Nissan Teams Up with Roush Performance for 2026 Frontier PRO-4X R
Kevin WongAug 19, 2025, 12:29 PM
【PCauto】Nissan has joined forces with Roush Performance to roll out the 2026 Frontier PRO-4X Roush Special Edition.The truck is first built at Nissan’s Canton plant in Mississippi, then handed over to Roush for 18 months of development. Starting at $47,960 (about 203,000 MYR), it’s aimed squarely at off-road fans who want something tougher and more exclusive.
Who is Roush Performance?
Roush Performance has been a powerhouse in the racing world since Jack Roush founded the brand in 1995. The company has been involved in major projects across NASCAR and even Formula 1, earning a reputation as one of the most respected names in motorsports.
The partnership with Nissan comes from a clear gap in the mid-size pickup market. The standard Frontier PRO-4X already offers decent off-road ability, but it still falls short of rivals like the Ford Ranger Raptor when it comes to suspension response and all-terrain performance.
The Roush engineering team analyzed data from more than 200 simulations before deciding to focus on the suspension instead of the powertrain. While Roush is best known for its supercharging expertise, the 3.8-liter V6 keeps its stock 310 hp. Engineering efforts were poured into improving chassis dynamics instead.
Roush Performance Vice President Evan Williams explained, “Market research shows that 73% of off-road drivers care more about suspension durability than raw power.” All development was carried out at Roush’s Livonia facility, with components later sent to the Canton plant for final assembly.
Roush Performance Backs Frontier PRO-4X Roush with Suspension Tech
The highlight of the build is a 2-inch lift system co-developed with Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins. Branded as the Roush x Öhlins 2.0 Off-Road Suspension System, it stands as one of the most advanced setups ever fitted to a production pickup.
The setup features 2-inch coil-over shocks with several key upgrades. An external gas reservoir cuts heat fade by up to 40% during high-speed runs. Rear aluminum cooling fins improve heat management on rough terrain, while lightweight aluminum shock bodies reduce unsprung mass by 15% for sharper handling. The 18mm high-strength steel shafts went through 329 structural tests to guarantee impact resistance in extreme conditions.
According to Öhlins engineers, valve tuning took six months to strike the right balance between off-road stiffness and on-road comfort. Roush also logged the equivalent of 125,000 miles of durability testing in Michigan, covering desert sand, rocky trails, and deep mud. Independent testing in the Mojave Desert by the Ohio Off-Road Enthusiasts Association showed the suspension maintained 30% more stability on washboard surfaces compared to the industry standard.
To complete the package, the front upper control arms were swapped for forged Roush parts finished in signature red. Made from high-tensile steel, they extend suspension travel by 20%.
The Frontier PRO-4X Roush rides on 265/70R17 Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme all-terrain tires, mounted on exclusive 17-inch wheels. The wheels come finished in a titanium-style coating with black bolts and a bold “R” center cap. Testing shows ground clearance is up by 51 mm, with approach and departure angles now at 32.5 and 24.7 degrees.
Underneath, the truck gains reinforced skid plates with a titanium finish that are 3 mm thicker than the stock version. The Lava Red tow hooks add both function and a striking contrast against the protective hardware.
Interior and Exterior Carry Roush Performance Touches
Inside, the Frontier keeps the familiar PRO-4X layout with a 12.3-inch center display and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster.
Roush adds its own details, including headrests embroidered with the “R” logo using durable double-needle stitching. The seats stay wrapped in premium synthetic leather, with no extra padding added to preserve the truck’s off-road driving posture.
The exterior gets a sharper look with titanium-colored grille inserts and a new lower bumper piece that boost front-end aggression. The mudguards now wear a distinct “R” badge, while the tailgate badging has been redesigned to clearly showcase the Roush partnership.
Exterior Design Upgrades
On the outside, the Frontier PRO-4X Roush gets titanium-colored grille inserts and a revised lower bumper piece that give the front end a more aggressive look. The mudguards now carry a bold “R” badge, while the tailgate badging has been reworked to make the Roush partnership clear at first glance.
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