2026 Nissan Sakura Preview – New Styling for Japan’s Top-Selling EV

By Steve Laser

Nissan is giving its popular Sakura EV a fresh new look with styling enhancements to the exterior of the mini-vehicle. According to Nissan, Sakura has been Japan’s top-selling EV for four years in a row. Preliminary photos reveal the evolved design, with a more formal announcement expected from Nissan at a later date.

The above photo highlights Sakura’s refreshed front appearance. Changes include a new body color front grille, a new front bumper with copper accents, and a special new exterior color called “Minamono Sakura,” offered for the first time on a Nissan.

The current Sakura is equipped with a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and has a range of 180km per charge (based on WLTC Japan cycle). An electric motor produces 47kW and 195 Nm torque. The battery can also be used as a mobile power source during emergencies (with V2L adapter) and provide electricity to a home with a V2H connection.

Sakura’s four-passenger interior features a contemporary appearance. It includes “sofa-design” seats, a twin-spoke steering wheel, a 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, electric shifter, Eco, Standard, and Sport drive modes, plus an available 9-inch NissanConnect navigation system.


About NMKV

NMKV Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, builds the Nissan Sakura EV, Nissan Roox, Mitsubishi eK X EV, ek Space, and other models, at Mitsubishi’s Mizushima plant in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Nissan and Mitsubishi established NMKV in 2011 to specialize in the planning and development of minicars.


Note: Features, specifications, and launch timing for Japan market models are subject to change without notice.

News source and photos courtesy of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Story (commentary) 2026 CarNichiWa.com