2024 Nissan Z Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewPros
Stylish design
Manual transmission available
Great handling
Cons
Not much cargo space
Poor value for money
The Z NISMO returns for 2024, giving Nissan's entry-level sports car greater track capability.
The Nissan Z sports car got its first redesign in over a decade for the 2023 model year. For 2024, Nissan is giving the reinvigorated Z an extra dose of performance.
The Z is a sports car icon. Unveiled in 1969 as the Datsun 240Z, it made a big splash as one of the few affordable sports cars available at the time. Later models grew larger and more luxurious, but also faster and more sophisticated. Nissan brought the Z back to its roots with the Z33-generation 350Z in 2002, and then launched the successor Z34-generation 370Z in 2008. That version lasted until the 2022 model year, giving it one of the longest runs of any modern production car.
Both the Z33 and Z34 Z cars got NISMO performance variants. NISMO stands for Nissan Motorsports, the performance division that applies a little motorsports magic to the occasional Nissan road car. It’s done just that with the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO, which arrives with more power, a stiffened chassis, and upgraded brakes to complete a lineup that also includes the carryover Sport and Performance trim levels.
With this three-tier lineup, the Z is positioned alongside the Toyota GR Supra, spanning the gap between entry-level sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and pricier fare like the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 718 Cayman.
The 2023 model-year redesign gave the Z strong retro vibes, which carry over for 2024. The front end and overall silhouette resemble the original Datsun 240Z, starting with a rectangular grille opening and round LED headlights in streamlined housings at the front, with a long hood and a greenhouse that ends abruptly in a sawed-off rear end. At the back, the LED taillights are an homage to the Z32-generation Nissan 300ZX.
Some aspects of the design are unintentionally retro. The 2024 Nissan Z still uses a modified version of the old 370Z body shell, which is apparent in some details like the shape of the quarter windows. The carryover 370Z elements work well with the updated front and rear styling, though. Unlike the 370Z, Nissan has no plans to offer the current-generation Z as a convertible.
The Z NISMO gets some models-specific styling details, including an elongated “Grand-Nose” or “G-Nose” Nissan says recalls the Japanese-market Fairlady 240ZG. It’s more rounded appearance also smooths out the somewhat awkward edges around the grille in the standard Z. Thinner grille mesh provides optimum aerodynamic properties, according to Nissan. Canards at the corners of the front fascia, a new rear spoiler, and a reshaped rear bumper also help improve airflow around the car. As with other NISMO models, red accent striping runs around the perimeter of the car.
Base Z Sport models get 18-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tires. Both the Performance and NISMO grades get staggered Rays wheels (with lighter-weight versions for the NISMO), measuring 19x19.5 inches in the front and 19x10 inches in the rear for the Nissan Z Performance and 19x10 inches front and 19x10.5 inches rear for the NISMO. Performance models have Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, while NISMO models get Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 rubber.
The interior is all business. A digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and a trio of round gauges are packed tightly around the driver, and the three-spoke steering wheel is about as simple a design as you’ll find in a modern car. Nissan designers tried to keep cosmetic flourishes to a minimum, although NISMO models do get a few bits of red trim. Recaro seats are also standard on the NISMO. They’re trimmed in leather and Alcantara, as is the steering wheel.
All 2024 Nissan Z models use a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 similar to the engine used in the Infiniti Q50 sedan from Nissan’s luxury division, with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a limited-slip differential. The V6 makes 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque—more horsepower, but less torque, than a six-cylinder Toyota Supra—in the Sport and Performance models, both of which are available with six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmissions. The latter includes paddle shifters and launch control.
The Z NISMO takes the twin-turbo V6 engine up to 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque thanks to improved cooling, revised electronic wastegate control, and an independent ignition spark timing strategy borrowed from the Nissan GT-R NISMO. However, the Z NISMO isn’t available with a manual transmission. Nissan did give the nine-speed automatic special tuning for this model, though. Revised clutch packs reduce downshift time by almost half compared to the Z Performance, Nissan claims.
Other NISMO upgrades include a Sport+ driving mode (in addition to the standard Normal and Sport modes) aimed at track use, and more track-worthy suspension and brakes. The NISMO model has unique stabilizer bars and dampers, plus larger 15-inch front and 13.8-inch rear brake rotors with performance brake pads. Nissan also increased structural bracing, and gave the NISMO model stiffer suspension and steering-rack bushings.
These changes make a big difference on the track. Nissan sent us out for a few laps of Sonoma Raceway, first in a Z Performance and then in a NISMO. The extra horsepower and torque were noticeable too, but it was really the suspension, chassis, brake and tire upgrades that made the biggest impression.
