Affordable EV Milestone: Nissan LEAF Hits $25k Before Tesla

The Nissan LEAF has long been one of the most affordable ways into EV ownership. Now, with the 2026 model year, Nissan is doubling down on affordability by slashing the price of its entry-level trim. According to the latest order guide, the 2026 Nissan LEAF S will carry a starting MSRP of $25,360 before destination fees and incentives—making it one of the cheapest electric cars available in the U.S. market.

A Significant Price Cut Compared To Previous Models

The price drop is more than a token gesture. The 2026 LEAF S will be $4,630 less expensive than the S+ trim that arrives at dealerships first with a sticker price of $29,990. Compared to the 2025 LEAF S ($28,140), the redesign represents a direct $2,780 reduction, or roughly 10% savings. For budget-conscious EV buyers, that’s a meaningful difference at a time when many automakers are still selling electric models at premium prices.

The $25k Benchmark — Beating Tesla To It

What makes this pricing especially important is how it positions Nissan against competitors. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been teasing a $25,000 EV since 2018, even suggesting it would arrive in 2023. That plan was later scrapped in favor of focusing on Robotaxi projects. By pricing the 2026 LEAF S at $25,360, Nissan effectively beats Tesla to the long-promised “affordable EV” mark, seizing a key narrative in the EV industry.

How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

At just over $25,000, the new LEAF also undercuts some other mainstream EVs and even rivals outside the segment. For example, the upcoming Slate electric truck is expected to launch at around $27,500 before incentives. However, with the expiration of the federal $7,500 EV tax credit on September 30, 2025, affordability across the EV market is about to take a hit. Nissan’s move to lower the LEAF’s price point ensures it remains competitive even in a post-tax-credit landscape.

Powertrain And Range: What We Know So Far

While the affordability is clear, the question remains: Will the LEAF S deliver enough performance and range to satisfy buyers?

• The 2026 LEAF S comes equipped with a 52 kWh battery and a 130 kW motor producing 174 horsepower.

• Higher trims (S+, SV+, and Platinum+) get a 75 kWh battery and a 160 kW motor rated at 214 horsepower, along with a projected 288–303 miles of range.

• Nissan has not yet confirmed the EPA-estimated range for the base LEAF S, though it will almost certainly fall below the figures of its more expensive siblings.

That said, for city driving, commuting, or even light suburban use, the smaller battery could prove sufficient while keeping costs down.

Incentives And Deals: A Mixed Picture

Currently, the 2025 LEAF is ineligible for the federal EV purchase tax credit. However, Nissan has been aggressive with factory-backed offers:

• Up to $7,500 rebate on certain models.

• 0% APR financing for 72 months.

• Lease deals with $4,775–$5,775 in lease cash plus ultra-low rates.

Nissan hasn’t yet revealed specific offers for the 2026 model year, but if similar incentives remain, the effective price of the LEAF S could fall closer to $20,000—making it a true bargain in today’s EV market.

When Can You Buy One?

According to Nissan’s rollout plan, the higher trims (S+, SV+, Platinum+) of the 2026 LEAF will launch first in fall 2025. The entry-level LEAF S will follow a few months later, with a scheduled release in the spring of 2026. This staggered release suggests Nissan wants to capture early demand with higher-margin models before introducing the budget-friendly base trim.

Why This Matters

Affordability remains one of the biggest hurdles for EV adoption. With most electric vehicles priced well above $40,000, the 2026 Nissan LEAF S at $25,360 could bring EV ownership within reach of a much broader audience. While range and performance numbers may not wow enthusiasts, the LEAF’s proven track record and Nissan’s aggressive pricing strategy could make it one of the most important EVs in the next wave of adoption.

For buyers looking for a no-frills, practical, and cost-effective electric vehicle, the 2026 LEAF S might just be worth waiting for.

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