If you're looking for a sports car that perfectly blends old-school cool with modern performance, the Nissan Z is a serious contender. But what's changed for the 2026 model year? Find out everything there is to know about its many features in this 2026 Nissan Z review.
Key Takeaways
- There's only one change to the Z for 2026--the addition of a new Heritage Edition. Mechanically and visually, it otherwise stays the same.
- 2026 Nissan Z trims start at $44,165 and go up to $66,945, as of January 19, 2025.
- The NISMO trim offers more horsepower than other trims.
What are the changes and pricing of the 2026 Nissan Z?
Everything remains the same for the Nissan Z, with the exception of an addition to the lineup. Nissan introduced a new Heritage Edition that pays homage to the fourth-gen 300ZX "Z32." It features Midnight Purple paint, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and a "twin-turbo" graphic stripe. To complete the look, it features unique 19-inch bronze wheels.
Pricing for models is:
- Sport: $44,165
- Performance: $54,165
- Heritage Edition: $57,105
- NISMO: $66,945
What's Under the Hood of the 2026 Nissan Z?
The Nissan Z gets its punch from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. In the Sport and Performance models, it delivers 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. If you're after more power, the NISMO trim cranks things up to 420 horses and 384 lb-ft.
Beyond just the extra muscle, the NISMO also dials in handling with a limited-slip diff, a tighter suspension, bigger wheels and brakes, and a more aggressive aero kit. Plus, you can still choose between rowing your own gears with the six-speed manual or letting the nine-speed automatic handle the work. The Z's fuel economy gets a respectable 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The Z is a pure two-seater; it skips the tiny back seats altogether. The cabin is decked out with premium materials like Alcantara upholstery and comes with power-adjustable seats and dual-zone climate control. To keep that old-school sports car feel, you've got analog gauges for boost, turbo speed, and battery charge sitting right on the dash.
Space in the back is pretty much what you'd expect for a performance coupe. You can fit about three carry-on suitcases in the trunk, which is usually more than enough for anyone who uses this car as a daily driver.
The Sport trim comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though you'll need a cable to plug in. It also packs a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and SiriusXM satellite radio.
If you step up to the Performance or NISMO trims, you get a bigger 9.0-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, and those smartphone features go wireless. (This setup also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot.) While the standard six-speaker stereo gets the job done, anyone who really cares about sound quality can upgrade to the premium Bose system.
Should You Choose the 2026 Nissan Z?
If you can manage a sports car, this is the one to consider! Come check it out in person today at Alan Jay Nissan--we can't wait to take you on a test drive!