Nissan Updated Its Best-Selling EV… But Kept It Simple

Most of the changes are up front. There is a new face with a body-colored grille that now looks closer to the Leaf. The bumper is a bit sharper too, with more defined lines on the sides. Everything else stays the same. Headlights, side profile, and rear all carried over. It is a light touch, and only the X and G trims get it. The base S keeps the old look.

Colors get a bit more attention. There is a new shade called Minamono Sakura, inspired by cherry blossoms on water. On the top G trim, it comes with copper accents and a silver roof, which makes it stand out more than you would expect from a kei car.

Inside, a few things have been moved around. The drive mode switch is now easier to reach, and there is an extra cup holder on the passenger side. The screens stay the same, a 7-inch cluster and 9-inch infotainment, but the USB-C ports are now placed lower, where they are easier to use.

The X trim also gets more standard features. Things like the Around View Monitor, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel are now included. On top of that, there are small updates like an auto-lock function, a reminder for the rear seats, a lock for the charging port, and an optional 1500W outlet.

Under the skin, it keeps the single motor with 63 hp and 144 lb-ft, paired with a 20 kWh battery. Range stays at up to 112 miles under WLTC.

It is already on sale in Japan, with deliveries starting this summer. Prices range from ¥2,448,600 ($15,400) to ¥2,998,600 ($18,900), but with subsidies, the entry point drops to around ¥1,870,000 ($11,800).

The Sakura has been Japan’s best-selling EV for four years straight, with over 14,000 units sold in 2025. That kind of run brings a different kind of pressure. When you are already at the top, even small changes start to matter more, especially with new competitors about to step in.