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The British-built all-new Nissan LEAF has been ranked the number one electric car in Auto Express's definitive guide to all 161 EVs currently on sale in the UK
The all-new Nissan LEAF has taken the top spot in Auto Express's comprehensive ranking of every electric vehicle currently available to buy in the UK.
The third-generation Nissan LEAF was ranked first overall out of 161 electric cars, reinforcing its position as the magazine's 2026 Car of the Year.
The latest recognition is another significant achievement for the all-new LEAF, which has been transformed into an electric family fastback while retaining Nissan's focus on practicality, technology, value and everyday usability.
Nissan also achieved two places in Auto Express's coveted top 20, with the all-electric Nissan MICRA ranked 15th. The Nissan ARIYA also featured in the comprehensive guide, securing 69th position.
The all-new Nissan LEAF was ranked ahead of all other electric vehicles in Auto Express's 161-car guide.
Having already been named Auto Express Car of the Year 2026, the latest ranking further highlights the appeal of Nissan's new electric family car.
Auto Express praised the LEAF's transformation, British heritage, value for money and overall capabilities, stating:
“The all-new third-generation Nissan LEAF stands head and shoulders above them all in our eyes. In fact, we think this outstanding electric family car – which offers excellent value for money and manages to hit the sweet spot in every area – is the best new car on sale. EV or not.”
The new Nissan LEAF represents a significant departure from previous generations, adopting a sleek fastback design while retaining the practicality expected from a family car.
Its interior incorporates built-in Google technology, while the latest LEAF also offers a choice of battery capacities and long-distance electric driving capability.
The 75kWh version offers a range of up to 386 miles, while rapid charging technology supports convenient charging on longer journeys.
Nissan's electric line-up received further recognition with the all-new Nissan MICRA taking 15th place in Auto Express's overall ranking.
The latest MICRA brings the iconic Nissan supermini name into the electric era, combining compact dimensions with modern technology, an engaging driving experience and a choice of battery options.
Auto Express highlighted the similarities between the MICRA and its platform sibling, while praising Nissan's interpretation of the electric supermini:
“There’s almost no practical reason that the Nissan MICRA resides a few places lower than its Renault 5 cousin in our list. It shares all of its best qualities, such as a perky driving experience, excellent value, interior tech and a good range of battery options... it’s still a superb supermini.”
The result places two of Nissan's latest electric models within the top 20 electric cars available in the UK, demonstrating the breadth of Nissan's current EV offering.
The Nissan ARIYA also featured in Auto Express's comprehensive electric vehicle ranking, taking 69th position overall.
The all-electric crossover was previously named Auto Express Car of the Year and continues to offer a premium interior, sophisticated styling and long-distance electric driving capability.
Recent pricing adjustments have also improved the ARIYA's value proposition, something Auto Express recognised in its review:
“Price cuts have brought the Nissan ARIYA back into contention, and we still love the smartly designed, high-quality interior.”
The ARIYA therefore continues to occupy an important position within Nissan's electric vehicle range, sitting above the MICRA and LEAF in terms of size and positioning.
The strong performance of the Nissan LEAF, Nissan MICRA and Nissan ARIYA demonstrates the breadth of Nissan's electric vehicle range in the UK.
The three models cover different areas of the market, from compact urban driving with the MICRA, through family-focused electric motoring with the LEAF, to the larger and more premium ARIYA crossover.
This gives UK customers a choice of Nissan electric cars designed around different lifestyles and driving requirements.
| Nissan EV | Positioning | Key appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan MICRA | Electric supermini | Compact dimensions, technology and engaging driving |
| Nissan LEAF | Electric family fastback | Long range, practicality, technology and value |
| Nissan ARIYA | Electric crossover | Premium interior, comfort and long-distance capability |
The success of the all-new Nissan LEAF has particular significance for the UK because the model is designed, engineered and manufactured at Nissan's Sunderland plant.
The new LEAF therefore represents an important part of Nissan's ongoing investment in British automotive manufacturing and the UK's transition towards electric vehicles.
Its Sunderland production also strengthens Nissan's role in the North East of England's automotive industry while supporting the company's wider global electric vehicle strategy.
Nissan has expanded the all-new LEAF range with the introduction of a 52kWh battery option, joining the 75kWh version introduced earlier in 2026.
The 52kWh Nissan LEAF offers a WLTP range of up to 280 miles on a single charge and starts from £28,849 including the UK Government's full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria.
The combination of competitive pricing, electric range and Nissan's latest technology makes the 52kWh LEAF an appealing option for customers considering their first electric family car.
The recognition from Auto Express highlights the strength of Nissan's current electric vehicle range, with the Nissan LEAF ranked number one out of 161 electric cars on sale in the UK, the all-electric MICRA in the top 20 and the ARIYA continuing to offer a premium electric crossover option.
At Western & Barnetts Nissan, we can help customers across Edinburgh, Fife, Perth, Dundee and the surrounding areas explore Nissan's latest electric vehicles.
The all-new Nissan LEAF is available to order and test drive now, giving you the opportunity to experience Nissan's latest generation of electric family car for yourself.
Speak to your local Western & Barnetts Nissan team to find out more about the Nissan LEAF, Nissan MICRA and Nissan ARIYA, arrange a test drive or discuss which Nissan electric vehicle best suits your needs.
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