2023 Nissan Z review

1. Exciting and evocative styling

The Nissan Z is a model name with a long and rich history, stretching back to the introduction of the original Datsun 240Z in the early seventies. Now entering its seventh generation, the 2023 Nissan Z manages to blend tradition with modernity in a sleek and ultra-stylish package. It stays true to the classic Nissan Z formula, with a two-door coupe body shape, long nose, and swooping rear decklid while wrapping it all up in sharp, swooping lines and flared wheel arches. It's a car guaranteed to turn heads on the street, and one that you'll never get tired of looking at when it's parked on your driveway.

2. Powerful V6 engine

In keeping with that Z car tradition, the 2023 Nissan Z has serious performance credentials to back up those good looks. All 2023 Nissan Z models feature a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine under the hood, packing a formidable 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a rear-wheel drive layout, you can look forward to some serious excitement when you put your foot down. And if you really want maximum thrills, the Z Performance trim adds extra performance features like larger brakes, a rear spoiler, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

3. Stacked feature list

With a lengthy feature list offering a great selection of creature comforts—many of them from standard—the 2023 Nissan Z is certainly no weekend-only warrior. The base Sport trim, one of three trim levels available, offers an extensive list of amenities as standard, like automatic climate control, USB-A and USB-C ports, an eight-inch touchscreen display, and full Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ compatibility. Alternatively, there's the Performance trim, which includes premium features like heated and power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, an available Wi-Fi^® hotspot, integrated navigation system, and more.

4. Full suite of driver convenience features

For when you just want to relax and cruise, the 2023 Nissan Z offers a full complement of driver convenience technologies as standard for maximum peace of mind. Those systems include forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. All of these features, coupled with the aforementioned creature comforts, make the 2023 Nissan Z the kind of sports car you can easily drive every day.

5. Traditional manual gearbox available as standard

When it comes to pure driving pleasure, nothing feels quite as satisfying as a traditional manual gearbox. Happily, the 2023 Nissan Z includes a six-speed manual transmission as standard across the range, allowing you to feel all that horsepower and performance in the palm of your hand. You even get automated rev-matching on Performance models, for those ultra-satisfying upshifts and downshifts. Should you prefer, a nine-speed automatic transmission is also available across the range, with Performance trims offering upgraded paddle shifters.