2027 Nissan Z udpates, pricing. The 2027 Nissan Z rolls into dealerships this summer with some exciting updates for Z fans. The first is that a manual transmission will now be offered on the Z NISMO. Previously it was only available with an automatic. Other enhancements include GTR-derived brakes for NISMO and a heritage-infused refresh for Z Sport and Performance grades. Nissan is also adding an in-demand color combo for the Performance grade. Z NISMO Nissan says in response to popular demand, the 2027 Nissan Z NISMO adds an available six-speed manual transmission, with a short shifter and an upgraded clutch to complement the track-ready capability of the NISMO-enhanced car. Photo: Nissan. All 2027 Z NISMO models also receive upgraded two-piece, iron-aluminum brake rotors derived from those on the legendary Nissan GTR, saving 19 pounds of unsprung weight while increasing thermal capacity. Nissan says enhanced cooling channels on the rotors also keep temperatures significantly lower for track use. Z Sport, Performance The 2027 Nissan Z Sport and Performance are treated to a heritage-inspired refresh that incorporates design elements from classic Nissan sports cars. These include a body-color bar in the grille opening on Sport and Performance, and a new "Z" emblem in place of the Nissan logo on its nose for all grades. Photo: Nissan. A new color combo customers have been clamoring for also joins the Z palette. It pairs a new Shinkai Green Pearl Metallic paint with an optional tan interior upholstery option for the Performance trim. Additionally, Z Performance features new forged 19-inch wheels with black spokes and a machined-finish rim. Photo: Nissan. Powertrain and Performance The Z Performance and Sport continue to be powered by a 400-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. NISMO gets a boost to 420-hp with its NISMO(R)-tuned 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. In terms of upgrades, the Z Performance receives larger-diameter shock absorbers to enhance stability and damping capability, for optimized ride and handling. All models also have a new fuel tank design that helps maintain fuel delivery and engine performance during sustained, high-lateral force cornering. Pricing The lineup starts from $4,480 not including $1,245 destination and handling: * Nissan Z Sport -9AT - MSRP $44,480 * Nissan Z Sport -6MT -MSRP $44,480 * Nissan Z Performance -9AT -MSRP $54,480 * Nissan Z Performance - 6MT -MSRP$54,480 * Nissan Z NISMO -9AT - MSRP $67,260 * Nissan Z NISMO -6MT - MSRP $67,260 There is no pricing difference between the transmission options. For full details see the 2027 Nissan Z specifications sheet. Photo: Nissan.

X-Trail range develops to meet 'changing' demand. Arrival of e-Power in a front-drive format and addition of a rugged styling pack are hoped to lift customer interest. MORE CHOICE has come to the Nissan X-Trail line-up, with availability of the e-Power drivetrain to front-wheel finally signing off. In addition to that development, Nissan has also determined to deliver the all-wheel-drive editions with a rugged-looking Rock Creek package (pictured). These changes tie to revisions for Australia and again reflects how regional market provisions have become common for both countries. Nissan's series-hybrid technology involves a petrol engine, but purely as a generator, which means e-Power is to all intents an electric driving experience, according to its maker. However, because the engine is involved, the type is categorised as petrol powertrain, so is the only electric here not to be affected by Road User Charge. E-Power has been available to front-drive products elsewhere, but in NZ it has previously been purely aligned to all-wheel-drive in the X-Trail. The switch to front-wheel drive improves efficiency. Nissan claims combined fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km, down from 6.1L/100km for the all-wheel-drive models, while CO2 emissions fall from 139 grams per kilometre to 123g/km. Nissan says the new variants reflect changing buyer preferences, with hybrid powertrains now overtaking petrol in the medium SUV segment and around half of hybrid buyers opting for two-wheel drive. Nissan sees potential for the additional variants lending fresh customer interest, so has an introductory pricing package that snips $6000 from the two choices, this running until September 30. After that, the ST-L 2WD e-Power moves from $49,990 to $55,990, while the more affluent Ti-L 2WD e-Power jumps from $55,990 to $61,990. The same $6k discount also applies over the same period to the X-Trail Rock Creek, a new variant based on the ST-L 4WD in its seven chair petrol and alternate e-Power formats, with neo mechanical revisions. The Rock Creek receives a unique front grille inspired by Nissan's D21 ute, gloss-black exterior trim, bespoke front bumper, black roof rails, exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels and orange exterior detailing. A new Baja Storm paint finish with a contrasting black roof is also offered. The interior has 'ballistic' nylon seat trim with embroidered badging, orange contrast stitching, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display, upgrades over the donor ST-L grade. Mechanically the Rock Creek retains the standard petrol drivetrain and all-wheel-drive system. The petrol prices from $50,590 and e-Power is $55,590; with post September 30 adjustments to $56,590 and $61,590. Argument for the new derivatives is as per in Australia. The brand sees growing demand for hybrid powertrains in the medium SUV segment, where buyers have increasingly shifted away from conventional petrol-only models. Nissan says around half of hybrid medium SUV buyers now choose two-wheel-drive vehicles, prompting the introduction of the lower-priced e-Power variants. Orders for all are open now, with first customer deliveries expected in September.

