Nissan turns over a new Leaf – EV hatchback evolved into a crossover

After years of financial struggles and a failed merger with Honda, Nissan finds itself at a turning point. But instead of backing down, the Japanese automaker is pushing forward with a bold strategy. With Ivan Espinosa stepping in as CEO on April 1 and an aggressive new product lineup in the works, Nissan is hoping to turn its fortunes around.

From an all-new Nissan Leaf to a wave of hybrids, EVs, and SUVs, the company has a lot riding on its upcoming models. With over ten new vehicles planned for North America alone and fresh offerings in key global markets, the question remains: Can this ambitious plan put Nissan back on track?

The Nissan Leaf is getting a complete overhaul, transitioning from a compact hatchback to a sleek crossover. Set to launch in the U.S. in Q3 2025, the third-generation Leaf will be built on the CMF-EV platform shared with the Ariya. It will also be the first Nissan EV in the U.S. to feature a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, ensuring compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network. The new Leaf promises improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.26, rolling on 19-inch wheels with an available panoramic sunroof. Japan and Europe will follow, with full details expected in June.

Beyond the Leaf, Nissan’s electrification strategy extends to a variety of hybrid and EV models. The current-generation Rogue will debut as Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid in North America by FY2025, while the next-generation Rogue—arriving in FY2026—will introduce Nissan’s E-Power system. This hybrid technology uses a gasoline engine solely as a generator to power an electric motor, offering the feel of an EV with the convenience of a gas-powered car.

While Nissan’s focus is on electrification, CEO Espinosa has not forgotten about enthusiasts. He has hinted at a potential revival of the Silvia, a nameplate that holds a special place in Nissan’s history. Additionally, he has assured fans that the GT-R will return in some form.

For now, Espinosa himself drives the Nissan Z, the last remaining sports car in the brand’s lineup. But if his vision comes to life, Nissan’s golden era of performance cars might not be over just yet.

Nissan is making big bets on its future, banking on EVs, hybrids, and fresh leadership to bring the company back from the brink. With a reimagined Leaf, an all-new SUV, and a broad global product plan, the automaker is trying to prove it still has what it takes to compete. Whether this bold strategy pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Nissan isn’t giving up without a fight.