More than 50 years ago, the U.S. had a gasoline shortage and drivers were gravitating to small, fuel-efficient models produced by Japanese automakers. Now in 2026, Nissan is an award-winning powerhouse for beautiful, fuel-efficient and comfortable vehicles. 

Kelley Blue Book

The Nissan LEAF all-electric sizzled in KBB’s “2026 Best Buy Awards” competition. Not only did the 2026 LEAF earn the award for Best Electric Vehicle Under $35,000, it won Best New Model. KBB’s experts analyze data and experiences about hundreds of new and substantially redesigned vehicles: “... the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price.” The editors praised the LEAF’s modern design, driving range (up to 303 miles!), and ease and convenience of charging.

U.S. News & World Report

Placing in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Cars for the Money,” is a real feather in Nissan’s cap. The 2026 Nissan Kicks won Best Subcompact SUV for the Money, while the 2026 Nissan Murano won Best midsize 2-Row SUV for the Money. U.S. News reviewers test-drives hundreds of vehicles but also analyzes published reviews for drivability, comfort, technology, fuel economy, cargo capacity, safety and reliability. 

The reviewers said the 2026 Nissan Kicks is “a funky, cost-friendly subcompact SUV with a useful cargo hold, a modern interior and good fuel economy.” The Murano earned kudos for a “near-lux interior with excellent seat comfort, high fashion look” and available hands-free driving assist.

Car and Driver

Car and Driver’s automotive experts gave the 2026 Nissan LEAF top spot in the “2026 Editors’ Choice: The Best New Cas, Trucks, SUVs and Minivans” competition as the Best Electric Subcompact SUV. It got high marks for driving range, comfortable ride and interior design. In a market increasingly full of electric vehicle choices – remember when there were just two small EVs? – chosen as the standout in the class matters. Car and Driver’s winners were broken into 47 different segments and there were about 450 models tested overall. 

More LEAF

These recognitions are just a couple for Nissan’s outstanding small SUV EV. Here are some of the others so far: InsideEVs Breakthrough EV of the Year; Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems; World's Best Compact Car by Women's Worldwide Car of the Year Jury; and Car of the Year, Best EV and Best Budget Vehicle in the inaugural Buzz Awards.