thin, continuous light across the front of the vehicle, helping emphasize LEAF’s width.

“The V-motion-like mask integrates all our lighting elements from corner to corner with a rectangle motif that’s echoed in our taillights,” Arroba said.

The new rear is upright and features a high lip spoiler to diffuse air, further aiding aerodynamics.

“When you walk up to the back of the car, you really notice its new proportions, reflecting sleek efficiency while maintaining its functionality as a crossover,” Arroba said.

Designers added subtle details for drivers to discover. Throughout the vehicle, there is a motif of two vertical bars next to three horizontal bars. This alludes to ni and san – Japanese for two and three, respectively – a nod to the brand’s name. The most obvious placement of this motif is the taillights, which feature a 3D, holographic design.

“When you turn on the car, it comes to life in a digitalized, playful, charming manner,” Arroba said.

Throughout the vehicle, designers and engineers maintained a mantra of precision. They ensured panel gaps between doors, windows, the hood and other components were flush and small – creating a more cohesive, high-quality appearance.

This attention to seamless quality contributed to LEAF’s excellent aerodynamics, alongside flush retractable door handles, hidden rear door handles and plenty of time in the wind tunnel.

“The silhouette is shaped by science. That’s what gives us the low drag coefficient, especially for a crossover,” Arroba said.

New modern, airy interior

Stepping inside the 2026 LEAF, passengers will be greeted by an immediate sense of airiness and space.

“Being an electrified platform with a flat floor, we’re able to carve out a lot more space than a traditional car, and we want to really show it off,” Arroba said.

Enhancing this feeling is an available dimming panoramic roof – Nissan's first – that can become opaque in an instant. The driver can make several adjustments to make the glass opaque over the front seats, rear seats, both or neither. The LEAF nameplate is included in the opaque design.

“When the sunshine comes through that panoramic roof, it'll create the shadow of the nameplate in the interior of the car,” Arroba explained.

Much like the 2025 Murano, horizontal lines provide a modern, spacious impression. Materials don’t just look premium – they feel upscale as well, with soft-touch surfaces in key touchpoints.

“We wanted less hard plastics and more soft wrapping, but with a sense of vibrancy. Even the darker interior has a little bit of flake in it, bringing a little bit of shine and color – especially when the sun hits it,” Arroba said. “The surfaces are alive.”

The LEAF embraces the latest technology without overwhelming its occupants. Available dual 14.3-inch screens are smoothly integrated into the dashboard and feature new graphics that can gradually change with the time of day.

“You step in and you feel the morning environment through the color and the background,” Arroba said. “As it goes through midday, evening and night, those colors change.”

Nissan designers took a deliberate, thoughtful approach in creating the latest LEAF. While its new look is a departure from the outgoing model, it embodies the spirit of the original LEAF – and maintains its status as an EV icon.

“What makes LEAF special is its pioneering spirit,” Arroba said. “That lives on in this new design. We’re very proud of it, and I can’t wait to see it on the road.”

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¹ 2026 LEAF not yet available for purchase. Expected availability fall 2025. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary.

² Based on Global Nissan LEAF sales numbers since 2010.

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