Nissan’s new Z is a performance bargain
The new Nissan Z offers a stunning view. The profile is about as close to a ‘60s silhouette as you can get with today’s crash and pedestrian safety standards. The engine is still six cylinders (albeit plus a few turbos and a new V configuration). There’s still a manual transmission. Inside, the Z’s retro design is augmented by today’s conveniences. There’s A/C that works (and well, too), heated seats, and a modern stereo system with a screen to display your phone onto.
Of course, the Nissan Z drives as it looks. It’s a little old-school. The Z rides pretty soft compared to modern competitors like the Toyota Supra or BMW’s M240i. Its big V6 engine makes plenty of power, and with the traction control off, you’re always on the verge of losing some traction, thanks largely to 400 horsepower and plenty of turbocharged torque. The fun part aside, 2026 also introduces a new Heritage Edition, paying tribute to the fourth-generation 300ZX with retro nods and stunning Midnight Purple paint, as well as a carbon rear spoiler, special graphics, and bronze wheels.
How much is a new Nissan Z?
Nissan
The Nissan Z lineup starts at $44,165 and goes up to $66,945, including destination charges. Of course, pricing can also depend on what options you select for your Z. Here’s a glimpse at the base Z Sport’s standard features, all of which are included on higher trim levels.
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry
- Push-button ignition
- Performance exhaust (automatic only)
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Cloth upholstery
- Automatic climate control
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Digital dash
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker sound system
Driver assists are also standard with the new, more modern Z, including:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic monitoring
- Parking sensors, front and rear
- Adaptive cruise control
The Nissan Z’s best trim is in the Goldilocks zone
Smack-dab in the middle of the Z lineup sits the Nissan Z Performance. As the name implies, it adds a little more of the stuff to your Z in exchange for $54,165 of your hard-earned dollars. Or whatever that comes out to on a lease payment. Regardless, the Performance guarantees you some serious upgrades over the Sport, not the least of which is a standard limited-slip differential:
- 19-inch Rays wheels
- Larger brakes
- Rear spoiler
- Mechanical limited-slip differential
- Heated mirrors
- Power-adjustable, heated seats
- Leather seats with synthetic suede inserts
- 9-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation
- Eight-speaker Bose sound system
- Active noise cancellation
- Automated rev matching (manual transmission)
OR
- Upgraded paddle shifters (automatic transmission)
Splurge on the sweet Nissan Z Heritage Edition
Nissan
One of the biggest arguments in favor of the new Z is its looks. It’s a stunning modern recreation of the classic, and if you’ve got the scratch, you may as well lean into those sweet aesthetics with the Heritage Edition. Plus, it’s based on AutoBlog’s recommended trim, the Z Performance, which guarantees you a limited-slip differential and larger brakes. In addition to the bigger brakes, you’ll benefit from some cosmetic changes that serve to make the Z’s look all the more appetizing. That includes the following for the Z Heritage Edition’s $57,155 price tag:
- 19-inch bronze Rays wheels
- Twin-Turbo badge
- Bronze Twin-Turbo graphics
- Unique door kick plates
- Heritage Edition floor mats
- Midnight Purple paint
If you want a Z NISMO, wait just one year
Kristen Brown
The Z NISMO is even more athletic than our recommended Z Performance trim, as it should be given its $66,945 price tag. You’ll benefit from the following additional equipment:
- 20 more horsepower, 34 lb-ft of torque (420 hp, 384 lb-ft total)
- Black Rays wheels
- High-performance summer tires
- Even larger front brakes
- High-performance oil cooler
- NISMO-tuned suspension, steering, and transmission
- Additional chassis bracing
- Aerodynamic body kit
- Recaro bucket seats
- Leather and Alcantara upholstery
- Sport+ driving mode
The problem with the sportiest Z is that it’s also the least fun, being the only model that does not offer the car’s excellent six-speed manual transmission. However, Nissan says this is set to change for the 2027 model year (starting in 2026). It’s unconfirmed whether Nissan will be able to maintain the Z’s higher power output with the addition of the manual, but it’s worth waiting a year to find out before splurging on the fastest Nissan on sale today.
Final thoughts: The Z is the best high-power everyday sports car this side of a Porsche Cayman
Nissan
The Nissan Z is just modern enough. You can get in, plug in your phone, play your music without the aid of AM or FM signals, be kept safe in a crash, and be comfortable on a long drive. It’s also just old enough to be exciting. The Z’s big engine and manual transmission are likely to be some of the last, and Nissan’s most engaging. You’d be remiss not to enjoy the Z for what it is: a bridge to the past, but just the good parts.
About the author
Chase Bierenkoven
Senior Editor, Autoblog