Some of the 18 car brands you can test drive at the LA Auto Show
There are two test drive areas outside the Los Angeles Convention Center. Anyone can walk up and ask for a key.
Celebrities are on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
No, we’re not talking about “Fast and Furious” stars Chad Lindberg and Sung Kang (although they were also at the venue Saturday, shaking hands with fans). We’re talking about the 2026 Nissan Leaf, which is also called the “Car of the Year” according to the Buzz Awards.
The vehicle was on display front and center in the Nissan section of the annual auto show in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. Participants also had the opportunity to ride along or test drive the vehicle outdoors.
According to a recent press release, the Leaf’s MSRP starts at $29,990, making it the lowest priced new EV currently available in the United States. The release added that it has a range of up to 303 miles on a single charge and can charge from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes.
Despite the praise, the Leaf hasn’t sold well in the United States. After debuting at the Smyrna factory in 2013, Leaf sales skyrocketed, surpassing the then-record monthly deliveries of more than 2,000 units set in November 2013. However, the demand did not last. In November 2025, the company chose to transfer production of the next generation Leaf to Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, citing the downturn in the U.S. market.
Brian Crockett, vice president of Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, said, “The Leaf is doing extremely well in both the European and (Asia) markets.” “It’s OK for the U.S. market, but it doesn’t justify building in three locations.”
According to the Buzz Awards, the new 2026 Nissan Leaf has been named “Car of the Year.” But how Really drive?
The all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf has been named “Car of the Year” by the Buzz Awards, one year after the Japanese automaker moved production from Smyrna, Tennessee.
“The Leaf’s striking packaging and evocative styling make it easy to love, and its excellent driving performance, range and charging characteristics make it a pleasure to live with,” Buzz Award judges said in a news release.
The Buzz Awards, a collaboration between automotive publications CarBuzz, HotCars and TopSpeed, have announced their inaugural honors, with the Leaf also taking home the titles of “Best EV” and “Best Budget Model Vehicle.”
But how do you drive? USA TODAY test drove the bright light blue car outside the LA Auto Show. I was able to drive quite smoothly. The most impressive feature is the e-pedal step button, which, when activated, automatically slows the car and applies the brakes as soon as you release the gas pedal, allowing for one-pedal driving.
A Nissan representative said that some people like the e-Pedal and some people don’t. This USA TODAY reporter thought it was a nifty option on the road, but it would certainly take some getting used to.
Contributor: Stuart Dyos, Nashville, Tennessee
