Overview
After a three-year hiatus, Nissan has reintroduced the Z sports coupe for 2023. Its retro-themed exterior styling breathes new life into the Z's storied lifetime, but the 2023 Z isn't entirely new. Underneath its new bodywork and restyled interior is the same chassis as the Nissan 370Z it replaces. It's been reinforced for added stiffness, but it's limited by a design that dates back to 2009. On the plus side, a more powerful 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine and new suspension tunings improve handling and comfort.
This new 2023 Nissan Z continues the tradition of delivering fun driving dynamics without breaking the bank. If you're a Z fan, we're certain you'll appreciate the many improvements. Otherwise, we suggest checking out the competition that includes the Toyota GR Supra and the more affordable Ford Mustang GT or Chevrolet Camaro SS.
What's New for 2023
Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Nissan Z is a two-seat sport coupe that is available in two trim levels: Sport and Performance. A limited-edition Proto Spec model has only 240 examples slated for the U.S. The Performance is the popular model, and it's our recommendation as well. We'll explain why.
Sport
The entry-level Sport trim starts at $41,015 (including a $1,025 destination fee). A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is the only engine offered, and it can be paired with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry/ignition, a digital instrument panel, manual seat adjustments, fabric upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system.
Standard safety features include a frontal-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.
Performance
Stepping up to the Performance trim costs $51,015 and gets you 19-inch Rays wheels, upgraded brakes, a rear spoiler, a limited-slip differential, a sport exhaust system, heated mirrors, heated power-adjustable seats, leather and simulated suede upholstery, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a navigation system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. The mechanical upgrades in this trim earn it our recommendation, and the price is appropriate for the added features.
Proto Spec
With a starting price of $54,015, the Proto Spec limited-edition model adds aesthetic changes that include bronze-colored wheels, a distinctive shifter, simulated suede door panel trim, and bright yellow interior trim and stitching.
Engine and Performance
The 2023 Nissan Z is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 50 hp and 74 lb-ft compared to the previous 370Z. You can choose between a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels.
Nissan hasn't released acceleration estimates for the Z, but the automatic transmission with launch control should get it to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds or so. The manual transmission's launch control isn't as sophisticated, and the fewer gears will likely affect acceleration, which adjusts our estimate to around 4.5 seconds.
Compared to the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Z has a similar power output. The Supra has 382 hp but makes up for the slight disadvantage with 368 lb-ft of torque. The V8 muscle cars from Detroit hold the upper hand with the Ford Mustang GT's 460 hp and 420 lb-ft and the Chevrolet Camaro SS' 455 hp and 455 lb-ft. By comparison, the Supra is estimated to reach 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds, while the Mustang GT and Camaro SS should get you there in 4.2 and 4.0 seconds, respectively.
Compared to these sport coupes, the Nissan Z lacks tire grip. The stock Bridgestone Potenza tires howl loudly when cornering hard and tend to lose traction when driven hard. When those tires do release their grip, it's progressive and predictable but still saps your confidence when you want to have fun. Replacing them with stickier high-performance rubber should greatly improve grip.
If you're seeking thrills behind the wheel, the Z is certainly fun to drive on a twisting mountain road, but it isn't likely to keep up with its more accomplished rivals. To its credit, the manual transmission greatly improves driver engagement and enjoyment, though it is slower and less fuel-efficient than the automatic. The Z is easy to drive every day, even if you opt for the manual transmission. Pedal and steering wheel effort is appropriate for a sports car, yet not so strong as to fatigue you on a long drive. Likewise, the ride quality is pleasant enough to keep you comfortable for a few hours at a time.
Fuel Economy
The 2023 Nissan Z with the manual transmission is estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency to return 18 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway. The nine-speed automatic increases the estimate to 19/28 mpg city/highway.
The Toyota Supra beats those automatic figures by 2 to 3 mpg. Not surprisingly, the V8-powered muscle cars are thirstier, with the Mustang estimated at 15/24 mpg city/highway, regardless of whether you go with a manual or automatic transmission. The Camaro is rated at 16/26 mpg with its 10-speed automatic transmission; the manual drops highway efficiency to 24 mpg.
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