A new Nissan Patrol might be on its way to America. Published Aug 3, 2026, 11:25 AM EDT Vik is the Co-Founder and former Editor at MotorAuthority, a leading U.S. website covering performance and luxury cars. Since 2025, he has contributed to CarBuzz, blending his engineering background and almost 20 years of automotive journalism experience to deliver cutting-edge news and analysis. A new Nissan Xterra is due to roll into showrooms in 2028 to take on rugged body-on-frame SUVs like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but it may not be the only storied Nissan SUV headed back to America. In fact, another legendary nameplate could be poised for a return after an absence stretching back more than half a century. That name is Patrol. A recent trademark filing has sparked speculation that Nissan could once again use the badge in the US, though not on the vehicle you might expect. Patrol name could return to its roots for America. Nissan last week applied for trademark protection for the Patrol name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for use on motor vehicles. The filing could simply be a move to protect the name, especially since Nissan has trademarked and later allowed the Patrol name to lapse in the US before. Even so, the timing is intriguing, as the automaker is rumored to be developing a new SUV for America that fits the rugged, body-on-frame mold long associated with the Patrol. The new Xterra previewed in the teaser images above is rumored to spawn a stretched three-row variant, and that model could provide a natural home for the Patrol name in the US, though Carbuzz has also heard the vehicle might be called a Pathfinder. Patrol would be a much better fit considering Nissan is expected to keep its current unibody Pathfinder on sale. During a roundtable with Nissan executives earlier this year, they said they had a number of names they could dip back into, with Christian Meunier saying "We could call it Armada, Patrol... there are many different things we could do." Some fans will note that the global Nissan Patrol is already sold here, albeit under the well-established Armada badge. However, the Armada occupies a more upscale corner of the market compared to the Patrol's original roots, with available quilted leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and other luxury-focused features, which is why Carbuzz is unlikely to see the Armada switch to the Patrol name anytime soon. 2026 Nissan Armada for Sale near New York, NY The Armada's $58,840 starting price also places it a long way from the rugged, utilitarian spirit of the original Datsun Patrol sold briefly in the US during the late 1960s. By contrast, the next-generation Xterra is expected to start in the low-$40,000 range, making it a much closer spiritual match for the bare-bones off-roader that first carried the Patrol name on American soil. About that new Xterra... Nissan has already confirmed that the next-generation Xterra will ride on a body-on-frame platform and offer four-wheel drive just like the original, last sold here in 2015. Power is expected to come from a standard V6, while an optional hybrid powertrain is also planned, though it may arrive after the SUV's late-2028 launch. Dealers who received an early preview of the vehicle this year reportedly came away impressed, describing a rugged, no-nonsense SUV with aggressive, in-your-face styling that aligns closely with what buyers are looking for in the segment. Interestingly, Infiniti is set to launch its own rugged SUV based on the same architecture, giving Nissan's struggling luxury division a direct rival to the hugely successful Lexus GX. Adding fuel to rumors of a larger Xterra family, Nissan Americas Chief Product and Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira told CarBuzz in April that Infiniti is also evaluating a three-row version of its upcoming off-roader. If approved, such a vehicle would lend further credibility to speculation that Nissan could also be planning a stretched, three-row Xterra. CarBuzz insight - why this matters. Nissan desperately needs more winners in its lineup, and rugged SUVs remain one of the hottest segments in the market. If the new Xterra delivers on expectations, and especially if it spawns additional variants under recognizable nameplates like Patrol, it could give the automaker a much-needed boost in both showroom traffic and profitability at a critical time.