Nissan Leaf's May Lease Deal Could Be The Answer To High Gas Prices
High gas prices have hit Americans hard in recent months, especially those with big SUVs. It's even led to more people turning to public transportation. For anyone looking for a new car amid the gas price spike, an EV has suddenly become much more appealing, and one of the cheapest electric cars you can get behind the wheel of is the Nissan Leaf. Nissan is running a lease deal on the Leaf this month, but there's only a few more days to take advantage of it. Here's a look at the numbers and how they compare to other EVs.
This Month's Nissan Leaf Lease Deal
The Nissan Leaf's lease price starts at $459 per month this May for the SV+ trim, which is the mid-range trim in the lineup. This is a 48-month lease and requires an initial payment of $4,039. Tax, title, and licensing costs are excluded, and there's a fee of $0.25 per mile if you exceed the limit of 10,000 miles annually. This deal runs until June 1, 2026, but we advise checking the Nissan website with your unique zip code, as alternative offers may be available in your area.
The SV+ trim of the Nissan Leaf has a 75-kWh battery and a 214-horsepower electric motor. The range on a full charge is 288 miles, slightly less than the cheaper S+ trim (303 miles) but better than the Platinum+ (259 miles). SV+ specification adds features like front parking sensors, regenerative braking paddles, a larger 14.3-inch driver's display, wireless phone charging, and an extra two speakers for the sound system.
To buy outright, the Nissan Leaf SV+ costs $34,230, right between the S+ ($29,990) and Platinum+ ($38,990).
Related: 2026 Nissan LEAF First Drive Review: A Major Leap Forward For The Iconic EV
Is The Nissan Leaf A Good Deal?
The new Nissan Leaf is vastly improved over its predecessor. It looks better inside and out and boasts better performance. These qualities don't necessarily make it the best EV lease deal around, though. For instance, you can lease the larger Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD for $269 per month, with $3,999 due at signing; this is substantially cheaper than the Nissan Leaf's leasing deal. For similar money, Ford is running a lease deal on the Mustang Mach-E Select RWD, also a larger vehicle; this costs $463 per month with $4,249 due at signing.
Leasing offers for the Leaf may come down as the model gets older, but that hasn't happened yet. As it stands, it may be better to purchase the Leaf cash or look for a lightly used example that has already experienced some depreciation, which has been historically high for this vehicle.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 12:30 PM.