Affordable EVs, widely available hybrids, and a plug-in hybrid? As Nissan moves beyond financial challenges, the company unveiled several exciting updates for the North American market on Monday—developments that could inject fresh energy into its U.S. lineup.
First and foremost, the next-generation Nissan Leaf is heading to the U.S. and Canada before any other markets, including Japan and Europe. The automaker confirmed the new Leaf will make its debut in these regions first, with a complete reveal set for later this year. The model will arrive alongside a 2026 Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid, which will feature a version of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s system. Both vehicles are slated for fiscal year 2025, meaning their arrival is expected either in late 2025 or by March 31, 2026.
Nissan released this timing announcement alongside the first teaser image of the next-generation Leaf. As anticipated, the model adopts a more elevated driving position and a crossover-like silhouette, closely resembling the 2021 Chill-Out concept—a design Nissan originally hinted would inspire the future Leaf. Additionally, the company has confirmed that the U.S. version of the Leaf will feature a Tesla NACS charging port.
Nissan has also revealed that the upcoming Leaf will incorporate liquid cooling, along with advanced technology from the well-regarded Ariya, making it more competitive in terms of range and efficiency. With its refreshed styling, improved performance, and what is expected to remain an attractive price point, the Leaf will arrive just in time to take on the next-generation 2026 Chevy Bolt EV. The upcoming Bolt, which will transition to LFP battery technology, has been touted by GM as the most affordable EV in the U.S. As per GM’s latest update, the Bolt EV is also scheduled for release later this year.
Around the same time—by early 2026—Nissan will introduce a new generation of its Sentra compact sedan along with a refreshed version of the Pathfinder SUV. However, the company has yet to confirm whether hybrid powertrain options will be offered for either of these models.
Moving into fiscal year 2026—meaning by March 31, 2027—Nissan will begin production of an all-new Rogue for the U.S. and Canadian markets. This next-gen Rogue will continue offering a plug-in hybrid option while also integrating Nissan’s e-Power series hybrid technology, as the company previously announced.
Future Infiniti U.S. EV Lineup
In early 2028, Nissan is expected to scale up production of a new “adventure-focused SUV” at its Canton, Mississippi, plant. An Infiniti electric SUV will follow later that year. Nissan has stated that the Infiniti EV will draw inspiration from the Vision QXe concept, which debuted just before the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show, showcasing the brand’s new Artistry in Motion design language. Initially, Infiniti described the low-slung QXe as a preview of a “sleek sedan” planned for production in Canton, though it remains unclear whether that model is still on the roadmap or if it has been replaced by an SUV.
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