2019 Nissan GT-R Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

No significant changes for 2019Part of the first GT-R generation introduced for 2009

　　Back in 2009, the American economy was faltering and fuel prices were rising. It was an inauspicious time for Nissan to launch its new GT-R. Yet with all-wheel drive, a thumping turbocharged V6 and decades of heritage behind it, the GT-R became an immediate sensation. A decade later, the economy is healthy and gas prices are low. The 2019 GT-R, however, is not much different than it was for its debut.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Nissan GT-R Pure 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$253/mo  for GT-R Pure

　　GT-R Pure

　　Pure 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) - $99,990 MSRPPremium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) (Most Popular) - $110,540 MSRPTrack Edition 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) - $128,540 MSRPNISMO 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM) - $175,540 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Certainly, the Nissan GT-R continues to squish the backs of passengers into their seats. There are four versions of the GT-R: Pure, Premium, Track Edition and Nismo. Although they all have slightly different features that give them progressively more performance capabilities, all of them share the same basic twin-turbo V6, six-speed dual-clutch transaxle and adjustable all-wheel-drive system.

　　The non-track GT-R trims have a surprisingly supple ride, making new models far more comfortable to drive around town than older versions. However, it comes at the expense of ultimate handling performance. Though they still perform well on the road, the limits of these street-oriented GT-Rs manifest once you really start pushing. Competitors such as the Porsche 911, which benefit from newer redesigns, offer similar levels of comfort with no performance penalty. It's also fair to say they have a fresher curbside presence.

　　At the end of the day, though, the GT-R still features an analog gauge cluster and metal shift paddles. It's one of the few cars that doesn't have the word "coddle" in any of its design briefs. If this raw and time-tested approach is for you, check out the 2019 Nissan GT-R.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Nissan GT-R Premium (turbo 3.8L V6 | -speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	6.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	6.5

　　

Driving

8.0

　　The GT-R delivers world-beating acceleration, while an advanced all-wheel-drive system allows novices to pilot this ultra-capable sports car with surprising ease. If tracking your GT-R is in the future, ditch the Dunlops — they don't provide enough grip. The transmission is slow to react to inputs.

　　

Acceleration

8.5

　　The GT-R has a lazy throttle tip-in, which is a double-edged sword. It makes acceleration easy to manage at all speeds, but the engine should be more responsive when you push the pedal past the halfway point. Downshift manually, and the engine feels highly responsive, but only if you're keeping it churning above 2,500 rpm. Launch control acceleration is explosive — a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds makes the GT-R one of the quickest cars we've ever tested.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　The pedal is firm with a good amount of bite near the top of the stroke. Braking force comes on gradually, so there's very easy modulation. There's plenty of stopping power at highway speeds if you need to jam on the brakes. At the track, the brakes feel fine but don't have the brain-melting stopping force of rivals, and the GT-R moves around a fair amount. Stopping from 60 mph takes 109 feet, which is decent but a few feet longer than the competition.

　　

Steering

8.5

　　The quick steering translates to immediate body responses — the quick reactions make you feel as if you're driving a supercar even at low speeds, but there's no twitchiness. There's low-medium steering effort, which firms up slightly at higher speeds for a proper sports-car feel.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　This car is a blast to drive on twisty mountain roads with razor-sharp response and grip that feels ample. At track speeds, however, the GT-R begins to feel less grippy and composed, and hitting bumps while in the sportiest R mode can trigger traction control warnings.

　　

Drivability

6.5

　　Unlike many dual-clutch transmissions, the GT-R's powertrain doesn't feel hesitant or slippy at low speeds. However, it likes to jump into the highest gear as quickly as possible and stay there. Mat the accelerator and it'll be a couple seconds before the transmission reacts accordingly. Though downshifts aren't harsh, there's a clunkiness that happens as you're slowing in second, where powertrain components engage and disengage then send a lurch through the car.