The NISMO was much more confidence-inspiring, feeling more stable and more eager to turn in when cornering. Its grippier tires and beefier brakes were a much-appreciated safety net, the latter in particular. Sonoma has a couple of hard braking zones that, to be fast, require the driver to charge in and scrub off speed quickly. The NISMO was more than up to the task.
The changes that make the Z NISMO more capable on the track don’t compromise on-road driving. This is still a sports car, and that means a fairly firm ride, but it’s not like the suspension is set in concrete. The NISMO’s Recaro buckets were also reasonably comfortable for sport seats, and the interior tunes out most excess noise. Even in Sport+ mode, the NISMO is tame enough for road use while maintaining the engine and transmission’s quick reflexes. You’ll still need to take this car to the track to explore its true capability, but the drive there won’t be unpleasant.
A two-seat sports car is never going to be the last word in practicality, but the Z does at least offer similar headroom and legroom to the rival Toyota Supra. That still means taller drivers will have a hard time finding a good seating position. For those of medium height, though, it’s easy to find a good seat setting even with a helmet on.
Any trips had also better be short, because there’s very little storage space onboard. Nissan doesn’t quote a cargo space figure, but the cargo area is small and shallow. A rear hatch does at least getting things out of there easier.
Inside, Nissan provides a proper place for a phone—something designers of larger more utilitarian cars sometimes forget. That’s especially important because the only other storage options are small glovebox, a covered spot between the seats good for holding spare USB cables and nothing else, and the cupholders.
Base Z Sport models come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports (one Type-A, one Type-C), and a Nissan-branded six-speaker audio system. The Z Performance and NISMO models upgrade to a 9-inch touchscreen that also adds wireless Apple CarPlay (but not Android Auto) and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. These models also get a Bose eight-speaker audio system with active noise cancellation.
The touchscreen and instrument cluster graphics have the same white-on-black theme as other recent Nissan models. The look feels appropriate to the brand, and a car designed to emphasize the driving experience, it’s functional as well. Text is easy to read at a glance so you can actually focus on driving, and nothing on the main touchscreen is elaborate or flashy because that’s not the point.
In NISMO models, the digital instrument cluster’s virtual tachometer has a red ring which, along with a NISMO logo and a subtle startup animation, or the only NISMO-specific touches. Again, Nissan deserves credit for keeping it simple and making sure the focus stays on pavement rather than pixels. Both the tach and digital speedometer were large and easy to read, as was the gear indicator, allowing you save precious mental bandwidth for finding apexes and braking points.
For 2023, the Performance and NISMO models add Amazon Alexa Built-in connectivity. This voice-control system can play music, place calls, and allow drivers to control compatible smart home devices from their cars.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn’t released crash-test ratings for the current-generation Nissan Z at the time of publication. Low-volume models, including sports cars, aren’t a priority for these organizations when it comes to safety testing.
All Nissan Z models include the same basic array of driver-assist features as most of new cars. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection) blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning are all standard.
It’s unclear how the Z NISMO’s performance upgrades will affect gas mileage, as EPA fuel economy ratings for 2024 Nissan Z models weren’t available at the time of publication. For reference, 2023 Z models were rated at 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the automatic transmission and 20 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with the manual transmission.
The Z gets the same warranty as other Nissan models, including three years or 36,000 miles of basic coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
Pricing starts at $43,305 for the base Z Sport and $53,305 for the mid-level Z Performance (both prices include a mandatory $1,095 destination charge). Those are increases of $1,220 over the 2023 model year for both carryover trim levels. The new-for-2024 Z NISMO starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $66,085 with destination, putting a sports car that built its reputation on affordability close to Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 718 Cayman territory.
As good as it is, the Z NISMO is hard to justify at that price. The lower trim levels make more sense, keeping the Z in its sweet spot between smaller, less-powerful cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 and the aforementioned Corvette and Porsche.
That doesn’t mean the Z is the only option in its price range, though. The Toyota Supra also boasts turbocharged six-cylinder power (although a turbo-four is standard), an available manual transmission, and a nameplate with strong nostalgic appeal. The BMW 2 Series coupe shares a lot of mechanical components with the Supra, and it overlaps with the Z in price. So does the redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang, although it’s still more muscle car than sports car.
The Nissan Z can’t claim to be a better value than these rivals, but there’s still a lot to like here. And for those willing to pay, the Z NISMO transforms it into a true track car.
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2024 Nissan Z Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.54
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 27 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Bose · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: suede · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.13 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 27 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: suede · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Interior accents: faux suede · Parking brake trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.13 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: contrast roof · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: Recaro · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 15
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 27 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse