Nissan GT-R Review

Gumtree Rating

4.0 rating

Maybe the most unheralded sports coupe on the market, the Nissan GT-R admittedly doesn’t have the prestige or brand recognition of a Porsche or a Lamborghini. But it can outrun a good number of its more iconic rivals, and look good doing it. The GT-R is a joy to drive around city streets or the track, and its ground-breaking engine technology allows it to deliver one of the fastest 0–60 times available outside of professional motorsports. Most importantly, it gives you all this power and performance for a lot less money than every other supercar in its class. If you like your cars supremely cool and eye-wateringly fast, the GT-R is for you.

Check out our Nissan GT-R model page to learn more.

What we think about the Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is a breathtakingly quick supercar with some of the best tech available.

Pros

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Cutting-edge engine delivers one of the fastest 0–60 times on the market

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Smooth, agile handling

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Half the price of some of its more prestigious racing rivals

Cons

Sporty design is more functional than luxurious

Poor fuel efficiency

The 2019 version of the Nissan GT-R is a five-seater coupe that’s available in a range of trims. Choose Standard Trim for features like heated seats, or upgrade to Premium for body-coloured bumpers, satnav, and parking sensors. Although this model hasn’t been tested by NCAP, Nissan is a safety-focused brand.

Driving performance of the Nissan Gt R

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

The Nissan GT-R handles like a dream, thanks in part to its array of advanced tech, including the advanced Electronic Stability Control system and adaptive dampers. It’s extremely agile at full force, and has incredible grip, as well as steering assistance to make it easier to manoeuvre when you’re cruising at lower speeds. The suspension is balanced towards the firmer side, but it’ll be comfy enough for most day-to-day driving, and you can also adjust it quite easily if you’d prefer a different feel.

Safety and reliability of the Nissan Gt R

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The Nissan GT-R’s driver assistance tech is about as advanced as it comes. So, you can expect the support you need to avoid accidents. However, it’s such a low-production model that it’s never actually been crash-tested by Euro NCAP. The fact that the sports chassis is so stiff and well-built means that passengers and drivers should be protected, and it also has six airbags. The GT-R has a great reputation for reliability, too. Its electronics are advanced, but its mechanical systems are relatively simple, and shouldn’t cause you too many problems in the long term.

Under the bonnet of the Nissan Gt R

Our Engine Rating10 / 10

With a 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 engine and a six-speed, twin-clutch gearbox, the GT-R has incredible acceleration and a throaty, loud exhaust drone. The basic version of the engine will provide a breathtaking 562 bhp, as well as 637 N.m of torque. On top of all this, an advanced launch control electronics system allows you to race from standing to 62 mph in as little as 2.7 seconds. This feature can only be used twice an hour, but it’s a mind-blowing figure that few other cars can even come close to.

What you'll find in the Nissan Gt R

Our Design Rating8 / 10

One of the larger luxury sports coupes, the GT-R is a seriously imposing presence on the road or the track. It has a bold, angular look, with deep front and rear bumpers that are particularly eye-catching, as well as huge alloy wheels and four sizeable exhaust pipes. The rear wing is another standout sporty touch. It doesn’t have the immediate aesthetic appeal of an Aston Martin or a Ferrari, and it leans more towards functionality rather than artful curves – but it’s still guaranteed to grab your attention.

Comfort and interiors in the Nissan Gt R

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

The Nissan GT-R’s interior is the one area where its lower price point shows. But it definitely still feels sophisticated, with a soft nappa leather on the seats for improved comfort. Despite the precise design of its parts, the interior’s plastic materials look a little cheaper than those you’d find in an established luxury car like a Porsche or a BMW. It can also feel a little cluttered and cramped. Much like the GT-R’s exterior design, its dashboard leans more towards convenient practicality than elegance.

Nissan GT-R interior front

What features you'll find in the Nissan Gt R

Our Features Rating8 / 10

All versions of the GT-R have cruise control, DAB digital radio and satnav as standard, and the dashboard comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. If the “entry-level” model of the car isn’t enough for you, you can opt for a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, boot lid and roof, as well as special metallic paint finishes. Enhanced suspension is also available, and you can get carbon-ceramic brakes for even better stopping power, and an engine upgrade that will bump up the power to 592 bhp.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Nissan Gt R

Our Fuel Consumption Rating6 / 10

As advanced as the GT-R’s next-gen engine might be, Nissan hasn’t made much progress on the efficiency front. The latest model will give you around 21 miles to a gallon of petrol, and this would possibly drop to single figures if you take it to its full racing potential. Its CO2 emissions are also extremely high, at around 275 g/km. These wouldn’t be terrible figures for the majority of supercars, but the Nissan’s incredible performance puts it on the same playing field as a Tesla, which does offer far better fuel efficiency.

Running costs of the Nissan Gt R

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

The GT-R is definitely the most affordable supercar option in the short-term, but its running costs are likely to match those of its competitors. Poor fuel efficiency means you’ll be spending a lot to keep it on the road, and insurance premiums are about as high as they can go. Replacing the car’s tyres is also expensive, and you’ll have to pay an extra road tax surcharge for the first five years of ownership, as with all luxury vehicles.

Our verdict of the Nissan Gt R

4.0 rating

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Nissan GT-R is a contender for the fastest mass-produced car currently on the market, and it's a lot cheaper than its closest rivals.