Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Getting the NISMO TreatmentThe Nissan Leaf has come a long way from its early days as one of the first mainstream electric hatchbacks. Now in its third generation, Nissan has tossed out the quirky five-door look and gone for a sleeker crossover vibe that fits right in with today's crowd. Underneath, there's a new EV platform, so you get better range, more tech, and a smoother ride.But just because the Leaf's gone practical doesn't mean Nissan's forgotten how to have fun. Enter the Leaf NISMO, just revealed in Japan and joining the growing NISMO family. Instead of adding more power, Nissan says this one's all about making the Leaf feel lighter on its feet, sharper in the corners, and more fun to drive every day.NissanSharper Styling Inside and OutOne look and you know this isn't your average Leaf. The NISMO gets a meaner face with a new front bumper and air-guiding corners, plus side skirts and a rear bumper that looks like it borrowed from a speedboat. There's a ducktail spoiler out back for extra downforce, but no extra drag. NISMO's trademark red accents pop up everywhere – lower body, front lip, rear bumper, and even the mirrors. And those 19-inch Enkei wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 rubber? Chef's kiss.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, it's classic NISMO – black everywhere, with red stitching and accents lighting up the dash and seats. The steering wheel gets a red stripe and a synthetic leather wrap that tries its best to feel like nappa. There's also a variant equipped with NISMO-tuned RECARO seats with embroidered logos, red perforated inserts, and power recline. Even the power meter and instrument panel get their own NISMO graphics, just so you never forget what you're driving.NissanWill It Come to America?Unlike the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Nissan opted not to add more oomph to the NISMO version. It has the same power as the regular Leaf – either 174 hp and 254 lb-ft from the 52-kWh battery, or 214 hp and 261 lb-ft if you go for the 75-kWh pack. Instead of chasing more speed, Nissan went all-in on the chassis, with exclusive springs, stabilizer bars, bushings, fancy swing-valve dampers, and tweaked drive modes. It's also the first NISMO to get special regenerative braking paddles with four levels to play with.That said, don't expect the Leaf NISMO to be any quicker off the line. What you do get is a crossover that hugs corners better, feels sharper when you turn the wheel, and is a more enjoyable car to drive than the standard model.Will we see it in the US? Nissan's keeping quiet for now, with no word beyond Japan. With NISMO fever spreading and the new Leaf aiming for global stardom, there's hope. But for now, the Leaf NISMO is staying put in Japan with a starting price of 6,601,100 yen, or around $40,500 at current exchange rates.NissanView the 15 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.