Nissan Reveals the Frontier Pro Plug-In Hybrid Pickup with 84 Miles of Electric Range

Nissan is pushing the limits of its off-road pickup strategy with the unveil of the Frontier Pro PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), an electrified truck that goes far beyond running on batteries. The new Frontier, shared at Auto Shanghai, offers up to 84 miles of electric range and 402 horsepower with 800 Nm of torque to those seeking to carry out the daily chores of electric motoring while also enjoying all the go-anywhere real-world performance and flexibility of a midsize pickup.

The Frontier Pro PHEV isn’t just about an electrified powertrain. With body-on-frame construction, all-wheel drive, 3,500 kg of tow capacity, a 6-kilowatt V2L system and a high-tech interior, Nissan has tried to make the truck a practical tool for work, family trips and off-road adventures. But this China-made version is not the North American Frontier and will not be hitting U.S. dealership floors anytime soon. Still, its launch provides an intriguing glimpse of where Nissan’s electrified pickup plans may be headed.

1. Nissan Enters the Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Market

Nissan has officially stepped into the plug-in hybrid pickup truck arena by unveiling the new Frontier Pro PHEV at Auto Shanghai. This is Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid pickup and a key part of the Japanese automaker’s global electrification roadmap. The Frontier Pro, a one-of-one engineering concept based on the next-generation Frontier, is designed to fill the void between body-on-frame utility and zero-emission electric driving. Nissan created the Frontier Pro for adventure-ready families seeking a daily driver for all the city streets and weekend off-road excursions they can find. Instead of replacing the capabilities of a truck with an electric vehicle, the Frontier Pro offers its owners a combination of traditional and electric powertrains in a midsize pickup. With an 80-horsepower electric motor and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the hybrid powertrain can offer electric-only performance for short trips, with a traditional gasoline engine to help stretch those drive range limits.

What Makes the Frontier Pro Different:

• Nissan’s first PHEV pickup
• Revealed at Auto Shanghai
• Combines utility and electrification
• Designed for family adventures
• Bridges electric and traditional driving

The Frontier Pro strikes out on a different course for pickup electrification by giving the traditional utility vehicle the sort of characteristics customers expect when they get into a truck and then combining it with electric driving capability. It isn’t about being just another pickup electric vehicle but delivering a practical mix of everyday efficiency and the style and utility of a pickup. It is targeted at those with families or drivers who want something a little more comfortable for use around town but still with real capability for use on the weekend or in the outdoors. Nissan’s take on the combination of what you see on full-size vehicles and what you see in traditional pickup trucks a body on frame vehicle with a plug-in hybrid powertrain means that you can get around town or pick up a few groceries on electricity and have enough gas-powered range for more convenient long-hauling.

2. Powerful Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

Under the hood, the Frontier Pro finally gets a bit more interesting, ditching the large-displacement engine of old for an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain. A 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine team with a high-output electric motor tucked into the transmission. Even added together, they make 402 horsepower or more than 407 horsepower in the global markets, as well as 590 pound-feet of torque (or 800 Nm), which puts its capability in the same range as some of the most powerful mid-size off-road trucks. The electric motor also supplies some instant electric torque, which will enable the truck to shoot forward quickly and haul on the heavy-duty towing front. Rather than simply relying on the gasoline engine, the all-new electric motor becomes a major part of the overall powertrain architecture, with the combination of both outputs allowing the new pickup to thrive.

Power That Delivers Strong Performance:

• 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine
• High-output electric motor included
• Produces 402 horsepower
• Delivers 800 Nm torque
• Supports powerful towing performance

The powertrain is a major feature of the Frontier Pro as it combines a modest turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a high-output electric motor. The Frontier’s performance translates into the hybrid system offering considerable power and torque for a midsize truck. It produces 402 horsepower, with global specifications indicating over 407 horsepower, and 800 Nm of torque, a high figure that is particularly advantageous for a truck as electric motors deliver instant torque when under acceleration. According to Nissan, the hybrid system is also capable of heavy-duty towing, ensuring the electric assistance does not restrict the truck’s function to normal driving. Instead, the powertrain works seamlessly together to endow the truck with a punchy-on-paper attitude combined with the freedom of a plug-in hybrid.

3. Up to 84 Miles of Electric Driving

A major technical advantage of the Frontier Pro is that it is a plug-in hybrid, capable of purely electric-only operation. Under the test standards used in China, the pickup has a range of 135km or 84 miles with pure electric power. There are enough miles for many daily work trips, shopping, and other short-range trips without switching on the gas engine. When that range is exceeded, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine automatically kicks in so the truck can continue on its journey without the driver running out of steam. This allows a pure electric range for short work trips, while also allowing the truck to be used as a true full-range pickup. This is something that owners of fully electric vehicles might have to deal with when out of their estimated range, while a hybrid like this can give a good mix of what a driver needs.

