“Super, fun to drive car with amazing performance. Not enough room in the glove box for a boiled egg.”
Nissan Z: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Nissan Z is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe known for strong twin-turbo V6 power, heritage-inspired styling, and a driver-focused cabin. It is one of the few mainstream sports cars that still offers a manual transmission on most trims.
The Z has stayed true to a simple sports-car formula: two seats, rear-wheel drive, strong power, and a cockpit centered on the driver. Its styling connects newer models to earlier Z cars without losing that straightforward character. Since the 2023 redesign, a twin-turbo V6 and modern cabin technology have brought the formula up to date while keeping the traditional driving feel.
Strengths
- The rear-wheel-drive layout and driver-centered cabin give the Z a traditional sports-car feel.
- Sport and Performance models make 400 horsepower, giving the core lineup strong straight-line performance.
- A six-speed manual keeps the driving experience more involving on most trims.
- The current generation blends styling cues from older Z cars with a digital gauge display and a broader standard safety package.
- The NISMO adds a sharper, more track-focused character for drivers who want more than the regular Z offers.
Who it's for
The Z suits someone who wants a sports car mainly for enjoyable road driving rather than everyday family duty. It is especially appealing to drivers who value rear-wheel drive, quick acceleration, classic Z styling, and the involvement of a manual transmission. The NISMO also gives more track-minded shoppers a sharper option.
Nissan Z lineup
Pick the Sport for the most straightforward version of the core Z experience, including the 400-hp twin-turbo V6. Step up to the Performance when you want the fuller middle trim without moving to the lineup’s most track-focused model. Since 2024, the NISMO has served as the harder-edged top trim, with 420 horsepower, stronger brakes, chassis changes, unique aerodynamic bodywork, and quicker automatic transmission programming. Limited editions such as the Proto Spec and Heritage Edition mainly add rarity or heritage-themed presentation rather than defining the regular lineup.
Nissan Z generations
From 2023 to 2026, the Z spans 1 generation. The current 7th Generation — RZ34 arrived for 2023.
7th Generation — RZ34 (2023–Present)
This redesign replaced the 370Z-era setup with a 400-hp twin-turbo V6, a new 9-speed automatic alongside the 6-speed manual, digital gauges, and a broader standard safety package. The 420-hp NISMO later became the track-focused top trim.
32 In Stock
2026
The Heritage Edition returns with a 300ZX-inspired appearance treatment. Sport, Performance, and NISMO otherwise carry over from 2025.
2025
The lineup carries over with the same engines, safety equipment, and technology.
2024Trim changes
The 420-hp NISMO joins as the track-focused top trim, with chassis, brake, aerodynamic, and automatic-transmission changes. A limited Heritage Edition also joins the lineup.
2023New generation
The redesigned Z debuts with a 400-hp twin-turbo V6, new exterior and interior, digital gauges, expanded safety equipment, and manual or automatic transmissions.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan Z.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Z a coupe, and how many people does it seat?
Yes. The current Nissan Z is a two-door coupe with two seats. It has no rear seat, so it suits solo drivers or couples rather than anyone who regularly carries extra passengers.
Does the Nissan Z come as a hybrid?
No. The current Nissan Z uses a gasoline twin-turbo V6 and has no hybrid version. Regular Sport and Performance models make 400 horsepower, while NISMO models make 420 horsepower.
Is the Nissan Z rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
The Nissan Z is rear-wheel drive. It does not offer all-wheel drive in the current generation, keeping the traditional sports-car layout used throughout the lineup.
Does the Nissan Z have a manual transmission?
Yes. In the current generation, Sport and Performance models have been sold with a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic. The harder-edged NISMO uses a specially tuned nine-speed automatic only.
What is the Nissan Z known for?
The Nissan Z is known for combining a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6, rear-wheel drive, two-seat coupe proportions, and styling inspired by older Z cars. Its focus is traditional sports-car feel rather than passenger space or everyday versatility.
Is the Nissan Z a good fit for daily driving?
It can be, if two seats and limited practicality work for you. Recent models have smartphone connectivity, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning, but the low coupe layout remains better suited to driving enjoyment than family duty.
How does the current Nissan Z generation differ from the older 370Z?
The current generation arrived for 2023 with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6, a new nine-speed automatic option, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and a broader set of standard safety features. It replaced the older 370Z-era formula while retaining two seats and rear-wheel drive.
Nissan Z Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan Z.
4.6
Nissan Z
(79 reviews)
“Get the Nizmo. No offense Nissan, I got the performance and this is far less superior than my 350's I owned.”
“The 2024 Z is an exceptional car. It's beautiful, sporty, and technologically advanced.”
“Get it! I can't stop looking at my rosewood metallic Z and the manual transmission makes driving it an absolute thrill. Your main concern will be getting addicted!”
“Great vehicle, excellent performance and luxurious interior and nice appearance.”
“It sits pretty low so it's not the easiest car to get in and out of. Those taller than about 6'1" will likely find it difficult to find a seating position where you don't hit your head on the headliner. The transmission took a little while to learn and shift consistently.”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2026 / 2026 Nissan Z Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2025 / 2025 Nissan Z Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Nissan Nissan Z Brochure En 1
- nissanusa.com — Vehicles / Future Concept / 2026 Z Heritage Edition
- nissanusa.com — Sports Cars / 2025 Nissan Z / Nismo
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2023 / 2023 Nissan Nissan Z Brochure En