The 2026 Nissan Z deserves more love and respect than it typically gets.

Revived in 2023, the Nissan Z is essentially an update of the sixth-generation model, sold from 2009 to 2020. It remains a two-seat coupe with a liftback design, a six-cylinder engine, and rear-wheel drive (RWD)—a recipe that dates back to the first-generation 1970 Datsun 240Z. Of course, the 2026 Z is much more powerful and technologically advanced than its forebears, and slots into a segment of the market with no direct competition.

Verdict: Being based on the previous-generation 370Z can make it seem out-of-date, but we like the 2026 Nissan Z. That’s especially true of the new Heritage Edition, which wears a compelling paint color, bronze wheels, and retro graphics and badges. Nevertheless, the car needs a tech update and better steering ASAP.