Latest News
Buy this Ford vs Ferrari GT40 Movie Car2023 Nissan Z Review
The Nissan Z has a legacy that dates back to 1969. Does the 2023 Nissan Z stack up? We look at powertrain, trim levels, and more. Read our full review here.
What’s new for the 2023 Nissan Z?
Aside from the chassis under the Z, most everything else has been updated or improved dramatically. Most notably, a twin-turbo V6 lies under the hood. Last year’s 2022 Nissan Z was one of our most anticipated cars.
The Breakdown
Outstanding drivetrain
Classic good looks
Killer starting price
Not 2+2 practical
Automatic is only ok
Middling fuel economy
Where’s the 8-track player?
2023 Z Specs
- 400 horsepower from base engine
- 350 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 6.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 12.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- 3-year limited warranty
Trims & Pricing
2023 Nissan Z Powertrain
Those who have driven the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 will know this engine well since it’s pulled directly from that car. Buyers can opt for a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic and we highly recommend the manual. Aside from simply being more engaging, it avoids the laggy and somewhat confused shift logic of the auto. Besides that one small gripe, it’s very hard to find anything to complain about with regard to the 2023 Nissan Z.
The engine itself is one of the smoothest turbocharged powertrains we’ve ever tested. Turbo lag is so limited that we could only detect it when we put the car into unrealistic situations. That smooth power delivery makes the Z a joy to drive at any speed since it reacts quickly. Nissan didn’t stop at straight line performance though.
Nissan vastly reworked and re-tuned the suspension for the Z and it shows. Where the old 370Z lacked some subtle depth in the way it cornered, the Z changed directions with much more confidence and grip. Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout it’s also quite playful when you want to get the tail out and enjoy a little old-school power sliding.
2023 Nissan Z Fuel Economy & MPG
The EPA rates the Nissan Z at 20 MPG combined for those with the manual and 22 combined with the automatic. That’s not particularly excellent and in fact many alternative sports cars do a bit better.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The cabin of the new Z is a handsome offering but does share its general layout with the 370Z. Despite that, we think it’s a huge improvement thanks to a new digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. We love the leather seats and the way that Nissan blends the exterior color into the cabin. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also available though we don’t know that it’s necessary considering the fairly petite size of the interior space.
Ride comfort is excellent as well. Seating adjustment makes it easy for anyone to get comfortable and the bolstering provides great support during hard cornering. While it’s no Rolls Royce it does manage to reduce road noise very well for a sports car of its capability. Finally, cargo space is a noticeable concern for those who plan to use this car every day. It doesn’t lose any cabin space over the old car but without rear seats, it’s not as practical as some rivals.
Entertainment & Technology
Simply updating the Z by adding its new screens has almost single-handedly brought the car into the future. Base Zs get an 8-inch infotainment system but a slightly larger 9-inch unit is available. An all-digital gauge cluster is standard across the lineup and we enjoy its bright graphics. The infotainment systems themselves are also good but we wish the smaller one had wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay like the larger one does. Thankfully, Nissan has continued to use physical buttons for important functions like climate control. Additionally, every Z comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking.
Safety Features
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has yet to release scores or safety data about the Z but we expect it to do well. The inclusion of automated driver assistance systems is always a plus in our book.
2023 Nissan Z Trims & Pricing
Z Sport – $41,015
The base Z gets 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay, LED headlights, two USB ports, cloth upholstery, satellite radio, and six speakers.
Z Performance – $51,015
The Performance trim might cost about $10,000 extra but its features make that price seem largely justified. They include bigger brakes, 19-inch Rays wheels, a limited-slip differential, a more sports-oriented suspension, heated mirrors, heated seats, leather upholstery, a 9-inch infotainment system, and eight speakers.
Z Proto Spec – $54,015
Only 240 of these cars will be produced and they add special bronze 19-inch wheels, a unique shifter, yellow trim, and faux suede door trim.
Warranties
Nissan offers a very average warranty package. Its limited warranty reaches three years or 36,000 miles and its powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. No complimentary maintenance is offered.
What we think
The new Nissan Z isn’t a perfect car but with a starting price point around $40,000, it’s about as good as a modern analog sports car can get. It undercuts its rivals like the Toyota Supra and the BMW Z4 while offering more power. It’s also so well balanced that the rivals really will have to find a way to respond one way or another. For our money, it’s the car we’d have for $50,000 or less so expect to see it on next year’s best driver’s car list.
Most Popular
