2025 Nissan Z Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Every car enthusiast knows the Nissan Z. The Japanese automaker’s iconic sports car has existed in various forms since the late 1960s, and the seventh-generation model on sale today was introduced for 2023. Powered by a twin-turbo V-6 engine and offered with manual or automatic transmission, the Z range also contains the sharpened NISMO variant. Rivals to the Z include the Ford Mustang, Toyota Supra, and BMW 2 Series.
What’s New
- Bayside Blue paint borrowed from Nissan GT-R now available
- White and red paint colors can be paired with black-painted roof
What We Think
As much as we want to love the Nissan Z, it just doesn’t capture our hearts like a good sports car should. Even as it gains power and eye-catching design compared to its predecessor, the outdated, uncompetitive fundamentals of that car are still far too evident.
To the Z’s credit, it’s good and quick with its standard 400-hp twin-turbo V-6, and the six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmissions it can be paired with each have appeal. For drivers who seek front-engine, rear-drive dynamics, the Z basically delivers.
That’s about where our praise ends for the new Z. From how it drives to how it functions, it’s clearly based on a decades-old platform. Driving it back to back with a truly modern sports car only reveals how behind the times the Z is. And for the price, there are just so many better options, be they FWD, RWD, AWD, gas, or EV. Whatever improvements the NISMO model may bring aren’t sufficient to sway our opinion.
We love sports cars, and we’re glad the Z exists, but it’s not what we’d choose for a fun drive.
What Engine Is in the 2025 Nissan Z?
Every 2025 Nissan Z is equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, coded the VR30DDTT. In its standard tune, the engine makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the rear wheels only. When linked to the six-speed manual transmission, it gets the Z from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the nine-speed automatic cuts the sprint down to 4.3 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 18/24 mpg with the stick shift and 19/28 mpg with the automatic.
Safety and Driver Assist Features
Every 2025 Z comes equipped with active safety and driver assist features including front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams. Adaptive cruise control is also included with both the manual and automatic transmission.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Two-seat sports cars aren’t known for having enormous interiors, and that’s true of the 2025 Z; its passenger space is typical for the segment. However, its hatchback cargo area is relatively spacious and potentially more practical than a trunk.
Z Sport vs. Z Performance: What’s the Difference?
In base Sport trim, the 2025 Z comes equipped with 18-inch wheels, two-piston front and one-piston rear brakes, cloth interior upholstery, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen among its primary features. The 2025 Z Sport starts at slightly more than $44,000; the manual and automatic transmission cost the same.
Selecting the Performance trim adds upgrades including 19-inch Rays wheels, Akebono four-piston front and two-piston rear brakes, a mechanical limited-slip differential, leather-appointed upholstery covering heated seats, and a 9.0-inch infotainment screen. The 2025 Z Performance goes for about $54,000 and is probably the right way to get this sports car.
Is the Z NISMO Worth It?
Nissan applies the NISMO badge to models that have been upgraded by its motorsports tuning division. In the case of the Z, NISMO treatment increases the V-6 engine’s output to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque—but that can only go through the nine-speed automatic, as the six-speed manual isn’t available in the Z NISMO. Beyond power, the Z NISMO gains upgrades including stiffer suspension, larger brakes, lightweight wheels, and distinctive, aero-inspired design elements. Starting at about $67,000, the 2025 Z NISMO costs approximately $22,000 more than a base-spec 2025 Nissan Z.
Bayside Blue Z: A Nissan GT-R Cue
Only the GT-R is more legendary than the Z in Nissan’s sports car lineup. For 2024, the GT-R was officially discontinued after a 17-year production run—but a shade of GT-R lives on in the Z. For 2025, the Z is newly offered in Bayside Blue, a classic paint color that was popularized on the R34 GT-R in Japan. The new Nissan Z is all about heritage, and Bayside Blue ties into Nissan’s high-performance history. It’s a $425 option and can be paired with dual racing stripes for another $600.
