The all-new, third-generation Nissan LEAF has won 2026 Car of the Year honors from Auto Express, one of three category awards for the all-electric crossover, whose 75kWh version delivers up to 386 miles of WLTP range (a manufacturer-cycle figure; EPA-rated range for U.S.-market LEAF models typically runs lower). The judging panel at the British publication also handed the LEAF wins in the Small Company Car of the Year and Affordable Electric Car of the Year categories, citing its range, ride quality and pricing. Auto Express is one of Britain’s most-read motoring titles, with a history stretching back almost 40 years and a weekly audience of more than 25,000 readers. The triple win builds on more than 15 years of Nissan EV development.
Highlights
- Third-generation LEAF wins three Auto Express New Car Awards categories: overall 2026 Car of the Year, Small Company Car of the Year, and Affordable Electric Car of the Year
- Judges cited the 75kWh model’s up-to-386-mile WLTP range, competitive pricing, and ride quality as standout factors
- 52kWh version starts at £28,849 (about $38,080), including the UK’s £3,750 Electric Car Grant; the 75kWh version starts at £32,249 (about $42,570)
- LEAF is built in Sunderland, UK, and is on sale now in four grades: Engage, Engage+, Advance, and Evolve
Judges Cite Range, Price, and Ride Quality
Auto Express judges pointed to the LEAF’s mix of technology, ride comfort, and range as the deciding factors behind its Small Company Car of the Year win, calling it a strong option for fleet and business buyers. The Affordable Electric Car of the Year award reflected its starting price of £28,849 (about $38,080), including the UK government’s £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
Richard Ingram, Deputy Editor of Auto Express, said the LEAF’s mix of long range and keen pricing set it apart from rivals, adding that “a premium ride quality, tight handling and an interior that offers impressive space and packaging wrapped in a dynamic design” made its overall win “richly deserved.” He also noted the car is engineered and manufactured in Britain.
A Repeat Winner for Nissan
The new LEAF is the latest in a line of Nissan models Auto Express has recognized at its annual New Car Awards. The Nissan ARIYA won overall Car of the Year in 2022, while the Qashqai’s crossover-segment legacy earned it the outlet’s “Car of the Past 30 Years” award in 2018 — the same year the second-generation LEAF picked up a Technology Award.
Nissan Responds to the Wins
James Taylor, Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB, said the company was “over the moon” that the British-built LEAF had been recognized with three separate awards, crediting the team at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, which has now built three generations of award-winning LEAFs. He added that the Small Company Car of the Year win reflects the model’s appeal to fleet and business customers, while the Affordable Electric Car of the Year award underscores its value proposition.
Specs and Availability
The award-winning LEAF pairs a spacious interior with a range of up to 386 miles of WLTP range on the 75kWh battery pack, and includes Google built-in for navigation and connected services. It’s also the most advanced British-built Nissan to date, featuring vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability across both the 52kWh and 75kWh battery options — extending the car’s use as a power source as well as transportation. Earlier this year, The EV Report covered the UK launch specs in detail, including the 386-mile range figure now cited by Auto Express judges.
The LEAF is on sale now in four grades — Engage, Engage+, Advance, and Evolve — with 52kWh versions starting at £28,849 (about $38,080) and 75kWh versions starting at £32,249 (about $42,570), both prices including the £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
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