We recently spent a day with the all-new, third-generation Nissan Leaf, putting it to the test in the rain and on the varied pavement of Prince Edward County, Ontario. This trip conveniently doubled as a tour of the region's excellent culinary scene.

Our test car was the SV+ trim, finished in the vibrant Seabreeze Blue Pearl, a launch colour that perfectly highlights the Leaf's playful yet mature design. This new model feels like it was built specifically for us, and that's because, in many ways, it was. Nissan conducted extensive cold-weather testing in Canada before its release, tailoring the suspension and systems to our unique climate and road conditions.

Performance & Real-World Driving

This commitment is immediately apparent in the ride quality. While many manufacturers choose perfectly smooth roads for media drives, Nissan confidently took us on real Canadian pavement, uneven, patched, and worn down by harsh winters. The suspension is tuned for superb comfort, absorbing bumps without feeling floaty. Power is now up to 214 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, resulting in lively acceleration that feels fun and confident, with a 0-100 km/h time in the high 6- to low 7-second range.

Drivers can fine-tune the experience with four main drive modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, and Personal), which adjust several detailed settings:

• Steering: Normal or Sport

• Acceleration: Normal, Sport, or Eco

• Regenerative Braking: Four levels (1–4)

For those who prefer one-pedal driving, the e-Step system provides strong regeneration, adjustable via the steering-wheel paddle shifters; however, these will not bring the car to a complete stop.

Efficiency, Charging & Battery Tech

During our test, we recorded a consumption figure of 19.9 kWh/100 km. It's important to note this is not a representative value, as the car was left powered on for extended periods during filming. In real-world use, even in colder conditions, you can expect a more efficient figure closer to 15 kWh/100 km.

A significant upgrade for this generation is the completely reworked thermal management system. It now integrates the HVAC, chiller, battery, motor, radiator, and onboard charger to ensure better range consistency and efficiency year-round.

For charging, the new Leaf comes with two ports, including one for NACS (North American Charging Standard) fast charging. In Canada, Nissan will include an adapter with every vehicle. It also supports plug-and-charge capability; once you've set up the MyNissan app, the car will automatically connect to compatible chargers, eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps.

At launch, only the 75 kWh battery will be available (a 53 kWh version is coming later). Nissan estimates a 10–80% charge takes about 35 minutes under ideal conditions.

Interior Space & Trim Walkthrough

Inside, the cabin is comfortable and practical. The Nissan Zero Gravity Tailorfit seats provide excellent support, and at 5'11" (1.80 m), I found plenty of room up front, though taller drivers may slightly impact rear legroom. Rear access is practical thanks to wide-opening doors and easily reachable child seat anchors.

The lineup starts with a well-equipped base S+ model, which provides an estimated range of 488 km, a 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the thermal battery management system as standard in Canada. The infotainment for the SV+ and the Platinum+ is dual 14.3-inch Digital Displays with Google Built-in.

Pricing starts at for the 75 kWh version:

• S+: $44,998

• SV+: $47,998

• Platinum+: $52,798

The top-tier Platinum+ trim adds desirable features like a dimming panoramic roof (which also offers slightly more headroom) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power devices up to 3.45 kW. It's a welcome, though unfortunately not universal to all trims.

The Verdict

The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a refined, efficient, and promising package. It feels ready for Canadian drivers, offering a confident and balanced drive that has been engineered with our roads and winters in mind. It's an EV that has grown up without losing its playful spirit.