​​The All-New Nissan Leaf is Here​

The Nissan Leaf was the first mass-produced electric vehicle sold in America. It debuted in 2009 as a 2010 model. With 20,000 pre-orders, it was guaranteed to be a success. Since its introduction in America, the Leaf has sold over 200,000 models. For the all-new third-generation Leaf, Nissan has made it quieter and more powerful, giving it a superior driving experience.  

Advanced Battery Technology 

Thanks to advancements in battery technology, the Leaf employs a new electric powertrain that is 10% smaller and is a 3-in-1 setup with an inverter, reducer, and motor put together. Nissan says certain trim levels will have as much as 214 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. Chief Vehicle Engineer Hiroki Isobe and his team worked hard to create a setup where energy was not lost, and going with liquid-cooled batteries helps to recover energy that would have otherwise been lost and use that to warm the system in colder climates. This, in turn, makes for a more efficient range and battery system.  

A Quieter and More Peaceful Experience

Owners and occupants alike will enjoy a cabin that is two decibels quieter than the previous model. While that may not seem like a lot, when it comes to an EV that’s already very quiet, making a subtle change in various persistent noises, such as road or wind noise, can have a marked benefit on longer drives.  

Better Suspension Equals Better Handling 

In order to make the next-gen Leaf more responsive when turning the wheel, Nissan engineers went to a multi-link rear suspension that gives the new car 66% more stiffness. When turning in small parking lots and city areas, the Leaf also has better dynamics and turning radius, with a nearly 4-inch difference. That’s roughly a front bumper’s worth of difference when making a U-turn.  

A Special Panoramic Roof 

The Leaf features the latest panoramic roof technology, which utilizes electromagnetic technology to dim the glass to a desired amount or make it fully transparent. The glass has an infrared reflective coating that limits the harmful effects of the sun in the cabin. Passengers will also appreciate the fully flat interior floor, which opens the cabin up to be more spacious. This means the new roof does not need a shade of any kind to block the sun’s rays anymore.  

Improved Design Means Better Aerodynamics 

Nissan worked very hard on the latest design to create not only an attractive EV but also a bold departure from the previous generation to give customers a better car overall. The 2026 Leaf has a drag coefficient of 0.26, an improvement of .02, which aids in efficiency and overall range.  

A Word from Nissan 

“Every design choice was optimized for aero and energy efficiency,” Program Design Director Nobutaka Tase said, “even the panoramic glass roof contributes to exceptional aerodynamics. It allowed us to reduce the vehicle height at critical air detachment points by 12 mm – while maintaining ample headroom inside, courtesy of the e-dimming functionality.” 

Nissan EVs Are a Great Buy 

While the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf is not at Dick Smith Nissan of Lexington just yet, the current generation Leaf and Ariya are both excellent EVs and are available. The Ariya is even ranked as the best used EV to purchase thanks to its great tech features and modest price point.  

Why Choose Dick Smith Nissan of Lexington  

At Dick Smith Nissan of Lexington, we believe our customers deserve the best prices and services. With over 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.