General

Nissan Launches Leaf Nismo in Japan

By 07/22/2026 2:28pm
A Nissan Leaf Nismo racing photographed from the front.

A race-inspired version of a humble EV? You better be-Leaf it.

The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric vehicle that now has up to 303 miles of range and a starting price of around $30,000. Nismo is Nissan’s motorsport division. As of today, the Leaf joins the ranks of Nismo models available — but only in Japan.

Fine-Tuning

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Image courtesy of Nissan

From our first look and rough conversion from metric, it appears the Nissan Leaf Nismo doesn’t have a power upgrade over the U.S.-spec model. Like the Leaf we get here, the Nismo Leaf’s motor maxes out at 160 kW and 261 lb-ft of torque.

When it comes to drive modes, the Standard, Eco, and Sport modes will have unique Nismo tuning. Sport mode delivers “powerful, linear acceleration unique to an electric motor vehicle” and is now known as Nismo Mode, according to Nissan. Standard and Eco modes have also been optimized for “a more integrated driving feel.” The Nissan Leaf Nismo will also feature regenerative braking control paddles with unique tuning from the standard Leaf, which won our Best Buy Award this year for both Best New Model and Best Electric Vehicle Under $35,000.

Sporty Design

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Image courtesy of Nissan

The Leaf Nismo appears sharper, with corner finishes designed for “air-guide functionality” to reduce aerodynamic resistance. The vehicle also has lower door finishers to emphasize the Leaf’s low center of gravity. The rear bumper has a boat-hull-shaped under spoiler and a ducktail-looking rear spoiler to reduce drag.

Stealth Color

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This model comes in six body colors, two of which are unique variations of Nismo Stealth Gray. Arterial Magma is the red accent shade used throughout the exterior and interior.

The interior is designed to help the driver stay focused while creating a sense of excitement. Exclusive Nismo elements can be found throughout the interior, rounding out the Nismo styling.

The Big Question

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Image courtesy of Nissan

Japan gets first dibs on this race-inspired EV, but will it be available in the U.S.? Some outlets are reporting that is Nissan’s plan, but company officials have not offered any details on if and when that might happen. Pricing on the three Nismo variants, converted from the yen to dollars and not including delivery fees, ranges from about $40,450 to $42,300.