Nissan gets 2026 WWCOTY top honor for 3rd-gen LEAF

MANILA: The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) bestowed the highest overall honor to the all-new Nissan LEAF.

The Japanese automaker’s third-generation electric crossover bested 55 models that 86 jurors from 55 countries evaluated in determining the ultimate winner and category champions.

According to WWCOTY, the all-new Nissan LEAF was the victor for its realistic approach to electric mobility and balance of advanced electric performance and simple, enjoyable day-to-day driving.

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“In our voting, we have focused on vehicles that stand out not only for their figures or technology, but for how effectively they respond to people’s real, everyday needs,” WWCOTY Executive President Marta García said. “The Nissan LEAF represents a mature and intelligent vision of electrification — one that makes electric mobility truly usable and accessible.”

Per WWCOTY, the final decision “reflects the broader transformation of the automotive sector, where electrification, sustainability and user-centered design have become fundamental pillars. The strong competition in this year’s awards demonstrates how manufacturers worldwide are raising standards across all segments.”

For his part, Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer Ivan Espinosa expressed pride in receiving the accolade from WWCOTY.

“New LEAF being named overall winner by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year is a proud moment for everyone at Nissan,” he shared. “LEAF helped bring electric driving into the mainstream, and this new generation carries that mission forward. It’s designed to make going electric easier and more enjoyable for more people around the world,” Espinosa added.

Now on its third generation, the all-new Nissan LEAF resulted from more than 15 years of real-world insights gained through global sales of nearly 700,000 units. It has drastically evolved in terms of sleeker design, enhanced range and intuitive technology. It is also the world's first-ever mass market electric vehicle when it made its debut in 2010.

Here are some notable details about the third-generation Nissan LEAF.

Vehicle specifications

This vehicle sports a fastback-like silhouette, which complements its hidden door handles, aero-tuned wheels and a flat underbody that provides a 0.25-026 drag coefficient.

Its front fascia is equipped with an updated V-motion fascia, daylight running lamps and a lightbar that spans the length of the hood. At the back are three-dimensional holographic tail lamps.

Since it comes with a flat flooring and a floating horizontal instrument panel, occupants enjoy a cavernous space inside the all-new Nissan Leaf.

Other creature comforts that are fitted in the vehicle are:

• Dual 12.3- or 14.3-inch integrated screens (depending on grade and region)
• Bose Personal Plus premium audio with speakers integrated into the front headrests (variant-specific option)
• Dimming panoramic roof (with embedded Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology)

Powering the latest Nissan Leaf is a three-in-one electric mill with an inverter and reducer, which is 10-percent smaller compared to the previous version.

Its churns can go as high as:

Maximum output (in horsepower)	174.3-214.5
Peak torque (in Newton-meters)	345-355

This lets the car reach a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour.

Providing energy to the electric motor is either a 52.9- or 75.1-kilowatt-hour liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery.

Further, this model boasts advanced and innovative driver assist technologies that include:

• 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor
• Invisible Hood View
• Front Wide View functionality

Nissan mentioned that for some markets, the all-new Leaf features an Intelligent Distance Control Assist that helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front while driving in city traffic and optimizes regenerative braking.

PH yet to get 3rd-gen version

Meanwhile, the Philippine market has yet to have this version as it still sells the one locally introduced in 2021.

The said iteration, which carries a P1.998-million price tag was launched during the stint of then Nissan Philippines President Atsushi Najima.

Check out our video of the currently-retailed Philippine-spec Nissan LEAF below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYhr_1BGIsw

Also read:

Nissan Leaf gets major upgrades for its upcoming version

Nissan Leaf provides power during fun holiday activities with realme, Make-A-Wish Foundation

Electrified mobility: Nissan Leaf vs. Nissan Kicks

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