Prince Edward County, ON— It’s been nearly fifteen years since the original Nissan Leaf rolled silently into driveways and public consciousness as one of the world’s first mainstream EVs. Back then, it was a quirky compact with an otherworldly hum and an air of experimentation. Fast-forward to Prince Edward County, where I spent a late-autumn afternoon behind the wheel of the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+, and the transformation feels complete. This isn’t a pioneer anymore, it’s a confident, well-rounded electric hatchback that’s finally grown into its promise.
A Fresh Start
Built on Nissan’s dedicated EV platform, the third-generation Leaf bears little resemblance to its predecessors. The design is more fluid, sculpted with aerodynamic purpose and understated elegance. Flush door handles, katana blade-inspired accents, and 3D holographic taillights lend it a distinctly modern, almost premium appearance. The arched roofline and fastback profile don’t just look good, they help achieve a drag coefficient of 0.26, improving efficiency and cabin quietness at highway speeds.
Our drive route wound through the County’s winding backroads, past vineyards and artist studios before arriving at the beautifully restored Royal Hotel in Picton. It’s a fitting match. Both the car and the locale blend tradition with modern sensibility.
Powertrain and Performance
The SV+ trim features the larger 75 kWh liquid-cooled battery, rated for an impressive 463 kilometres of range, just shy of the top Platinum+ model’s 488 km figure. The integrated 3-in-1 motor, inverter, and reducer generate 214 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk, seamless acceleration. On the move, the Leaf feels more refined than ever. There’s a maturity to its power delivery, with adjustable regenerative braking and drive modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, and Personal) that tailor the experience to your mood or surroundings.
The new multi-link independent rear suspension makes a noticeable difference. Over the County’s mix of smooth asphalt and uneven rural lanes, the Leaf glides with composure and quiet confidence. Steering is light but precise, especially in Sport mode, which adds a touch of heft and immediacy. The SV+ might be the sweet spot of the lineup; more affordable than the Platinum+, but equally engaging from behind the wheel.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the new Leaf feels airy and distinctly premium. The design is minimalist, highlighted by dual 14.3-inch digital displays that merge instrumentation and infotainment. Google built-in is standard on SV+ and above, offering seamless integration of Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. It’s intuitive, responsive, and, perhaps most importantly, always up to date.
The seating impresses too. Nissan’s Zero Gravity TailorFit seats, made from 65% recycled materials, offer exceptional comfort and support. Heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charger come standard in the SV+, making it a well-equipped middle ground. The dimming panoramic roof, available on the Platinum+, adds a luxurious touch, but the SV+ doesn’t feel lacking. It’s an inviting space that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the drive, something that felt entirely natural cruising between Bloomfield and Wellington.
Charging and Everyday Ease
Charging is refreshingly straightforward. The new Leaf features both the J1772 AC (North American Charging Standard) and NACS DC (Tesla) ports with Plug & Charge capability, meaning compatibility with Tesla Superchargers, CCS fast chargers, and existing home setups. With DC fast charging, the Leaf can go from 10 to 80 percent in just 35 minutes, quicker than most of its rivals. Nissan’s decision to include a complimentary Level 2 home charger for the first 200 buyers in Canada is a smart incentive, and the forward-mounted charging port makes plugging in as easy as parking.
For those who like to get outdoors, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability turns the Leaf into a portable power station, capable of running small appliances or serving as an emergency backup source during an outage. It’s a practical touch that fits perfectly with the car’s eco-minded audience.
The Verdict
After more than a decade and a half, the Leaf nameplate has evolved from experiment to expertise. It no longer has to prove itself; it simply delivers. With handsome new styling, segment-leading range, refined comfort, and a focus on usability, the 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+ feels like the right EV for the right time. It’s proof that sustainable driving doesn’t have to feel like a compromise.
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
As I watched the County’s vineyards blur by and the Royal Hotel fade in the rearview mirror, it struck me that this new Leaf captures something that’s often missing from electric vehicles: personality. Quiet confidence, substance over show; just what you want from a car built for real life.
Quick Specs: 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
Price (CAD): $47,998
Powertrain: 160 kW motor / 75 kWh lithium-ion battery
Horsepower/Torque: 214 hp / 261 lb-ft
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Range: 463 km (estimated)
DC Fast Charging: 10–80% in 35 minutes (150 kW)
Competitors: Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, Volkswagen ID.4
Website: Nissan Canada
At The Wheel – Prince Edward County
The rain never really let up. It started as a mist over Picton and turned to a steady downpour by the time I rolled the Leaf out of The Royal Hotel’s courtyard. Even so, the silence was striking, just the faint hum of tires on wet pavement as I eased down Main Street, wipers tracing a slow rhythm against the windshield.
Prince Edward County can feel otherworldly in the rain. The vineyards faded into soft grey silhouettes, and the flat farmland shimmered under low clouds. It was the kind of weather that tests a car’s poise, and the new Leaf didn’t flinch. Its traction control and smooth power delivery inspired confidence, and the cabin remained hushed, more cocoon than cockpit.
Out near Bloomfield, I stopped briefly at Spark Box Studio, the rain pooling in shallow reflections that mirrored the Leaf’s new sculpted lines. Later, as I rejoined the main road, Sport mode added just the right amount of response for passing slow-moving traffic, while the multi-link suspension kept everything tidy and surefooted.
Back at The Royal by late afternoon, rain still tapping against the panoramic glass, I plugged in at a nearby charger and stepped inside to dry off by the fire. It struck me then: some cars feel diminished by bad weather. The new Leaf, somehow, felt even more complete; calm, composed, and quietly at home in the storm