Nissan’s New Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid Wants To Take On The World

Developed through Nissan’s joint venture in China, the new plug-in pickup truck is also set to reach global markets

Nissan unveiled a new pickup at the Shanghai Auto Show, and it’s not just another Frontier. This new truck, named the Frontier Pro, is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and bears no relation to the US-market Nissan Frontier or the upcoming Mitsubishi-based Navara. While it’s debuting in China, this mid-size truck is eventually heading to other markets around the world too.

More: Nissan Confirms Plug-in Hybrid Frontier For America

While the chances of America getting this Chinese-made version are slim to none, Nissan’s CEO recently confirmed that a hybrid version of the Frontier is in the works for the North American market. Whether it will have any connection to this model (built in the US, of course) or be an entirely different pickup (most likely) is still unclear. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see how this hybrid saga plays out.

Developed in China with the help of Dongfeng, Nissan’s first-ever electrified truck comes from the Zhengzhou Nissan (ZNA) joint venture. While it shares a platform with the Dongfeng Z9 revealed earlier this year, the Frontier Pro adds a few Nissan-specific flourishes.

A New Look with Retro Touches

Nissan

The design of the Frontier Pro stands out primarily thanks to its front end. Featuring unique headlight graphics, an illuminated Nissan emblem, and a rugged bumper, this truck wants to show that it means business. And, for the design geeks out there, the three horizontal LEDs above the emblem pay homage to the Nissan D21 Hardbody from the 80s, with a nod to its hood vents.

The profile is almost identical to the Dongfeng Z9, but the Nissan Frontier Pro does get new 18-inch wheels and thicker side protection for that added rugged look. At the rear, the taillights get updated graphics, and there’s a set of extra horizontal LEDs mounted on the tailgate to round out the design.

More: Nissan To Offer Four Different Midsize Pickups Globally By 2027

Nissan hasn’t released the exact dimensions yet, but given that the Dongfeng Z9 measures 5,520 mm (217 inches) long, we can assume the Frontier Pro will fall somewhere between the midsize and full-size truck segments. Expect it to go head-to-head with rivals like the BYD Shark in the Chinese market.

A Familiar Interior, But With Extras

The interior is also shared with the Dongfeng Z9. The dashboard looks pretty generic, combining a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster behind the two-spoke steering wheel. The front seats are optionally available with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Furthermore, there is an electronic retractable cover for the rear bed.

Nissan’s First Plug-In Hybrid

Under the hood, the Frontier Pro gets a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a “high-output” electric motor integrated into the transmission. The combined output of the plug-in hybrid setup is over 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The truck also comes with intelligent All-Wheel Drive and an electromechanical rear differential lock.

For the driver who wants to feel in control, there are four selectable drive modes: Hybrid, Pure Electric, Performance, and Snow. Nissan claims the Frontier Pro will offer up to 135 km (84 miles) of EV-only range, according to the CLTC testing cycle. Plus, if you’re feeling the urge to charge your phone or laptop on the go, the truck’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system can supply up to 6 kW of power for household devices.

Global Availability and What’s Next

Production of the Nissan Frontier Pro is set to begin in China later in 2025. While the truck will eventually be available in other markets, Nissan hasn’t yet revealed where exactly.

In addition to the Frontier Pro, Nissan also introduced the N7 electric sedan in Shanghai, marking two of the nine new Nissan-branded NEVs slated for release in China by summer 2027.