Nissan Leaf Just Turned Into a Crossover – Here Is What You Need to Know

The Nissan Leaf is going through a major transformation. After years as a compact hatchback, the third-generation Leaf is stepping into crossover territory. Built on the same CMF-EV platform as the larger Nissan Ariya, this new model will be the first electric vehicle from Nissan to include the North American Charging Standard port. That means faster and more accessible charging for drivers across the United States. When it arrives in the third quarter of this year, the Leaf will ride on 19-inch wheels and come with a panoramic sunroof. Japan and Europe will follow later in the year. Nissan has promised to reveal more in June, but for now, we know the aerodynamic body has a drag coefficient of 0.26, which helps extend the driving range.

This new Leaf is only a piece of a much larger puzzle. Nissan has plans to introduce over 10 new vehicles for the United States and Canada. One of the big highlights is that the Rogue will become the brand’s first plug-in hybrid in North America, set to arrive during the 2025 fiscal year. Before the end of this year, expect to see the next-generation Sentra and an updated version of the Pathfinder. The fully redesigned Rogue will follow in 2026, offering Nissan’s E-Power technology. With this system, the gasoline engine acts only as a generator to charge the battery, which in turn powers the electric motor. This next-generation Rogue will be available as a plug-in hybrid and a traditional gasoline model.

By the end of 2027, Nissan will launch a fully electric sport utility vehicle focused on adventure, to be built in Canton, Mississippi. Slightly larger than the Rogue, this vehicle is expected to feature a more rugged, boxy look inspired by the Xterra, although it will not be as capable off-road since it is not built on a body-on-frame chassis.

In Europe, Nissan is preparing the electric Micra, which is based on the Renault 5. The edgy Hyper Punk concept has also inspired the Juke’s electric version, but neither of these models is heading to the United States. Europe will also receive an updated Qashqai with improved E-Power technology for better efficiency.

In Japan, the updated Leaf, a new kei car, and other refreshed models will be released. The E-Power system is being upgraded across the board, including in a new large minivan. Nissan claims the new 1.5-liter engine developed specifically for E-Power will increase efficiency by 15 percent at higher speeds, while also reducing noise and vibration.

Globally, Nissan’s strategy includes launching the Z Nismo in the Middle East, new models for India, a one-ton electric pickup truck and other vehicles for Oceania, and SUVs for Africa. Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, is also getting attention, with updates for the QX60 and QX80 and new models like the QX65 and a fully electric car inspired by the Vision QXe.

This product overhaul is not just about refreshing showrooms. Nissan hopes it will improve the company’s financial performance and eventually lead to the revival of legendary models like the Silvia. Until then, the company’s CEO, who still drives a Nissan Z, says we have plenty to look forward to.