Nissan Turns Heads with the Debut of the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid Pickup
Nissan has shaken up the pickup scene by introducing the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), signaling a major step forward in the brand's drive toward electrification and environmental responsibility in the truck segment.
This latest model marks a distinct break from Nissan's legacy of gas-only pickups. With a strong blend of power, innovation, and eco-conscious design, it's aimed squarely at both professionals who rely on their truck daily and outdoor enthusiasts looking for weekend escape vehicles.
While it carries the Frontier name, this new hybrid isn't related to the Frontier Pro X or Pro 4X trucks found in North America. Debuting at the Shanghai Auto Show, it's Nissan's first plug-in hybrid pickup, built on the Dongfeng Z9 platform—a model that entered the Chinese market earlier this year.
Although Nissan has previously released models with its e-Power technology, those weren't true hybrids in the plug-in sense. This new version breaks new ground. Designed at Nissan's Shanghai design center, it sports a sleek light bar with styling cues that nod to the old Nissan/Datsun D21 Hardbody's distinct three-hole hood. The back features an available powered tonneau cover that retracts electrically.
Size-wise, this hybrid is larger than the U.S.-market D41-generation Frontier short-bed. It stretches 5,520 mm in length, spans 1,960 mm in width, and stands 1,950 mm tall. It rides on a 3,300 mm wheelbase and tips the scales between 2,500 and 2,540 kg, depending on configuration. Every version rolls on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/65 rubber.
Under the hood—or more accurately, under the skin—the truck combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with an electric motor built into the transmission. Together, they churn out over 402 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. While Nissan hasn't detailed the battery specs, it claims a driving range of 135 kilometers (around 84 miles) under the CLTC testing cycle, which is known for being overly generous.
The suspension setup features an independent double-wishbone layout in the front and a five-link system at the rear. There's also an electromechanical rear differential lock. Drivers can manually switch between 4High and 4Low, and the truck includes performance and snow settings along with selectable hybrid and full-electric modes.
Inside, the cabin pops with a bold neon yellow accent theme. It's tech-heavy, offering a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and a 10-inch digital gauge cluster. Optional features include ventilated and heated front seats with massage functionality. A vehicle-to-load system allows external devices to draw up to 6 kW of power from a rear bed-mounted V2L outlet.
Although its debut is in China, Nissan doesn't plan to keep the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid exclusive to that market. However, steep U.S. tariffs could block its entry into the American market, at least for now.
With this truck, Nissan blends classic truck cues with future-facing technology. It manages to look familiar while introducing a new era of electrified utility. Whether on a job site or a backwoods trail, the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid delivers both capability and efficiency. It's a bold statement in the evolving truck landscape and another sign that electric power is no longer just a concept—it's here to stay.
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