　　

Comfort

6.5

　　In Comfort and Normal modes, the adaptive suspension works well to eliminate bumpiness on poorly paved roads. The seats lack adjustment, and their aggressive lumbar might be a deal-breaker. Mechanical powertrain noises are ever-present. The climate system is a bit finicky.

　　

Seat comfort

6.5

　　The driver's seat only offers basic adjustments, and the passenger seat has even fewer. The bottom of the seatback bows out, and there's no lumbar adjustment, which reveals pressure points on long drives. On the bright side, the padding is firm and supportive and doesn't beat you up.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　Ride comfort is surprisingly good given the GT-R's performance potential. The ride is firm yet acceptable with the adaptive dampers in their normal setting. Switch to Comfort and the ride is no rougher than in a sporty Audi. R mode feels ultra-stiff and is best reserved for the track.

　　

Noise & vibration

5.5

　　This key area separates the GT-R from more expensive supercars. There's a ton of powertrain whining and whirring, even at idle, that others don't possess. That might appeal to those who want to be reminded they are driving a machine, but it comes off as unrefined. Road noise is palpable, though wind noise is reasonably quelled.

　　

Climate control

6.0

　　The automatic climate control system blows unusually cold. It blew cold air at high fan speeds when set at 78 degrees on a 70-degree day. Manual control is best. The heated seats work well, but the toggles are hidden on the seat, making it easy to forget when you switch them on.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　Despite the GT-R's age, improvements throughout its life span have kept the cabin looking fresh. It's easy to get in and out of the spacious interior, and the view out isn't as bunker-like as it is in other sports cars. Some buttons are oddly place, and the seat needs additional adjustments for a good driving position.

　　

Ease of use

7.5

　　As you'd expect, the GT-R's cabin is small enough that most controls are within easy reach of the driver. There are some ergonomic challenges, including instrument panel controls that are on the IP surround. The active exhaust and driving aid buttons are well-hidden near your knees. Stopwatch buttons are usefully located on the steering wheel, and we like that you can use the center display as a touchscreen or use a wheel controller.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　A high roof point and moderately sized doors make it fairly easy to get into and out of the GT-R's front seat. Hard to enter the rear, because the passenger seat takes a while to move forward and the front seat-belt holder sticks out pretty far.

　　

Driving position

7.0

　　The driver's seat has a good range of motion, though adjustments are basic (seat height, front cushion raise, fore/aft and recline). There are none for lumbar or bolsters. The manually adjustable wheel has decent range, with an attached instrument panel so you can always see the display. The GT-R lacks memory settings.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　The cabin is fairly roomy as sports cars go. It definitely doesn't feel claustrophobic, and two people can fit without bumping shoulders. Anybody 6 feet tall or shorter will fit fine; taller folks might have to scrunch down to avoid brushing against the headliner. A Porsche 911 offers more headroom. There's not much room in the back for people, but you can at least toss some gear back there.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　A low hood and tallish roof give a better view out front than many similar cars (such as the Corvette). A consistent beltline and rear side windows provide good visibility to the sides. The rear pillars are wide but not as thick as others, and the wing doesn't really impede visibility either.

　　

Quality

7.0

　　A center stack redesign from a few years back helps keep the GT-R's interior look current. Our tester's Premium Interior package further adds leather over plastic panels, which helps dress up the interior. There are fewer exotic materials than in rivals, and powertrain noises constantly sound like something is breaking.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　Though the trunk is relatively large, the tall liftover height makes loading and unloading items awkward. Interior storage is limited, but you can use the rear seats as extra shelf space. The GT-R gets extra points for the presence of rear seats, which give it an edge in the child seat department.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　Interior storage is adequate. There are nets on the doors and a small bin under the armrest. The two cupholders are not especially deep (though the one in front is slightly deeper) and don't have anti-tip measures, so bottles that don't fit quite right will bang around.

