Great engine response, easy to drive enthusiastically, still cheaper - 2020 Nissan 370Z Review
1Overview
Although the 2020 Nissan 370Z is mostly an afterthought to modern car enthusiasts, this rear-drive coupe still offers some thrills. Likewise, it can be a strong value compared with pricier sports cars, even if it can't compete with their performance on and off the track. With a responsive 332-hp V-6 and nimble handling, the Nissan provides effortless fun. However, it has lower limits and less refinement than more contemporary alternatives. The 370Z is also even farther along in the aging process, with tired styling that is especially obvious on its interior. Every model is missing a telescoping steering wheel, and some don't even offer a modern infotainment system. While the 2020 370Z will satisfy fans of its history and budget-minded buyers, the car needs a full overhaul to be competitive again.
What's New for 2020?
For 2020, Nissan doesn't really mix up the 370Z lineup. Fans of the previously available convertible will be sad to hear that Nissan nixed the roadster for this model year. However, the company commemorates the Z car's 50th anniversary with two special-edition packages. Apart from some distinctive decals, unique paint-color combinations, and additional features, the heritage-inspired packages are hardly transformative.
Since the 2020 370Z is heavier than rear-drive rivals such as the Subaru BRZ and underperforms versus the Toyota Supra, we think the best value is the Sport model. Its most notable standard features include a limited-slip rear differential, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels, and aerodynamic add-ons. Those who want the optional automatic transmission are forced to get the more expensive Sport Touring model. While that nets a leather interior and 7.0-inch touchscreen, we'd stick with the plainer stick-shift version. Its only options are the 50th Anniversary packages that add snazzier interior-trim pieces as well as heated, power-adjustable seats. However, in our minds their two-tone paint jobs and tacky exterior decals are deal-breakers.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every 2020 370Z powers the rear wheels via a 332-hp naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 that hooks up to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed automatic. The engine responds quickly to throttle inputs and makes sporty noises at higher revs. We tested one with the manual gearbox and found it was easy to drive around town and quick to accelerate, even at highway speeds. Unfortunately, its shifter lazily moved through the gates and relayed vibrations to our hands. Those hoping to match the athleticism of smaller alternatives such as the Mazda Miata will be disappointed. While the top-spec NISMO model is the most track-focused Z, it still can't match the precision of most rival sports cars. Instead, the 370Z is easy to drive enthusiastically and comfy enough to use daily. Its light steering effort and mediocre braking capability are hard to overlook, but the 370Z's rear-drive configuration can be exploited to fulfill enthusiast's Tokyo Drift fantasies.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fitted with the optional automatic transmission, the 2020 370Z earns up to 19 mpg in the city, according to the EPA. While its manual gearbox drops that number to 17 mpg, every 370Z is expected to earn 26 mpg on the highway. We tested the stick-shift version on our 200-mile fuel-economy route that exceeded expectations and returned 29 mpg highway.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2020 370Z interior design hasn't been updated in nearly a decade, but at least the space is well put together and the controls are logically arranged. Still, it's hard to look past basic missing features such as a telescoping steering wheel. The 370Z's cockpit remains comfortable and the seats are bolstered enough to be supportive when tossing the car through turns. Racier NISMO models come with all the goodies, including leather- and faux-suede Recaro sport seats, and a special NISMO-branded tachometer. Interior cubby storage is largely mediocre, and we managed to fit three carry-on bags behind the front seat, which is one less than the Supra held.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Believe it or not, the base 370Z comes with a basic AM/FM radio that has a low-tech red-on-black dot-matrix display. Still, a CD player, USB port, and an auxiliary input jack are standard. A 7.0-inch touchscreen is optional but requires moving up to the nearly loaded Sport Touring model to get it. Needless to say, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are not on the options list.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2020 Nissan 370Z hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Expecting driver-assistance technology such as adaptive cruise control or automated emergency braking? Don't. The Z eschews all of that in favor of an engaged driver.