Nissan Z sales have achieved a remarkable milestone, finally overtaking the Toyota Supra in annual performance. Over the past four years, the Toyota Supra consistently outpaced the Nissan Z, but in 2024, the tables turned, showcasing the Nissan Z’s growing popularity.
Sales Trends Over Four Years
The journey of Nissan Z sales highlights its steady growth in the competitive U.S. market. Here’s a breakdown of the sales figures over the last four years:
- 2021: Nissan Z sales began modestly, with just 36 units sold, while the Toyota Supra recorded 6,830 sales.
- 2022: Nissan Z sales increased to 263, but Toyota still led with 4,952 Supras sold.
- 2023: The gap narrowed further, with Nissan Z sales reaching 1,771 compared to 2,652 Supras.
- 2024: For the first time, Nissan Z sales outperformed the Supra, with 3,164 units sold versus 2,615 Supras.
Nissan’s Z sports car launched in 2021 but faced production challenges that delayed its ability to meet market demand. By 2024, however, Nissan Z sales benefited from improved production capacity, enabling the model to surpass its long-time rival in the U.S., the world’s second-largest car market.
Factors Driving the Success
Several factors have contributed to the rise in Nissan Z sales. While the Z isn’t a completely new model, it is newer than the Toyota Supra, which debuted in 2019. This freshness has helped the Z maintain a competitive edge as Supra sales declined significantly after peaking in 2021.
Pricing also plays a critical role. The base model Nissan Z starts at $44,110, significantly undercutting the Toyota Supra, which now starts at $57,385. Toyota’s decision to discontinue its entry-level four-cylinder Supra, previously priced at $47,545, further widened the price gap, making the Nissan Z a more appealing choice for budget-conscious sports car enthusiasts.
Additionally, Nissan enhanced its Z lineup in late 2023 with the introduction of the 420-hp Z NISMO model, attracting performance enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Toyota added a manual transmission to the Supra and released a 45th Anniversary edition but made no major mechanical upgrades.
Nissan Z Sales in Context
Despite its victory over the Toyota Supra, Nissan Z sales still trail behind other sports coupes in the broader market. In 2024, Ford sold 44,003 Mustangs in the U.S., dominating the segment. Toyota’s GR86 sold 11,426 units, and Subaru added 3,345 BRZs to the mix.
Even so, the significant growth in sales signals a promising trajectory for this iconic model. With its blend of affordability, performance, and innovation, the Z continues to capture the attention of sports car enthusiasts worldwide.
