2021 Nissan GT-R Review

Name: 2021 Nissan GT-R Review
Brand: Nissan

2021 Nissan GT-R NISMO Special Edition Coupe Exterior

+103

Even though it's more expensive now than it once was, the Nissan GT-R remains a bargain in the supercar category. Real-world performance is exceptional, though it doesn't feel as sporty on a track.

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2021 Nissan GT-R Review

byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

Pros

Twin-turbo V6 delivers explosive acceleration
Easy to drive for maximum performance
Ride is surprisingly comfortable

Cons

Lurchy and noisy powertrain, especially at low speeds
Dated infotainment system graphics
Doesn't offer the latest advanced driver aids or tech features

What's new

The Track trim level is no longer offered
A new color, Bayside Blue, is now available
Part of the first GT-R generation introduced for 2009

Overview

The Nissan GT-R has been one of the fastest performance cars in the world for more than a decade. However, it's also been pretty much the same that whole time; it debuted for the 2009 model year and hasn't received a full redesign since. Nissan has done its best to make updates at least. The only notable differences for 2021 is the elimination of the Track edition model and the return of the iconic Bayside Blue paint color made famous on the R34-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R from the late 1990s (a car that unfortunately was never sold new in America).

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$297/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

As fast and as powerful as the GT-R still is, it doesn't feel quite as outlandish as it used to. Rivals such as the Audi R8, Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche offer similar levels of performance but with a wider array of features and a more refined driving experience. Then again, the GT-R's age could be seen as a charming rebuke to ever-advancing technology in cars. Read our Expert Rating below to get our full take on the 2021 GT-R.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Even though it's more expensive now than it once was, the Nissan GT-R remains a bargain in the supercar category. Real-world performance is exceptional, though it doesn't feel as sporty on a track.

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the GT-R drive? The GT-R still delivers astounding acceleration, while the all-wheel-drive system allows novices to pilot this sports car with surprising ease. The throttle tip-in is lazy. It makes acceleration easy to manage at all speeds, but the engine should be more responsive when you push the pedal. The transmission is slow to respond to inputs unless you're shifting manually.

Launch control acceleration is explosive — a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds makes the GT-R one of the quickest cars we've ever tested. Stopping from 60 mph takes 109 feet, which is decent but a few feet longer than the competition.

Comfort

6.5/10

How comfortable is the GT-R? The adaptive suspension works well to eliminate bumpiness from poorly paved roads. The ride is firm yet acceptable with the dampers in their normal setting. Switch to Comfort and the ride is no rougher than in a sporty Audi. The seats lack adjustment, and their aggressive lumbar support might be a deal-breaker.

The GT-R's powertrain noise might appeal to those who want to be reminded they are driving a machine, but it comes off as unrefined. The climate system is a bit finicky too. Our test car blew cold air at high fan speeds when set at 78 on a 70-degree day. Manual control is best here.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Improvements throughout its life span have kept the GT-R's cabin looking fresh. It's easy to get in and out of, and the view out isn't as bunker-like as it is in other sports cars. Most of the controls are easy to use, but the active exhaust and driving aid buttons are well hidden near your knees.

The cabin is fairly roomy as sports cars go. It definitely doesn't feel claustrophobic, and two people can fit without bumping shoulders. Anybody 6 feet tall or shorter will fit fine. Taller folks might have to scrunch down to avoid brushing against the headliner. There's not much room in the back for people, but you can at least toss some gear back there.

Technology

6.5/10

How’s the tech? While enhancements have been made to other areas over the last decade, the infotainment system is quite dated. Navigation is inaccurate, and the voice control system is clumsy. There's Apple CarPlay but no Android Auto smartphone integration.

Front and rear parking sensors are standard, as is a rearview camera. That's it. There are no other driving aids or assistance systems to help with the mundanities of day-to-day traffic. Though sight lines out of the rear are pretty good, a blind-spot monitor would be a welcome addition.

Storage

7.0/10

How’s the storage? Though the trunk is relatively large, the tall liftover height makes loading and unloading items awkward. You have to drop gear into the cargo hold, and removing heavy items is difficult. The button to open it is at your lower shin, so it's best to use the key fob. Interior storage is limited, but you can use the rear seats as extra shelf space.

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The GT-R is rated at 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway), which is in line with other supercars and slightly more efficient than V8-powered rivals. It delivered 20.1 mpg on our highway-heavy evaluation route, so it's fair to assume you will be able to match the EPA numbers if you drive with restraint.

Value

7.0/10

Is the GT-R a good value? Prices have crept up over the last decade. You still get a lot for the money, and the cabin doesn't look as low-rent as before. A center stack redesign from a few years back helps keep the GT-R's interior look current. There are fewer exotic materials than in rivals, and powertrain noises constantly sound like something is breaking. Some warranty coverage isn't as robust as what rivals offer.

