2018 Nissan GT-R — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sports

2018 Nissan GT-R

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $90,938–$105,999
Fuel Economy 16 MPG
Seating 4 passengers
Category Sports
Est. Annual Fuel $3,281/yr

Key Specifications — 2018 Nissan GT-R

Engine3.8L 6-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AM6)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG16 / 22 MPG
Combined MPG18 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$4,300
CO₂ Emissions484 g/mi
Seating Capacity4 passengers
Body StyleSports
Base Price$90,938–$105,999

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2018 Nissan GT-R

With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2018 Nissan GT-R earns a Good rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.3/10, while Reliability at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sports — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.3/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

The 9.3/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology comes in at 7.9/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $90,938–$105,999, 16 MPG, seating 4, the Nissan GT-R sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Nissan GT-R, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sportss

The 2018 Nissan GT-R ranks #251 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 21% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $90,938 starting price is about 97% above the segment's median of $46,090.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →

Which GT-R Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2015 Nissan GT-R scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.3 — and starts roughly $10,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2024 7.6/10$110,900 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$107,573 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$104,246 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$100,919 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$97,592 Read review →
2019 7.3/10$94,265 Read review →
2018 (this review) 7.3/10$90,938
2017 7.3/10$87,611 Read review →
2016 7.2/10$84,284 Read review →
2015 7.1/10$80,957 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2018 Nissan GT-R

✓ What it does well

  • Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Fuel economy at 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

Common Questions — 2018 Nissan GT-R

Is the 2018 Nissan GT-R reliable?

We rate the 2018 Nissan GT-R's reliability 6.3/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.

Is the 2018 Nissan GT-R worth buying?

It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #251 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 21% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2018 Nissan GT-R cost?

The 2018 Nissan GT-R starts at $90,938 and ranges up to $105,999 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Nissan GT-R

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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More Nissan Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.