22 MPG combined. That’s the fuel economy reality for drivers of the 2017 Nissan 370Z with the 3.7L V6 and automatic transmission. It’s not great, but that’s also not the point of this car. The Z is a raw, visceral sports car, a throwback in a world of increasingly sanitized performance machines. Its buyers prioritize the howl of that naturally aspirated V6 and the feeling of rear-wheel drive over efficiency. They accept the fuel bill as the cost of admission to the club of driving purists.

City and highway performance

The 370Z’s EPA estimates break down to 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the car’s eagerness to rev and its punchy low-end torque, encouraging spirited acceleration from stoplights. The highway number, while seemingly respectable, can be difficult to achieve in practice. The 3.7L V6, while potent, doesn’t like to be babied. Sustained high-speed cruising, especially in hilly terrain, will easily drop the real-world MPG figure below the EPA estimate. Aggressive driving will further penalize fuel economy, rewarding drivers with a noticeable decrease in mileage for every extra burst of speed. If you’re looking for better mileage, you can compare 370Z MPG across all years to see if other model years offer better performance.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Nissan 370Z at $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s important to understand the assumptions behind this number. If you drive significantly more than 15,000 miles or if fuel prices in your area are substantially higher than the national average, your actual fuel cost will be considerably higher. Conversely, if you drive fewer miles or live in an area with lower gas prices, you might spend less. The $2,650 figure provides a useful benchmark for comparing the 370Z’s fuel costs to other vehicles, but it shouldn’t be considered a definitive prediction of your individual spending.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized estimates, driver experience varies widely. Many 370Z owners report averaging around 20 MPG in mixed driving conditions. To achieve the EPA’s 26 MPG highway figure requires disciplined driving, avoiding excessive speed and maintaining a steady throttle. Frequent bursts of acceleration, stop-and-go traffic, and a heavy foot will all negatively impact fuel economy. However, those who prioritize efficiency and carefully manage their driving habits may be able to approach or even slightly exceed the EPA estimates. Ultimately, the 370Z’s real-world fuel economy is heavily influenced by the driver’s style and the specific driving environment.

How it compares

The 370Z’s fuel economy isn’t competitive with modern sports cars that use smaller, turbocharged engines or hybrid technology. For instance, a 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, while lacking the Z’s naturally aspirated character, achieves around 25 MPG combined, offering a noticeable improvement in fuel efficiency. Even the V6-powered Mustang manages around 22 MPG combined, similar to the Z but with significantly more horsepower and practicality. The Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins, with their smaller 2.0L engines, boast around 24 MPG combined, again emphasizing the Z’s relative inefficiency. Someone shopping for a sports car concerned about fuel economy might cross-shop these vehicles against the Z and ultimately choose something better on gas. If you prefer other Nissan models, you may want to check all Nissan fuel economy data to compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Despite its performance-oriented nature, there are steps you can take to improve the 370Z’s fuel economy. The most important is to adopt a smoother driving style, avoiding unnecessary acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Short shifting and gentle acceleration will also make a considerable difference.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI listed on the sticker in your driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize idling time. Idling engines consume fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This is especially important in city driving, where idling can significantly contribute to fuel waste.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing fluctuations in throttle input that can reduce fuel efficiency. However, be mindful of terrain and adjust your speed as needed to avoid unnecessary downshifts.