The 2025 Nissan Z is the latest in a long line of Z-cars from the brand, dating back to the Datsun 240Z. What does the Nissan Z bring to the party?

Driving a legacy sports car is certainly a party on the road and track. The Z provides you with incredible performance and nostalgic styling that makes it extremely attractive. The styling looks a lot like the original model from 1969, but it also has an incredible powertrain and amazing driving dynamics to make it one of the most fun and active cars you’ll find.

Why is this Nissan a great value?

When it comes to sports cars and pricing, you’ll get the most power for your money with the 2025 Nissan Z. This incredible sports car delivers 400 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that sends power to the rear wheels. You can choose either a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic transmission to have the desired shifting setup. The NISMO version adds more power, giving you 420 ponies for your drive. The underpinnings are mostly carried over from the 370Z, but the latest model has a more refined driving experience and a modernized interior.

The Z is easy to live with

If you want to drive a sports car and can only afford one car in your garage, this Nissan sports car could be exactly what you want to drive. It has playful handling, which you’re sure to admire, and incredible acceleration, but it also has a great interior that makes it easy to drive every day. Inside the cabin, you’ll find updated seats, a larger infotainment screen, and a digital display compared to the previous model.

The 2025 model year brings the Z NISMO and Z Heritage trims that give you special packaging and performance qualities.

Where did the engine come from?

The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine comes from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400. This means Nissan already had a powerful engine that was ready to go as a proven performer. The Sport and Performance trims of the 2025 Nissan Z make 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Z NISMO increases the power to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The Z NISMO also includes an added:

• Limited-slip differential
• Bigger wheels
• Large brakes
• Stiffer suspension
• Fancier bodywork

Unfortunately, the hotter NISMO model can only be had with the automatic transmission.

On the track

When you take the Nissan Z to the track, the lower trims might leave you wanting a little more. The suspension isn’t tuned for full-tilt cornering, and if you push it too far, it will show you that it’s not up to the task. The added equipment of the Z NISMO corrects this issue, making it easy to turn some seriously fast laps when you choose this higher model.
If you choose the Nissan Z Performance model with the manual transmission, you can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. When equipped with the automatic transmission, this car hits the same speed in 4.3 seconds, while the Z NISMO is good for 3.9 seconds to reach this speed.

The most efficient version of the 2025 Nissan Z uses the automatic transmission and returns 19 city/28 hwy mpg. The manual version reduces this figure to 18 city/24 hwy mpg, while the Z NISMO returns 17 city/24 hwy mpg.

Room for two

There are only two seats in this Nissan sports car, with no small rear seats positioned in the Z. The cabin is packed with premium materials and updated features. You’ll find Alcantara upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone automatic climate controls. The gauges give you a nice analog touch to an otherwise modernized vehicle. You can fit some luggage in the small trunk, but that might be enough for you to enjoy this sports car during a road trip.

The tec you need from Nissan

The 2025 Nissan Z has a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen with a 9.0-inch unit optional. There’s also a 12.3-inch digital gauge display in front of you, giving you the readings you desire. You’ll enjoy the benefits of SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Which model should you choose?

The mid-range 2025 Nissan Z Performance trim could be the most enticing unless you intend to attend several track days. This model has a sportier suspension than the base model, a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels, and summer tires. The NISMO is tempting, but only if you want a dedicated track toy.

Which version of the Nissan Z will you drive?