Wildcard

9.0/10

We like the GT-R's budget supercar vibe. It delivers exceptional handling on mountain roads, and acceleration is rapid at full throttle. While the first models of this generation were chided as being too digital, the GT-R's responses and feedback seem analog in this day and age. Its understated, almost bulky design doesn't have the visual impact of an exotic sports car, but there's enough going on that passersby will recognize the GT-R as something special.

Which GT-R does Edmunds recommend?

The Nismo version is the ultimate GT-R, but Nissan's asking price for what you get seems too steep to us. We say stick with the GT-R Premium. It's plenty fast and comes well loaded from the factory with features including LED lighting, full leather upholstery and, of course, a monster twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

2021 Nissan GT-R models

The 2021 Nissan GT-R is now available in just two trim levels: Premium and Nismo. Both are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine making 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque in the Premium and 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque in the Nismo model. That engine is paired to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Both models come fairly well equipped, and the only major differences are a number of performance upgrades on the Nismo model.

Premium
The GT-R Premium comes fairly well equipped. Standard features include:

20-inch wheels with performance tires
Sport suspension with electronically controlled Bilstein shock absorbers
Brembo performance brakes
LED headlights and taillights
Keyless entry with push-button start
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable, heated front seats
11-speaker Bose audio system
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Navigation
Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

The GT-R Premium has one notable optional package:

Premium Interior package

Upgraded leather seat upholstery
Additional leather interior trim

Nismo
The top-level GT-R has been tuned by Nissan's Nismo performance division. Standard features carry over from the GT-R Premium. Besides the extra power from the engine, the Nismo has:

Nismo-tuned suspension
Carbon-ceramic brakes (for better resistance to brake fade during high-performance driving)
Wider 20-inch wheels
Wider front fenders
Lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork

Roof
Front and rear bumpers
Trunklid
Rear wing
Side sills
Front fenders
Hood
Exterior mirrors

Recaro sport seats
Red interior accents

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Nissan GT-R.

5 (85%)

4 (12%)

3 (3%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.8

40 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

THE modern era supercar!

Manraj S Dhillon, 02/07/2009

2009 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)

I researched this car for over a year against BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG, Audi RS4, Corvette Z06 and I was coming from a WRX STi and I kid you not, this car does it all. I had heard that it had a hard ride and was noisy but it is not the case. It handles beautifully and turns immediately when you want it to.The power is indescribable and the sound of the car, in my opinion, is just right …

true excitement

LMSTENT, 12/28/2009

2010 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)

This car has been a thrill to own! When it first came out, I agree the stats were impressive but based upon pictures alone, I thought it looked horrible...then I saw one in person. Wow, was I wrong with my intial thoughts. The look is aggressive with its wide stance and multiple angles...pictures definitely don't do it justice. I had to purchase it before driving it, but am …

Ferarri Beater

Driver2755, 07/29/2009

2010 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)

Just returned from a Ferrari Owner's club drive. None of the over 40 cars represented, including a Lambo Murci could touch the GTRs acceleration. The only problem is the factory installed governor which limits the top end to 155. Working to fix this problem. This car is fantastic and I have owned many exotic cars.

Disorientingly Fast!

Nate, 03/30/2009

2009 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)

I only have 117 miles on the car so far, but what I can say is that it is really an experience. I purchase the car for a daily driver in Wisconsin. The ride is not that harsh, the gear box is a MANUAL for all intense purposes and the shifts feel like a good manual transmission would feel. There is a little too much road noise for my personal taste.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Nissan GT-R, so we've included reviews for other years of the GT-R since its last redesign.

See all 40 reviews of the Nissan GT-R

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2021 GT-R Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$113,540
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$297/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the GT-R models:

Seat Belt Pre-tensioner: Prevents excessive passenger movement upon collision by locking and taking up slack on the seat belt.
NissanConnect: Connects your smartphone to the car for roadside assistance, crash notification and emergency calls.
Rearview Monitor: Helps you see behind the car when backing up through the use of a camera mounted to the rear.

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2021 Nissan GT-R Review

2021 Nissan GT-R Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which GT-R does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Nissan GT-R models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Nissan GT-R.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

THE modern era supercar!

true excitement

Ferarri Beater

Disorientingly Fast!

2021 GT-R Highlights

Safety

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2021 Nissan GT-R Review

2021 Nissan GT-R Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which GT-R does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Nissan GT-R models

Most helpful consumer reviews

THE modern era supercar!

true excitement

Ferarri Beater

Disorientingly Fast!

2021 GT-R Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2021 Nissan GT-R info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Nissan

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan GT-R Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}