Summary
The third-generation Nissan Leaf is a compact all-electric family car that is set to arrive in the UK later this year. It replaces the electric Leaf hatchback that was removed from sale in 2024.
Set to challenge the sales of compact family-friendly EVs like the Kia EV3 and Volkswagen ID.3, the new Leaf is a very important high-sales model for Nissan. It is now in production at the brand’s factory in Sunderland, the manufacturer hoping that the crossover will soon become “a British-built electric car icon.”
The Car team notes that the latest iteration of the Leaf is a “complete departure from its predecessor, but in a good way”, describing the SUV/crossover as “sensible, practical and polished.”
The independent’s Steve Fowler adds that the car’s driving experience is “nicely judged” and “comfortable”. He adds that, while the car’s cabin design is a bit “dull” and the “charging speeds aren’t cutting edge”, the EV’s battery range and on-board tech more than make up for that, particularly when you consider the car’s “attractive pricing”.
Carwow’s Mario Christou largely agrees, concluding that the Nissan is a “stylish and excellent-to-drive little electric SUV”, but adds that the rear seating and boot could be more spacious, when compared to rivals in the same category.
As of April 2026, the Nissan Leaf holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%.
- Nissan Leaf (2018 to 2024) – Expert Rating
- More Nissan Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Leaf highlights
- Comfortable and refined on the road
- Competitive battery range
- Intuitive on-board tech
Leaf lowlights
- Alternatives offer more cabin and boot space
- Not very exciting
- Some rivals can charge at higher speeds
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £32,249 (with £3,750 EV grant included)
Launched: Autumn/Winter 2025
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The new Nissan Leaf is a stylish and excellent-to-drive little electric SUV, but it’s not very spacious in the back and alternatives have bigger boots.”
Score: 9 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
Mario Christou
“This is no small update, but a wholesale reimagination of Nissan’s C-segment EV for the better. The new Nissan Leaf is very, very good. And it’s built in Britain!”
Score: 9 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
Jordan Katsianis
More reviews
Auto Trader
Score: 9 / 10
“Gone are the gawky looks and the outdated charging technology, the new Nissan Leaf is a is sleek, modern crossover ready to make its presence known. This all-new Leaf is composed, comfortable and significantly more premium than its predecessors. It has all the ingredients to be a winner.”
Author: Catherine King
Read review
Car
Score: 9 / 10
“Nissan has delivered a sensible, practical and polished electric car that builds on the technical achievements of the Mk1 and Mk2, but removed the quirky Japanese-ness of the originals. The new Nissan Leaf is a complete departure from its predecessor, but in a good way. A proper, thoughtful Nissan.”
Author: Tim Pollard, Vicky Parrott
Read review
Electrifying.com
Score: 8 / 10
“The Nissan Leaf is really interesting new option in the crowded family EV class. I think it looks really great, it feels techy and modern in a very good way, and I’m pleased that Nissan is really trying to give buyers easy-to-understand, real world information about the range and charging. It’s thoughtful, clever and weirdly likeable, and it’s got the range, the space and the tech that people want.”
Author: Vicky Parrott
Read review
Green Car Guide
Score: 8 / 10
“The Nissan Leaf is tempting. It’s a significant improvement over the outgoing model, offering decent practicality, a nice but not luxurious interior, and a far bolder exterior that transforms its appeal compared with its predecessor.”
Author: Tim Barnes-Clay
Read review
Heycar
Score: 8 / 10
“The third-generation Nissan Leaf is a big step on from its predecessor and looks set to do well.”
Author: Matt Robinson
Read review
Parkers
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The new Nissan Leaf is a smart evolution of the original mainstream electric car. It feels like Nissan has packed everything it’s learned from a decade-and-a-half of making EVs into the third generation – and it’s consequently a polished and capable all-rounder.”
Author: Tim Pollard
Read review
RAC
Score: 8.5 / 10
“The Nissan Leaf is an extremely likeable electric car. Effortless to drive and extremely refined, it is a well-rounded effort that reaffirms the Leaf’s place as a market leading EV. Its smooth and soft driving manners may leave some enthusiastic drivers cold, but we think the Leaf’s low running costs and upmarket interior will win over the majority of family car buyers.”
Author: Dan Powell
Read review
The Independent
Score: 8 / 10
“The Nissan Leaf’s driving experience is nicely judged: smooth, comfortable and secure, with no unnecessary drama. It’s not exciting, but it is easy – and that’s what so many buyers want. The cabin may be a little dull, and the charging speeds aren’t cutting edge, but the range, the refinement, the technology and the promise of attractive pricing more than make up for that. And the fact it’s built here in Britain gives it a sense of pride few rivals can match.”
Author: Steve Fowler
Read review
Top Gear
Score: 8 / 10
“Nissan has turned over a new Leaf. Yup, inevitable headline is justified by the facts.”
Author: Paul Horrell
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of April 2026, the third-generation Nissan Leaf has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of April 2026, the Nissan Leaf has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Leaf is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 329 miles | A |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 5.2 m/KWh | A |
The Nissan Leaf is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We don’t have the full running cost picture for the new Leaf just yet, but the EV’s average battery range of 329 miles is competitive in the mid-sized SUV category, and its electrical efficiency (the electric car equivalent of miles per gallon) is excellent.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of April 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Nissan Leaf to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Leaf, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Nissan Leaf
| Overall rating | C | 50% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 60,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
Nissan’s new car warranty is lower than average, and worse than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the Leaf.
The duration is three years, with a limit of 60,000 miles, which is pretty basic cover. In addition to the standard new car warranty, there’s an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Nissan Leaf
As of April 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Nissan Leaf. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Nissan dealer.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the Nissan Leaf has received.
2026
- Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year
2025
- News UK Motor Awards – The Sun Car of the Year
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Nissan Leaf, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica | BMW iX1 | BYD Atto 2 | Citroën ë-C3 Aircross | Cupra Born | DS 3 E-Tense | Fiat 600e | Ford Puma Gen-E | Honda e:Ny1 | Hyundai Kona Electric | Jeep Avenger | Kia EV3 | Mazda MX-30 | Mercedes-Benz EQA | MG ZS EV | Omoda E5 | Peugeot e-2008 | Renault Mégane E-Tech | Smart #1 | Suzuki e Vitara | Toyota Urban Cruiser | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | Volkswagen ID.3 | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo EX30
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Nissan Leaf at The Car Expert
Buy a Nissan Leaf
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Nissan Leaf, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more
Lease a Nissan Leaf
If you’re looking to lease a new Nissan Leaf, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Nissan Leaf
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
Find out more
Car subscriptions from Just Vehicle Solutions.
Find out more
Car subscriptions from Flexible Vehicle Contracts.
Find out more
