Nissan Frontier Pro is a mid-size Plug-In Hybrid Truck, this tough-looking electrified truck built for the Chinese market but sparking curiosity across global shores. While it’s not directly related to the U.S. Frontier many of us know, it represents a potentially significant shift in what Nissan envisions for the future of utility vehicles. Will it be landing in North America, before diving into this, let’s take a look at the new Frontier PRO PHEV.
Unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the new Frontier Pro PHEV is built on the Dongfeng Z9 platform, a model co-developed with Nissan’s Chinese joint venture partner. The truck’s front fascia features a full-width LED light bar, giving it a tech-forward, electric-truck vibe — and the rear taillight follows suit. The overall design feels sharp and minimalistic. We’ll dive deeper into its styling details as we go.
Big Power in a New Package
The heart of this electrified Frontier is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a transmission-mounted electric motor. Together, they generate a remarkable 402 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, figures that put it well ahead of most gas-powered rivals in the segment, and even competitive with some full-size pickups.
Nissan claims the truck will deliver up to 83 miles of electric-only range based on New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) estimates, a generous figure for a plug-in hybrid and a promising sign of battery efficiency. While real-world U.S. range testing (if-done) might produce a different number, it still hints at serious everyday capabilities, especially for drivers with shorter commutes or those using the truck as a utility vehicle.
Not the Frontier You’re Used To
It’s worth noting that this PHEV version is not based on the North American Frontier platform. Instead, it rides on a completely different chassis shared with the Dongfeng Z9, tailored to meet the demands of China’s growing appetite for electrified utility vehicles. Still, the styling borrows heavily from the rugged, squared-off look that defines the Frontier name globally, like pronounced fender flares, a bold front grille, and beefy off-road proportions.
Despite their different roots, it’s easy to imagine some of the Pro PHEV’s tech and design cues influencing future Frontiers worldwide, especially as electrification becomes an increasingly important factor for automakers trying to meet emissions targets and consumer demand.
Will It Come to the U.S.?
For now, Nissan has no immediate plans to bring this specific model stateside. Trade complexities and platform differences make a direct import unlikely. However, Nissan has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid powertrain is coming to the next-generation Frontier for North America, aligning with earlier reports from MotorTrend and statements from Nissan executives to caranddriver.
This strategy seems clear: test the waters with a robust hybrid in China, then adapt what works for the rest of the world. Given how competitive the U.S. mid-size pickup market has become, with Ford, Toyota, and others moving toward electrification, Nissan’s timing might be just right.
Why It Matters
The current-generation Nissan Frontier, despite a recent facelift, has struggled to stand out in a segment flooded with tech-heavy, high-performance offerings. A properly executed plug-in hybrid version could give it an edge, combining torque-heavy performance with fuel efficiency and the kind of silent electric cruising that’s becoming increasingly desirable, even in a pickup.
The Pro PHEV might not be the exact truck we’ll see on U.S. roads, but if the North American-bound plug-in Frontier delivers anything close to what the Chinese version promises, the mid-size truck game is about to get a lot more interesting.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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