2020 Nissan 370Z Review
2020 Nissan 370Z Review
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+212
Below Average
5.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Long neglected by Nissan, the Z might now appeal only to unrepentent enthusiasts who can look past and welcome the car's idiosyncrasies and lack of refinement. Driving purity can be found less expensively in a Miata or a BRZ. For power and real modernity, look to the Camaro and Mustang.
The Z faithful will have more luck with the Nismo model, a sharper version with choice aftermarket parts including proper performance tires and better brakes.
The Z faithful will have more luck with the Nismo model, a sharper version with choice aftermarket parts including proper performance tires and better brakes.
Used 370Z for sale
Appraise This CarNissan 370Z model years
Nissan 370Z types
- Coupe
- NISMO
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2020 Nissan 370Z Review
byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Sharp steering and precise handling
- Pure driving experience without excessive aids and assists
Cons
- Very loud with abundant road and engine noise
- Difficult to drive smoothly
- Huge blind spots
- Base trim missing common standard features
What's new
- 50th Anniversary Edition, based on the Sport trim coupe, features revised graphics and trims and removes spoiler and front lip
- Part of the sixth Z generation introduced for 2009
Overview
There's no doubt about it, even the most basic and purest cars are becoming more complicated as they get loaded up with more technology. But there's one standout sports car that bucks that trend: the Nissan 370Z. It's essentially stuck in a time warp from the previous generation and lacks many of the driver aids and infotainment technology that can be found in even base-model economy cars these days.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan 370Z 2dr Coupe (3.7L 6cyl 6M) 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 $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$236/mo for 370Z Base
370Z Base
vs
$161/mo
Avg. Compact Car
But that doesn't mean we don't recommend the Z. Its V6 engine produces a healthy 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque and comes with a direct-acting six-speed manual gearbox to send the power to the rear wheels. A Nismo trim squeezes a bit more power out of the same engine (350 hp and 276 lb-ft). But its improved suspension, aero, and wheels and tires are the real reasons to opt for this factory-modified sports car. In the middle, the Sport model has more dynamic capability than the base model, while the Sport Touring version adds luxury touches and some in-car electronics.
However, the Z is now in its 10th year of production. And other sports cars, such as the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota 86, offer an even purer driving experience coupled with the benefits of more modern engineering and design. On the other end of the spectrum, cars such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro perform like a sports car but with a back seat and modern electronics. Although even further afield in price, the new mid-engine Corvette C8, Toyota Supra and Jaguar F-Type share the same two-door coupe layout, while the Cayman S and GTS feature a racing-oriented mid-engine layout. Either way, all of these models instill the same passion for sports cars and driving.
Notably, the 2020 Nissan 370Z is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe 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.
Below Average
5.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Long neglected by Nissan, the Z might now appeal only to unrepentent enthusiasts who can look past and welcome the car's idiosyncrasies and lack of refinement. Driving purity can be found less expensively in a Miata or a BRZ. For power and real modernity, look to the Camaro and Mustang.
The Z faithful will have more luck with the Nismo model, a sharper version with choice aftermarket parts including proper performance tires and better brakes.
Rated for you by America's best test team.The Z faithful will have more luck with the Nismo model, a sharper version with choice aftermarket parts including proper performance tires and better brakes.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the 370Z drive? With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.3 seconds, the Z's straightline performance is acceptable. The lack of a limited-slip differential, however, reduces all-important initial grip, while the coarseness of the powertrain makes accelerating and rowing through the gears a chore. Braking feels good at least, as the pedal is firm, pleasant and easy to modulate, but some will find them grabby when cold, and its 60-0 mph stopping distance of 113 feet is on the long side for a sports car equipped with summer tires.
Compared to the rest of the Z's heavy controls, its steering is oddly lightweight and slightly numb on center. It has good accuracy, though, and the Z is easy to place on the road.
Compared to the rest of the Z's heavy controls, its steering is oddly lightweight and slightly numb on center. It has good accuracy, though, and the Z is easy to place on the road.
Comfort
6/10
How comfortable is the 370Z? Small sport coupes aren't generally leaders in comfort, but the 370Z proves even more challenging when it comes to settling in. The Z's seats are too firm and lack lumbar support, making them disagreeable over longer distances. Climate controls are easy to figure out but are too low on the center console, and the fan is loud at higher speeds.
The Z's ride is one of the few bright spots, and it's genuinely impressive with its ability to take the edge off of both large and small bumps alike. But noise from the road goes straight into the cabin, as does engine and geartrain noise. It's loud and it groans.
