21 MPG combined from a 3.7-liter V6 convertible in 2017 isn’t winning any efficiency awards, and Nissan 370Z Roadster owners aren’t expecting it to. This isn’t a car bought for practicality. It’s a visceral, two-seat sports car that prioritizes driving excitement and open-air thrills over saving money at the pump. If buyers cared about fuel consumption, they’d shop in a different segment. This number, while low compared to modern hybrids and economy cars, is the price for enjoying the Z’s performance and style.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway paint an accurate picture of the 370Z Roadster’s fuel consumption. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst in stop-and-go traffic and with aggressive acceleration. You’ll also be tempted to rev the engine to hear its exhaust. The highway figure is achievable, but requires restraint. Maintaining a steady speed on the open road will get you close to 25 MPG, but the moment you start using the Z’s power for passing, that number will drop. The automatic transmission, while convenient, will likely cause lower real-world highway numbers compared to the manual, especially when using the paddle shifters for aggressive downshifts.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Nissan 370Z Roadster at $2,750, based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This figure is a benchmark for understanding the Z’s running costs. Individual driving habits and fuel prices can significantly impact this number. Drivers who frequently drive fast or live in areas with higher fuel costs will likely spend more than $2,750 annually. But, those who primarily use the Z for leisurely cruising and drive fewer than 15,000 miles per year could spend less. You can review all Nissan fuel economy data on this site.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are useful, real-world fuel economy for the 370Z Roadster depends heavily on driving style. Drivers who treat the Z as a weekend toy, primarily using it for fun drives, may find their average fuel economy closer to the 21 MPG combined estimate, or even slightly below depending on how aggressively they drive. However, those who use it as a daily commuter, especially in congested urban areas, should anticipate fuel economy closer to the 18 MPG city estimate. Aggressive acceleration and Sport mode will further diminish fuel economy. Consider your driving habits and typical usage when assessing the Z’s fuel costs.

How it compares

In the realm of two-seat sports cars, the 370Z Roadster’s fuel economy is average. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, for example, offers better fuel economy, achieving up to 36 MPG on the highway in its manual transmission configuration. However, the Miata prioritizes lightweight agility over power, offering a different driving experience. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, also offers better fuel economy, reaching around 32 MPG on the highway. Like the Miata, it delivers a different character than the Z. The Porsche 718 Boxster, while offering good performance and handling, has similar fuel economy numbers, with the base model achieving around 24 MPG combined. The 370Z’s fuel economy is a compromise that many buyers accept for its potent V6 engine and visceral driving experience. Compare 370Z MPG across all years on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Despite its performance, you can take steps to maximize fuel efficiency in your 370Z Roadster. Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain a steady speed when possible. This is important in city driving, where frequent bursts of acceleration can reduce fuel economy.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the recommended level specified in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to reduced fuel economy.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle wastes fuel, especially with a large displacement engine like the 3.7-liter V6. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Use premium fuel as recommended by Nissan. Using a higher octane fuel can ensure performance and fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual to confirm the manufacturer’s recommendation; a higher octane fuel is recommended for this engine.

Keep your 370Z maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance can contribute to improved fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine runs more smoothly.