Exterior

The 2026 LEAF shifts to crossover proportions, abandoning the previous generation's hatchback silhouette for a taller, more upright stance that improves passenger space and cargo access. This architectural change coincides with significant aerodynamic development, reducing the drag coefficient to 0.26 from the prior model's 0.29 through surface refinement and detail optimization. The body features clean, uninterrupted lines with functional elements carefully integrated: front doors receive motorized flush handles—a first application on any Nissan production vehicle—while rear door handles tuck into the C-pillar to maintain surface continuity. The front end incorporates a black grille surround housing the Nissan badge, which offers optional illumination, flanked by stacked rectangular headlight units and an available full-width LED lighting element.

The upper body flows rearward in a continuous curve, marked by a blade-style accent molding inspired by the Z sports car's design language. Glass panels integrate flush with surrounding bodywork, eliminating protrusions that would create aerodynamic drag or visual discontinuity. The rear fenders rise sharply toward the sloping rear glass, while a liftgate-mounted spoiler angled at 45 degrees provides measurable aerodynamic benefit despite its subtle visual presence. Throughout the vehicle, Nissan incorporated "2-3" graphic elements—two rectangles paired with three perpendicular rectangles—referencing the pronunciation of "Nissan" in Japanese. This motif appears in the lighting signatures, wheel designs, and cabin details. The SV+ trim rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, while PLATINUM+ features 19-inch wheels with an alternative design. Colour selections include Seabreeze Blue Pearl with black roof, Coulis Red Pearl with black roof, Everest White Pearl Tricoat with black roof, Boulder Gray Pearl with black roof, Deep Ocean Blue Pearl, Everest White, Gun Metallic, and Black Diamond Pearl.