The Z's ride is one of the few bright spots, and it's genuinely impressive with its ability to take the edge off of both large and small bumps alike. But noise from the road goes straight into the cabin, as does engine and geartrain noise. It's loud and it groans.
Interior
6/10
How’s the interior? There is something to be said for opting for a straightforward and easy-to-use base-model sports car. But the Z lacks even basic equipment such as a telescoping steering wheel, which makes finding an effective and comfortable driving position particularly difficult. The cabin is otherwise acceptable on head- and legroom, but it's narrow at the elbows.
Because of the Z's low seating position, most will find exterior visiblity challenging. The door sides and cowl are relatively tall, the rear window is small, and the rear pillars are massive, making lane changes an act of faith.
Because of the Z's low seating position, most will find exterior visiblity challenging. The door sides and cowl are relatively tall, the rear window is small, and the rear pillars are massive, making lane changes an act of faith.
Technology
3/10
How’s the tech? While basic can be good, the 370Z is woefully outdated, with really no technology to speak of at this trim level. Asking over $30K for a car this far behind is almost laughable.
Storage
6/10
How’s the storage? For a sports car, there's some practicality to be had with the 370Z's hatchback configuration, but the layout could be better. The trunk loses some space to the suspension configuration and, unless you buy an optional cargo cover, everything is exposed under the rear glass. There is a small amount of storage behind the front seatbacks. And if your Z doesn't have navigation, you'll get a small cubby in the dash, but you should pack light.
Surprisingly, there is one car seat anchor in the cargo area behind the passenger seat. The seats aren't aggressively bolstered, but they still probably won't fit well for most.
Surprisingly, there is one car seat anchor in the cargo area behind the passenger seat. The seats aren't aggressively bolstered, but they still probably won't fit well for most.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? Rated at 21 mpg combined (18 city/ 26 highway), the 370Z is capable of frugality when driven accordingly. On our 116-mile evaluation loop, the Z returned 25.0 mpg. Of course with a heavier foot and some enthusiasm, mileage will drop into the teens. 91 octane fuel is required.
Value
6.5/10
Is the 370Z a good value? The Z gives you decidedly more performance than a BRZ or Miata, but it's only on par with V6 Mustangs and Camaros. When optioned to compete feature to feature with V8-powered coupes, the 370Z finds itself both outgunned and outclassed.
Build quality and materials are all adequate, but we noticed faint buzzing from the rear chassis brace and some creaky leather trim on the shift knob.
Build quality and materials are all adequate, but we noticed faint buzzing from the rear chassis brace and some creaky leather trim on the shift knob.
Wildcard
5/10
A tenet of sports cars is that they are fun to drive. Some might be basic and pure while others are sophisticated and complex, but they should excite and engage the driver. The aging Z struggles to excite and engage, and it constantly reminds us of its compromises and lack of sophistication.
Which 370Z does Edmunds recommend?
To get the most sports car for your buck, opt for the 370Z Sport. It only comes with a manual transmission but includes Nissan's nifty SynchroRev Match feature, which automatically blips the throttle when downshifting for smoother and easier gear changes. Opting for Sport also adds grippier tires and brakes to improve cornering and braking. For more style points, spring for the BRE livery-inspired 50th Anniversary Edition. Based on the Sport, it comes with unique graphics and colorways straight from the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) race car and ditches the front lip and rear spoiler.
2020 Nissan 370Z models
The 2020 Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car available as a hatchback coupe that comes in base, Sport, Sport Touring, and Nismo trims. All are equipped with a non-turbocharged 3.7-liter V6 engine paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, but the Nismo version bumps it up to 350 hp and 276 lb-ft. A 50th Anniversary Edition model based on the Sport is new for 2020.
The base 370Z comes standard with 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, cruise control, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, four-way manual front seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
Upgrade to the Sport coupe trim and you'll get a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, a rev-matching downshift feature, 19-inch wheels, heated mirrors, chin and rear deck spoilers, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
The Sport Touring coupe trim loses the Sport's performance upgrades but adds leather and simulated-suede upholstery, upgraded interior trim, a rear cargo cover (coupe only), heated four-way power-adjustable seats (with adjustable lumbar for the driver), a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, a USB port, voice controls, Bluetooth audio connectivity, satellite radio, a media player interface, and the Bose audio system.
The 370Z Nismo gets a more powerful version of the standard 3.7-liter V6 and features either the same or upgraded versions of the Sport trim's performance hardware, including an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded tires, racing clutch, and special brake fluid and hoses. The Nismo also features unique aerodynamic body pieces, Recaro sport seats, a simulated-suede-trimmed steering wheel, and the Sport Touring's various upgraded electronics features, including the 7-inch touchscreen interface and navigation system.
