2024 Nissan Z Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Nissan Z is a soulful sports coupe with an incredible history of serving up affordable and fun-to-drive two-doors since 1969. Using bits and pieces of nostalgia, like the quarter-panel insignia from the 240Z and a pair of dramatic LED taillights that mimic the style of the 300ZX of the 1990s, the new Z puts power and driving entertainment at the forefront. Although it borrows its 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine from the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, the Z can be had with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission. That is, unless you want the NISMO Z treatment, which grants 420 horsepower and other performance upgrades but comes exclusively with a nine-speed automatic. While the new Z retains many of its joints and bones from the previous-generation 370Z, its interior is a richer experience with better seats, a wider infotainment screen, and a telescoping steering wheel. It may not be as exciting to hammer as the Toyota Supra, but the Z still offers driving thrills, and we’re thankful to have it back in the sports-car segment.

What's New for 2024?

The Z returned last year after much anticipation. For 2024, the iconic rear-wheel drive coupe is expected to turn up the heat with a performance-minded NISMO model. The Z NISMO gets additional horsepower (420 horsepower, up from the standard output of 400) and 384 pound-feet of torque (up from 350 pound-feet of torque on standard models), a limited-slip differential, bigger wheels, larger brakes, stiffer suspension, and fancier bodywork.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd go with the mid-range Z Performance trim, which 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. There's no difference in pricing when it comes to which transmission you choose but for the sake of excitement, we'd pick the six-speed manual.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Like its beastly brother, the Nissan GT-R, the Z is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6. But instead of the fire-breathing 565-hp 3.8-liter that’s under the hood of the GT-R, the Z gets a 400-hp 3.0-liter mill from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, with 350 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. The turbo six gives the rear-wheel-drive Z a lot of zip, but our manual-transmission 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. Cornering grip is plentiful so long as you're not driving too close to the Z's limit. Push it hard, though, and the suspension's tuning reveals itself to be not quite up to the task. Its compliance provides good comfort when commuting, but rival sports cars offer sharper reflexes. We haven't tested one yet, but the Z NISMO ups the ante with 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The increase in output is also joined by larger brake discs, stiffer suspension, and increased chassis rigidity. For the NISMO, Nissan ditches the Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer rubber for Dunlop Sport MAXX GT600 tires.

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, earn an EPA-estimated 17 city and 24 mpg highway ratings. When we have a chance, we'll test 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.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Although this generation looks much different from the last one, it’s not entirely different. For example, Nissan hasn't changed the layout of the Z's cabin. It remains a two-seat coupe with no vestigial rear seats à la Porsche 911. What has changed, though, is everything else. The new Z receives a modernized cabin with updated materials—a welcome improvement over the previous 370Z's dated interior. Leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control are all available. Cargo space remains a mystery, but we aren't expecting the Z to be a Costco-run champion; we fit three carry-on suitcases in the trunk of the old 370Z, which should be plenty for most sports-car buyers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Nissan has brought the Z into the twenty-first century with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment display (a 9.0-inch unit with navigation is optional), a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A six-speaker stereo is standard but audiophiles can upgrade to an optional premium audio arrangement engineered by Bose; an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot is also available.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Nissan offers the Z with several standard driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. For more information about the Z's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Nissan's basic warranty package is just that: Basic. Rival such as the Supra and the BMW Z4 both augment their standard warranties with lengthy complimentary maintenance plans.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs