Nissan Z delivers commendable performance and nostalgic styling at an attainable price. The newest Z wears its heritage on its sleeve, remaining a fun-to-drive two-door coupe with a silhouette reminiscent of the original 240Z from 1969. Under its retro-modern skin lies a potent 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine that drives the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. The NISMO Z version ramps up the performance potential with an extra 20 horsepower for a total of 420, but comes exclusively with the automatic. While the new Z’s underpinnings are largely borrowed from the previous-generation 370Z, it delivers a more refined driving experience and a modernized interior. Its handling is playful and its acceleration ferocious, but its suspension tuning falls short when the Z is pushed to its cornering limit. Inside, the Z’s cabin is era-appropriate, featuring updated seats, a larger infotainment screen, and a digital gauge display. Despite not being quite as fun to thrash as its main competitor, the Toyota Supra, the Z’s thrifty price and soulful character make it a worthy entry in a long line of affordable and enjoyable Nissan sports coupes.
What’s New for 2025?
Following a 2024 refresh that included the introduction of the Z NISMO and Z Heritage trims, the 2025 model is expected to carry over with no notable changes to its performance or appearance.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Nissan Z starts at $44,165 and goes up to $66,945 depending on the trim and options.In our eyes, the mid-range Z Performance trim is the most enticing of the bunch. It adds a sportier suspension tune, a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels with summer tires, and power-adjustable seats with faux-suede upholstery. While the NISMO trim is a tempting option as a dedicated track toy, its stiff suspension and grabby performance brakes make it too abrasive to be used as a daily-driven vehicle.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Front-engine, RWD, 2-passenger, 2-door hatchback |
| Base Price | $66,890 |
| As-Tested Price | $69,095 |
| Options | Two-tone Paint: $1295 Floor Mat Package: $410 Illuminated Kick Plate: $500 |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, borrowed from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, serves as the Nissan Z’s fiery heart. In Sport and Performance trims, the engine produces 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Those figures jump to 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque in the performance-first Z NISMO, which also adds a limited-slip differential, bigger wheels, larger brakes, stiffer suspension, and fancier bodywork to the equation. While the standard Z is available with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission, the hotter NISMO can only be had with the auto. There is no shortage of speed here, as its zippy turbo six provides the rear-wheel drive Z with plenty of motivation. Even so, it lacks the outright acceleration of rivals like the Toyota GR Supra and the Porsche 718 Cayman, which both get to 60 mph quicker. Approaching the limit, the Z feels coordinated and capable through bends. Push the Z a bit too far, though, and its suspension tuning begins to show that it isn’t quite up to the task of full-tilt cornering. The Z NISMO arguably corrects course to a fault, as its stiffer suspension and increased chassis rigidity make it a weapon on a racetrack but a spine-breaker on imperfect roads. The Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires found on the standard car also limit the Z’s performance in nearly every metric. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tires found on the NISMO greatly increase overall stick.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Displacement | 183 in³ / 2997 cm³ |
| Power | 420 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 384 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
0–60-MPH Times
In our comparison test between a manual-equipped Nissan Z Performance and a Toyota Supra 3.0, the Z test car hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, well behind the Supra. With the nine-speed automatic, we were able to get the Z to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, and the more powerful Z NISMO was good for a 3.9-second sprint to 60 mph in our instrumented testing.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the most efficient Z is the one with the automatic transmission. It’s rated for 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Going with the manual drops those numbers to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The 420-hp Z NISMO isn’t too wildly different than the normal Z, despite its extra horsepower and weight, earning an EPA-estimated 17 city and 24 mpg highway ratings. When we have a chance, we’ll take the Z on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route and update this story with the results. For more information about the Z’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 100.4 in |
| Length | 173.2 in |
| Width | 73.6 in |
| Height | 51.8 in |
| Curb Weight | 3673 lb |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Despite sharing a very similar interior layout as the now-defunct Nissan 370Z, this generation Z’s interior is modernized enough not to look like a bad copy-paste job. Like the previous gen, the Z remains dedicated to a two-seat coupe arrangement—no vestigial rear seats here. Its cabin is furnished with premium materials and updated features, including Alcantara upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Gauges for boost pressure, turbo speed, and battery charge sit atop the dashboard and provide a nice analog touch to the cabin. The Z’s cargo space is about what you would expect from a performance-oriented two-door coupe; we were able to fit three carry-on suitcases in the trunk, which should be plenty for most sports-car buyers.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Nissan’s basic warranty package is typical, but the Z benefits from the recently implemented Nissan Maintenance Care program that includes up to three complimentary oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles of ownership.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
