19 MPG combined is, frankly, entirely beside the point for the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO. This isn’t a commuter car designed for optimal efficiency; it’s a dedicated performance machine, a track-focused katana honed for precise feedback and blistering pace. The Z NISMO isn’t about frugal fuel consumption; it’s about the visceral thrill of a 420-horsepower twin-turbo V6, the rapid-fire shifts of its 9-speed automatic, and the unadulterated joy of connecting with the road. The buyer of a NISMO Z prioritizes lap times and apex accuracy over miles per gallon, and they understand that the two rarely coexist in the same vehicle. This isn’t a car you buy to save money at the pump; it’s a car you buy to experience pure driving.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO at 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the inherent trade-offs of a high-performance powertrain. In urban environments, with their stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration, the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine works harder, resulting in the lower city figure. The 9-speed automatic, while excellent for performance, is not primarily geared for maximum low-speed efficiency. On the highway, with the engine settling into a more consistent RPM range, the efficiency naturally improves. However, anyone purchasing a Z NISMO isn’t doing so to primarily cruise on the interstate. They’re looking for that punch of acceleration, that precise cornering, and the capability of the upgraded cooling and braking systems. The 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway numbers are simply a byproduct of its engineering mission, not a selling point. Drivers who choose this car are fully aware that spirited driving will quickly bring those numbers down.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,050 for the 2025 Nissan Z NISMO. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, split between city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. For the Z NISMO owner, $3,050 is a rounding error in the total cost of ownership. This isn’t a vehicle purchased to minimize expenses; it’s an indulgence, a passion project. The owner invests in performance tires, potentially track days, and maintains the vehicle to a high standard. The fuel cost is simply another operational expense, acknowledged and accepted as part of owning a purpose-built sports car. Drivers who are concerned about this figure are simply looking at the wrong car. For details on other Nissan models and their efficiency, you can explore all Nissan fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, achieving the EPA’s 19 MPG combined in the Z NISMO will likely require a very disciplined right foot. This car begs to be driven hard, to have its immense torque exploited and its engine revved to its redline. Every spirited acceleration, every downshift for a corner, every burst of speed adds to the fuel consumption. Drivers who buy the NISMO variant aren’t exercising restraint; they’re exploring the car’s dynamic capabilities. Expect real-world combined MPG to hover closer to the city rating, or even below it, if the car is regularly driven as intended on backroads or taken to the track. The 9-speed automatic, while incredibly intelligent in performance driving, will not always prioritize efficiency over responsiveness. The owner understands this and embraces the character of the vehicle, accepting that exhilaration comes with a corresponding thirst for premium fuel.

How it compares

Understanding the Z NISMO’s fuel economy requires looking at its direct competitors, vehicles that prioritize performance over outright efficiency. The Toyota GR Supra 3.0L, a key rival, offers slightly better figures at 23 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway). This difference is largely attributable to the Supra’s slightly different powertrain tuning and less aggressive track-focused mission compared to the NISMO. The Porsche Cayman S, another benchmark for driver involvement, typically comes in around 21 MPG combined (19 city/25 highway) with its turbocharged flat-six and PDK transmission. Even more hardcore options like the BMW M2, with its inline-six, will usually land in the 19-20 MPG combined range (17-18 city/24-25 highway). For the Z NISMO buyer, these marginal differences in MPG are irrelevant. The decision comes down to brand loyalty, specific driving dynamics, aesthetic preference, and the sheer value of the NISMO’s track-ready upgrades. They’re making a performance decision, not an economy decision. For a broader look at the Z model line’s historical efficiency, browse Z MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While maximizing fuel efficiency isn’t the primary goal of owning a Z NISMO, conscious driving habits can still yield modest improvements. Smooth, progressive throttle inputs and anticipating traffic will prevent unnecessary hard acceleration and braking, which are major fuel consumers in a high-performance vehicle. Using the car’s cruise control on highway stretches can help maintain a consistent speed, preventing the engine from working harder than necessary. Regular maintenance, including keeping your tires properly inflated, ensures the engine and drivetrain are operating at their peak efficiency, reducing any wasted energy. While it’s tempting to unleash the full 420 horsepower, resisting the urge for frequent wide-open throttle bursts will noticeably reduce fuel consumption, especially during daily driving scenarios. Planning routes to avoid prolonged idling or heavy traffic congestion also contributes to better overall fuel economy by minimizing time spent consuming fuel without moving.