2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Nissan Leaf
On the public data alone the CR-V edges it 3–1.
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 2026 Nissan Leaf | |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Wagon | Wagon |
| Powertrains | Hybrid, Gas, Hydrogen fuel cell | Electric |
| Best EV range | — | 303 |
| Best combined mpg | 40 | — |
| Safety Signal | 94 | 77 |
| NHTSA recalls | 1 | 2 |
| Critical recalls | 0 | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 130 | 2 |
| NHTSA overall stars | 5 | — |
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid, gas and hydrogen fuel cell wagon with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CR-V FWD, is EPA-rated at 40 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 1 recall campa
C2026 Nissan Leaf
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is sold in the U.S. as a electric wagon with 3 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the LEAF 75kWh (18 inch steel Wheels), is EPA-rated at 303 miles with 121 MPGe combined efficiency.
Recalls at a glance
CR-V
Tires
moderateProblem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
Risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in Fall 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is DOV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 11, 2026.
Leaf
Seat Belts
highProblem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 LEAF vehicles. The outer rear seat belt automatic locking retractors (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent a child restraint system (CRS) from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An improperly secured child restraint system may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear outboard seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R26A7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 7, 2026.
Electrical System
criticalProblem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 LEAF vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage that can cause a short circuit within the battery module.
Risk: A short circuit in a high voltage battery module increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and should not charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery modules or the battery, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R25F1. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 27, 2026.
Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.