Nissan Unveils Frontier Pro: Its First Plug-In Hybrid Pickup

【PCauto】 In addition to the long-publicized Nisaan N7, Nissan also released its first plug-in hybrid pickup truck, Frontier Pro, during the Shanghai Auto Show.

Although the name is same with the North American version of Frontier, it is actually developed on Dongfeng Motor's Z9 platform and has no direct relation with the North American model. It can be considered a product specifically tailored for the Chinese market.

As for powertrain, Frontier Pro is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 402 horsepower and 800N·m of torque, along with a towing capacity of 3.5 tons.

According to NEDC standards, it offers a pure-electric range of 135 km, making it suitable for short urban commutes on electric power while retaining hybrid capability for longer trips. Nissan plans to launch the Frontier Pro in China this year, with export plans in the works. However, due to U.S.-China trade tariffs, the U.S. market won't introduce this model in the near term.

In terms of appearance, the Frontier Pro retains the Z9 platform's style but introduces innovations. A larger blank space on its front fascia creates a more futuristic and technological appearance.

The illuminated NISSAN logo at the center of the grille ensures clear brand visibility at night or in low-light conditions, adding a striking visual element.

The upper section features a matte-gray bar that smoothly integrates with the split-type LED headlights. The horizontal daytime running lights extend toward the wheel arches, not only enhancing the vehicle's visual width but also conveying a bold, imposing feature.

The rugged front bumper design shows a tough, off-road-ready character, incorporating a honeycomb-pattern air intake and a metal skid plate at the bottom. This setup not only provides protection in off-road scenarios but also subtly shows the vehicle's electrified nature.

From the side profile, the high waistline smoothly runs from the front to rear wheel arches, conveying a sense of strength. Paired with gray wheel flares, it not only adds visual depth to the vehicle but also highlights its off-road character.

The all-terrain tires equipped on the Frontier Pro ensure off-road capability while maintaining stable on-road performance, meeting drivers' needs across various road conditions.

The black roof rails complement the smoked window trim, creating a floating roof effect that enriches the body lines and enhances its layered appearance.

Notably, the vehicle is equipped with power-retractable running boards at the door bottoms, which will automatically extend when the owner approaches or opens the door.

The rear of the car adopts a matching high-gloss accent panel that connects the three-dimensional taillight clusters, delivering exceptional nighttime visibility. The tailgate prominently displays "FRONTIER PRO" badging alongside "PLUG-IN HYBRID" identification, clearly showing its identity of plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The tailgate design is particularly unique and practical, featuring an extendable power step that greatly facilitates access to the cargo bed, making loading and unloading much easier. Additionally, the tailgate supports one-touch power closing—an innovation for pickup trucks—delivering enhanced convenience for users.

As for the North American Frontier, the 2025 model has just undergone a minor refresh, including a bolder grille, upgraded connectivity features, and a new orange exterior color option. However, in the competitive midsize pickup segment, its sales still lag behind rivals like the Ford Ranger.

Nissan North America executives mentioned that the next-generation Frontier, expected around 2028, will introduce a plug-in hybrid system. This move primarily aims to meet the requirement of emission regulations while preserving the truck's off-road and towing capabilities.

The plug-in hybrid system allows for all-electric urban driving to reduce fuel consumption, while the combined power of the engine and electric motor ensures robust performance for tasks like towing trailers or tackling rough terrain—effectively balancing eco-friendliness and practicality.

Nissan also has a long-term plan to unify the Frontier and the global Navara pickup and develop a globally unified platform. This versatile platform will include multiple powertrains, like combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and full-electric systems, enabling region-specific variants (e.g., BEVs for Europe, diesel for Southeast Asia) to reduce R&D costs and adapt swiftly to market demands.

In summary, the Nissan Frontier lineup is evolving through plug-in hybrid technology and design refinements, striving to retain strengths of traditional pickup while following the trend of electrification. Whether with China’s market-specific model or North America’s future roadmap, Nissan demonstrates its commitment to innovation in the pickup industry.