2025 Nissan Z vs 2026 Toyota Crown

$42,970 · Coupe

$41,440 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between thrilling performance and everyday practicality often trips up buyers looking for a new ride. If you're torn between the pure, rear-wheel-drive joy of the 2025 Nissan Z and the sensible, efficient nature of the 2026 Toyota Crown, you are looking at two completely different tools for the road. The Nissan Z offers a stout 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque with its 6-speed manual transmission, promising weekend fun, but it only nets an estimated 20 MPG combined. Conversely, the Crown is the clear economy champion, boasting an excellent 41 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel and featuring practical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While the Z is a compact coupe at 172.4 inches long, the Crown stretches out to 196.1 inches, offering significantly more interior space, though it sacrifices 164 horsepower compared to the Z's output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Crown

The 2026 Toyota Crown wins easily for commuting due to its superior 41 MPG combined efficiency and standard All-Wheel Drive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Crown

The Crown's significantly taller and longer body provides more usability and passenger space than the small Nissan Z coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Z

The 2025 Nissan Z is the definitive enthusiast choice, delivering 400 hp and a true 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Crown

Although priced similarly ($41,440 vs $42,970), the Crown’s fuel savings and use of regular unleaded make it the better long-term value.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

You prioritize sheer power and want 400 horsepower delivered through a genuine 6-speed manual gearbox.
You enjoy the classic, low-slung dimensions of a dedicated two-door sports coupe (172.4 inches long).
Fuel efficiency is a secondary concern, as the Z only achieves 20 MPG combined.

Choose the Toyota Crown if...

You must maximize fuel economy, benefiting from 41 MPG combined versus the Z's 20 MPG.
You need the traction and security of All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
You require a more upright, comfortable sedan shape with better height (60.6 inches) for easier entry and exit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Z	Toyota Crown
Length	172.4"	196.1"
Width	72.6"	72.4"
Height	51.8"	60.6"
Wheelbase	100.4"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	400 hp @ 6400 rpm	236 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	—
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	42/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	41 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	609.0/594.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.2 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Rear Head Room	—	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	38.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	53.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 9.0 in.	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	245/45R	225/55R19
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Z and 2026 Toyota Crown.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Crown compared to the Nissan Z?

The difference is substantial: the 2026 Toyota Crown achieves 41 MPG combined, while the 2025 Nissan Z is rated for only 20 MPG combined. That's more than double the efficiency for your daily drive.

Is the manual transmission in the Nissan Z worth giving up the Crown's AWD?

This is a preference call: the Z offers an engaging 6-speed manual for enthusiasts, whereas the Crown provides the safety and stability of standard All-Wheel Drive.

Does the Crown require premium fuel like the Z?

No, the Toyota Crown is optimized for regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep running costs lower, whereas the Nissan Z recommends premium unleaded.

Which car is physically larger and offers more room?

The Toyota Crown is noticeably larger, measuring 196.1 inches long and 60.6 inches high, compared to the Z's tight 172.4-inch length and 51.8-inch height.