Used 2020 Nissan 370Z

The 2020 Nissan 370Z moves into this model year in coupe form only. Its main selling point, however, is still the same. There’s really nothing else this sporty, with this much power at these prices.

Admittedly, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is tempting and more refined, but it doesn’t come with a punchy V6. A Porsche 718 Cayman, meanwhile, is something like $27,000 more expensive. Home-grown alternatives like the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang are bigger, seat four and aren’t quite as laser-focused on dynamics as the 370Z. The styling might have been described as “polarizing” way back in 2009, but we’re all accustomed to it now. It might even have won a few hearts during the intervening years. And yes, this compact 2-seater must surely be reaching the end of its generation soon, but think of it as part of the whole Z-car heritage, and the 370Z has a special coolness.

In its regular, non-Nismo form, the 2020 370Z is a tolerable companion on routine drives as well as providing wonderful entertainment when the roads are twisting and lonely. It’s not as flowing as a Porsche 718 Cayman or even a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The 370Z needs a bit more manhandling to get it around corners, but this extra involvement has its inevitable upside of profound satisfaction when a driver gets things right.

Listening for the ideal engine note to change gear, learning how much brake pressure to apply, and tuning into the steering to sense what the front tires are up to all quickly become second nature. The Nismo version is more powerful, but also comes with a stiffer suspension that takes some deeper commitment to use it for everyday duties.

Even though the 2020 370Z in Sport trim and above has active noise cancellation (in place of heavy sound insulation), its cabin is not particularly quiet. But for a reasonably priced 2-seater performance car, it’s bearable. The steering column only adjusts for height, which is quirky. The driver’s instrument cluster is attached to this column, in homage to the original Z car. The more practical aspect is that the rim of the steering wheel is less likely to intrude between the gauges and the driver’s sight line. Apart from the blind spots, ergonomics is generally well considered, the seats are comfortable, and the trunk area provides sufficient luggage space for two golf bags. There’s also a compartment behind the passenger seat.

It’s remarkable how well the 370Z’s styling has held up over more than 10 years. The classic profile of long hood and fastback tail is always appealing. It’s a shape adopted by the first Z car in the 1970s. The Nismo version adds more aerodynamic pieces such as a deep front spoiler and a large rear wing. It also sports larger wheels with lower-profile tires.

SYNCHROREV MATCH
Here’s some technology to replace the arcane heel-and-toe technique. It’s where the left foot works both the clutch and brake pedals while the right foot blips the throttle. Instead, the 370Z’s management system revs the engine so its speed matches the road speed for ultra-smooth downshifts. It can be disabled if required.

CHASSIS TUNING
The Nissan 370Z has a double-wishbone front suspension. This kind of setup is often found in luxury cars. So it’s pretty refined and sophisticated. It contributes to the precision and responses of the 370Z’s steering, yet also allows the car to be fairly comfortable when the road surfaces aren’t terrible.

The 2020 Nissan 370Z Coupe is available in base, Sport, Sport Touring and Nismo (short for Nissan motorsport) trims. The base model has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, automatic climate control, keyless entry/ignition, carbon-fiber driveshaft, Bluetooth, 6-speaker audio system, and a self-dimming rearview mirror with rearview camera monitor. Safety features include traction control, active head restraints and six airbags. Sport trim receives larger brake discs, 19-inch alloy wheels, viscous limited-slip differential, heated side mirrors, Bose audio system, active noise cancellation and active engine-sound enhancement. Sport Touring has the 7-speed automatic transmission, heated power-adjustable seats, navigation, satellite radio and voice recognition.

To spend even more money on a 2020 Nissan 370Z coupe, consider the well-equipped Nismo version. This brings another 18 horsepower into the engine bay, more aerodynamic additions, stiffer (sportier) suspension including a front-strut tower bar, and a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted to the steering column. The base and Sport versions also come with the manual transmission as standard, but offer the automatic. Or, with the Sport trim, there’s the 50th Anniversary Edition package ($2,600) for 2020 mentioned above.

A 3.7-liter V6 inspired the 370Z name and propels the car with 332 horsepower going to the rear wheels. Unless it’s the Nismo version, which brings 350 horsepower to the party. In either state of tune, this is a gutsy, responsive, naturally aspirated engine that also manages to achieve relatively decent fuel economy as long as the driver’s right foot isn’t made of lead. Nissan does recommend a diet of premium gasoline across the board. The default transmission is a 6-speed manual with the SynchroRev Match function for smooth downshifts. The optional 7-speed automatic (standard in the Sport Touring) has something similar.

3.7-liter V6
332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (manual), 19/26 mpg (automatic)

3.7-liter V6 (Nismo)
350 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm
276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (manual), 19/26 mpg (automatic)