　　

Cargo space

6.5

　　The trunk opens at the top of the rear bumper, creating a high liftover. You have to drop gear into the cargo hold, and removing heavy items is difficult. The button to open it is at your lower shin, so it's best to use the key fob. At 8.8 cubic feet, cargo space is decent, but a Corvette, F-Type or AMG GT will hold more. Unlike two-seat sports cars, you can use the rear seats as additional luggage space.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　The presence of a back seat gives the GT-R a better score by default, but it will be difficult fitting a safety seat nonetheless. The car seat anchors are set deep behind the cushion, and the cabin is compact enough that a rear-facing seat means kicking out the front passenger.

　　

Technology

6.5

　　While enhancements have been made to other areas of the GT-R over the last decade, the infotainment system is quite dated. Navigation is inaccurate, the voice control system is clumsy, and there's no Android Auto. Besides a rearview camera and parking sensors, driving aids are not available.

　　

Audio & navigation

6.5

　　The display isn't as eye-catching as others, but it gets the job done. You can search for points of interest, but the menu pathway is confounding. Our tester's maps were out of date and showed POIs that no longer exist. We liked that it gave multiple POI destinations (e.g., Starbucks forward 2 miles or to the left 1.5 miles). The Bose sound system is fine, but you have to turn it up to drown out all the engine whining and whirring.

　　

Smartphone integration

7.0

　　Two USB ports and Apple CarPlay are standard, though Android Auto is not offered. It took a few power cycles for our phonebook to download.

　　

Driver aids

6.5

　　Front and rear parking sensors are standard, as is a rearview camera. That's it. There are no other driving aids or assistance systems to help with the mundanities of day-to-day traffic. Though rear sightlines are pretty good, a blind-spot monitor would be a welcome addition.

　　

Voice control

5.0

　　The voice control menu is structured, and even when you follow the correct syntax, the system had a hard time figuring out what we were saying. It was especially confused when attempting to dial someone in our phonebook.

　　

Which GT-R does zzdcar recommend?

　　Though they share the same parts and name, each of the four iterations is slightly different. We say go for the Pure trim since it provides high levels of performance without the additional weight found in the Premium model. Plus, with the cost savings, you can go to more track days or modify it to your heart's content.

　　

2019 Nissan GT-R models

　　The 2019 Nissan GT-R is a high-performance four-seat sport coupe. It uses a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine (565 horsepower, 467 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a variable all-wheel-drive system for its propulsion. The Pure trim is the least expensive way to get a GT-R, but it still has all the essential features. Premium trim cars add luxury options, while the Track Edition adds even more track focus. Finally, the GT-R Nismo ups all performance qualities to the max, including an engine tuned for more power.

　　The Pure trim includes 20-inch wheels with summer run-flat tires, LED headlights and running lights, power-folding heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, an adaptive suspension, configurable drive modes, and keyless entry and ignition.

　　Inside, you get leather upholstery with faux suede inserts, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated eight-way power driver's seat (four-way for the front passenger), a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, voice controls, NissanConnect mobile-app integration, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker Bose audio system, USB connectivity, and satellite and HD radio.

　　Going with the Premium adds an active sound enhancement and noise cancellation system, titanium exhaust and an 11-speaker sound system.

　　Options for the Pure and the Premium are limited to the Cold Weather package, with all-season tires and a unique coolant mixture. Premium models can be equipped with a Premium Interior package, which adds hand-stitched premium leather upholstery, special floor mats, and a few premium paint and interior color schemes.

　　The GT-R Track Edition is similar but receives the Nismo's suspension, chassis and interior upgrades (see below).

　　Finally, the limited-production GT-R Nismo comes with a stiffer body structure, a front fascia with more cooling area and downforce, side skirts and rear wing, Recaro seats, lightweight forged alloy wheels, a more aggressive suspension calibration, and an uprated version of the V6 engine good for 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque.

　　

2019 GT-R Highlights

Type: CoupeNISMOCoupe

　　Trim: PurePremiumTrack EditionNISMOPure

　　

Base MSRP	$99,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$253/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles