Even though the Nissan Leaf didn’t go anywhere, it’s making a big comeback. The third-generation Leaf is coming, and it’s being reinvented as a sleek crossover SUV. While you can still find the previous generation Leaf if you shop for used cars, this new one may be worth waiting for.
A Completely New Look
Instead of a small hatchback, the next-generation Leaf morphed into a crossover SUV. It’s built on Nissan’s new CMF-EV platform, which is the same one that the Ariya SUV is built on.
The new Leaf will be more aerodynamic and offer large 19-inch alloy wheels. If you’re familiar with the current Leaf, which is very round and filled with curves, very un-Leaf-like rectangular accents can be found around the exterior of the new one. The digital taillights are rectangular, along with the high tail.
Check out the lights for a fun little Easter Egg. The two horizontal rectangular lights and three vertical ones spell out Nissan in Japanese.
An Innovative Sunroof
New design elements continue on top of the new Leaf. An available dimming panoramic roof has a heat-shielding feature. This means that you don’t have to close a shade to block out the sun and keep the heat out.
Passengers in this Leaf can enjoy a view of the sky all year round. It takes just the touch of a button to adjust the transparency of the glass and adjust the amount of light that comes into the cabin.
A Better Way to Charge
One of the most significant updates for the new Leaf that will come to the North American market is the NACS charging port. It’s the first time this will be available on the Leaf, and it is a game-changer when it comes to charging. It’s a huge upgrade from the previous AC Level 2 and Level 3 charging ports, because it allows you to use the Tesla Supercharger network along with a bunch of other modern chargers.
A Quick Look Inside
There’s still a lot to learn about this next-generation Nissan Leaf, but we do know that it’s raised up a little to give drivers and passengers a better look at the road. The instrument panel and the infotainment screen sit a little lower than what we’re seeing in many vehicles with large screens. This design choice is intentional, so they don’t obstruct the view of the road.
The cabin is filled with bright colors and has some ambient lighting. The shifter is a push button instead of a lever. Depending on which Leaf you choose once it’s available, the seats will be covered in cloth or a polymer that gives the feel of memory foam or neoprene.
The third-generation Nissan Leaf is almost a completely new vehicle with a new look, new features, and upgraded charging capabilities. If you like the old Leaf, you can shop used cars and stick with the original look and feel of Nissan’s first electric vehicle.