For 2020, the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition is a special-edition model that takes the 370Z Sport, removes the front lip and rear spoiler, and then adds unique graphics and two-tone paint.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#34 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan 370Z from 2008-2022.$518/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.77x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).18.4%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Nissan 370Z.
5 star(75%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(7%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
My 3rd Z...
Jetbrou, 09/25/2018
2019 Nissan 370Z NISMO 2dr Coupe (3.7L 6cyl 7A)
I’ve owned a 1990-300Z, 2003-350Z, and now a 2019-370Z Nismo - white (I should note all of the older cars are re-done & still on the road with family members). I wanted muscle, performance, looks and the best price. This beat out the Boxster & TT w/in those parameters. It drives great. Nissan still has a problem w/ wheel alignment. Since the 350Z model the dealerships still can’t … manage alignment. Poor wheel alignment will destroy the front tires in record time - this I know for sure. An obvious left drift was noted immediately after purchase was pronounced “spec” by the “technician” - I don’t think so. The interior feels a bit cheap but is solid. I agree with others that the computer screen is awful, but functional. The car is a blast to drive though. It feels strong and moves gracefully. If you want great gas mileage, this is not for you - 17 mpg at best (city). Still, I love it. As a long time Z-car owner, if you want this car, find a qualified, private, computer-savvy mechanic and never, ever let the dealer align your wheels. I don’t think Nissan dealerships can’t routinely handle the maintenance of this car. Mine will never go back to the dealership except for warranty issues.
5 out of 5 stars
Don't take Edmund's Ratings Seriously
Paul C, 06/08/2020
2020 Nissan 370Z Sport 2dr Coupe (3.7L 6cyl 7A)
I own a 370Z, and as an Enthusiast, I can tell you first hand that all the ratings on Edmunds.com for this vehicle are bogus being under rated. Put a BMW or Mercedes, Audi or Porsche badge on the Z and Edmunds no doubt will rate it 10 points on all categories. I can Guarantee everything about the car is at least an 8 or a 9 points if you are an enthusiast like me who appreciates Sports … Cars, all without paying the exorbitant pricing of a Designer Euro-Trash Snobby Car: Looks, Style, Sportiness, Fast, Agile, Comfortable, Nibble, Low cost of Maintenance, Awesome Engine (bullet proof pedigreed V6 used in the Infinity line), Awesome Tranny (especially with the Synchro-Rev Match) - You'll fall in love quick with the car after your first test drive. Disregard the ratings on Edmunds, they don't reflect the actual car - test it yourself and you'll see.
5 out of 5 stars
A Sports Car That is Exactly What It Should Be
Jim, 11/16/2019
2019 Nissan 370Z Sport 2dr Coupe (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
I got an all-black 2019 370Z sports coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission and have been loving it every day since I got it. I got this as a driver's car and it fulfills that role extremely well, better than the Porsche that I owned in the 90s. With the new Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, road noise is not a problem. The car doesn't have alot of room for transporting cargo but that's … not a big deal for me. Rear visibility at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock are restricted, so you have to be careful when backing up sometimes. The power is impressive and the handling is phenomenal, probably due to the fantastic tires. The tires do wear pretty badly, especially the front. When I park the car on the streets it very often turns heads as people walk by. Overall, I think it is a great value as an affordable ports car that makes mundane driving fun.
5 out of 5 stars
Don't take Edmunds review too seriously.
Joe Moriss, 08/14/2020
2020 Nissan 370Z Sport 2dr Coupe (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
The 370z is the last of its kind and it is worth every penny. Admidtedly, it's not as comfortable as a Cadillac, but nobody should buy a car like this and expect a totally comfortable ride. It's difficult to take Edmunds review too seirously when it is littered with factual errors. Two glaring examples, the C8 is rear-mid engine not front, the 370z Sport IS avaialble with an automatic … only the base model is not. Also, why are they mentionning cars that cost twice as much (Corvette, Jaguar, Porsche, etc.)? Why do they fail to mention that both the Miata and the BRZ/GT 86 are very much underpowered. The 370z is not perfect, but I have yet to meet a Z owner that does not love the car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Nissan 370Z, so we've included reviews for other years of the 370Z since its last redesign.
2020 370Z Highlights
Coupe
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,090 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 6.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the 370Z models:
- Rearview Camera
- Displays a view of what's behind you in either the infotainment screen or the rearview mirror.
- Side Curtain Airbags
- Protects the head and torso of occupants in a side impact.
- Front Airbags
- Protects occupants in the event of a front collision.
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