MPGe is the distance a car covers on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Across 16 EPA ratings of the Leaf since 2011 it has averaged 111.1 MPGe, and the 2026 model beats the 99.7 MPGe average of other electric cars rated 2024–2026. The EPA's own annual figure for it is $691.
Every Nissan Leaf version, compared
The Nissan Leaf was rated in a single specification, so its consumption does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $0.17 a kilowatt-hour.
| Version | Combined MPGe | City / Highway | Years | Charging per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 122.6 / 99.6 | 2011–2026 | $618 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Lexus ES is rated 127 MPGe, the Mercedes-Benz 350 94 MPGe and the Mercedes-Benz 500 85 MPGe, next to 121 MPGe for the 2026 Leaf.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy use (2026) | 27.9 kWh per 100 miles |
| Cost per mile | $0.047 |
| Charging per year | $569 |
| Charging over five years | $2,845 |
| Against other Electric cars, 2024–2026 | −$121 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $691 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Nissan Leaf does better in town than out of it: 131 in the city against 111 on the highway, $96 a year in favor of city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 131 MPGe | $524 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 111 MPGe | $620 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | -20 MPGe (-15%) | Reversed — it does better in town than on the open road |
How the Leaf changed over the years
The Leaf peaked in 2026 at 121 MPGe (131 city, 111 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2012 at 99 — 22 MPGe apart, or $125 a year in charging between buying one year and the other. The 2026 model gains 10 MPGe against 111 for the 2025. The biggest single-year change came in 2013: 99 to 115 MPGe.
| Model year | Combined MPGe | City / Highway | Versions offered | Charging per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 131 / 111 | 1 | $569 | |
| 2025 | 123 / 99 | 1 | $620 | |
| 2024 | 123 / 99 | 1 | $620 | |
| 2023 | 123 / 99 | 1 | $620 | |
| 2022 | 123 / 99 | 1 | $620 | |
| 2021 | 123 / 99 | 1 | $620 | |
| 2020 | 123 / 99 | 1 | $620 | |
| 2019 | 124 / 99 | 1 | $614 | |
| 2018 | 125 / 100 | 1 | $614 | |
| 2017 | 124 / 101 | 1 | $614 | |
| 2016 | 126 / 101 | 1 | $604 | |
| 2015 | 126 / 101 | 1 | $604 | |
| 2014 | 126 / 101 | 1 | $604 | |
| 2013 | 129 / 102 | 1 | $598 | |
| 2012 | 106 / 92 | 1 | $694 | |
| 2011 | 106 / 92 | 1 | $694 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Nissan Leaf — 1 engine across 2011–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $0.17 a kilowatt-hour, against EPA's own estimate of $691. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 Nissan Leaf rated at?
121 MPGe combined, 131 city and 111 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2011 the Leaf has averaged 111.1 MPGe.
Is the 2026 Leaf more efficient than the 2025?
Yes: 121 against 111 MPGe combined, about $51 a year less to run.
Which Leaf year has the best efficiency?
The 2026, at 121 MPGe combined (131 city, 111 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Leaf get better efficiency than the Lexus ES?
No: 121 MPGe for the 2026 Leaf against 127 for the 2026 Lexus ES, about $28 a year more to run.
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