Electric Range at a Glance:

• Up to 135 kilometers
• Around 84 miles electric
• Pure EV daily driving
• Gasoline engine handles longer trips
• Reduces long-distance range anxiety

The 84-mile electric range is a significant benefit for daily drivers who typically run shorter distances. They won’t need to burn gas during their daily work lives and can instead juice up the battery as often as needed for trips to the grocery store, work commutes, or other brief urban runs, which can all be done electrically. But for longer trips, or when towing a trailer, the gas engine can seamlessly take control and deliver propulsion once the battery is drained. That’s critical for a truck, where long hauls and towing present more of a challenge for a fully electric powertrain. The plug-in hybrid system enables drivers to run in electric mode without expecting an electric-only range when they go off on longer trips. It offers electric capability without making them completely reliant on charging when pushing the limits of the truck.

4. Frontier Pro Works as a Mobile Power Station

Wherever you want to go with your cargo, The Nissan Frontier Pro has you covered with the addition of Vehicle-to-Load power. With 6 kW of Power to Go, this Nissan will supply external AC power via a standard outlet to power your home renovation project, off-grid campground or outdoor market. Your new Nissan Frontier Pro acts as a portable generator for any jobsite, off-the-grid camping trip and convenience store run in a blackout. The feature frees you from the need for backup generators, while keeping power tools, portable refrigerators and essential appliances running when the grid goes down. And to ensure that your Frontier Pro’s cargo bed is packed and ready to go, Nissan adds an electronic cargo bed cover. These advancements provide more than safe, reliable transportation; It also provides a great way to go, using the electricity in your truck bed.

More Than Just a Pickup:

• V2L provides six kilowatts
• Powers tools and appliances
• Supports off-grid camping
• Helps during power blackouts
• Electronic bed cover included

V2L extends the Frontier Pro’s versatility off-road too, because the truck can serve as a mobile source of electricity anywhere the driver needs it. With up to 6 kilowatts of power through a special outlet, owners can take the truck to a jobsite and operate power tools, or to work on outdoor projects at home. When at a campsite or tailgating, it can power portable refrigerators and coolers, and during power outages at home, provide the electricity needed to operate essential appliances. This turns the pickup’s battery into an external source of power, rather than just being used to power the vehicle itself. Another feature that enhances the Frontier Pro’s flexibility is the electronic cargo bed cover that provides secure storage for tools and equipment carried in the bed.

5. Body-on-Frame Design Keeps Off-Road Capability

The Frontier Pro has a body-on-frame chassis to retain the traditional off-road skills of a pickup. It has a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, and a five-link rear suspension structure for a smooth ride. The car was also equipped with an electromechanical rear wheel locking differential and can wade up to 700 mm deep, which is 27.6 inches deep. Furthermore, drivers can choose from four different driving modes Hybrid, Pure EV, Performance, and Snow. Performance, Snow, and Hybrid modes adjust the characteristics of the vehicle for various driving conditions, and Pure EV mode simply turns the vehicle into the fully electric vehicle. With body-on-frame construction, all-wheel drive, rear wheel locking differential, and selectable driving modes, the Nissan Frontier Pro has all the necessary hardware for off-road driving. Instead of seeing electrification as a replacement for the traditional characteristics of a pickup truck, Nissan has built a hybrid system into a vehicle that maintains the ruggedness of a traditional pickup truck.

Built for Rougher Roads:

• Rugged body-on-frame chassis
• Intelligent all-wheel-drive system
• Five-link rear suspension
• Rear locking differential
• 700mm maximum water depth

The Frontier Pro’s chassis and drivetrain keep it true to form as an off-road pickup, as well. Its body-on-frame platform and all-wheel drive that intelligently directs power as needed create a dependable foundation, while the rear suspension delivers comfort. The truck also remains useful when the going gets tougher with an electromechanical rear locking differential. Water fording is also supported at depths of up to 700 millimeters, or 27.6 inches. Its range of modes include a Hybrid setting, a Pure EV, a Performance setting, and a Snow setting. With these four options, the Frontier Pro is able to adapt to different work and play scenarios while still prioritising a focus on off-road running, rather than making its electrification the main course.

6. Strong Towing Capability Meets Classic Truck Styling

Officially, the Frontier Pro has a tow rating of 3,500kg (7,716 pounds), so it can tow the heavy loads, such as a boat trailer, camper trailer and the like. The electric motor torque also supports easily launching heavy loads, including on incline and boat ramp. Besides the Toyota Pickups, the Nissan also has its own truck pedigree with a front fascia that’s inspired by its superbata that was popular in the 80s. The grille is a bold grille with cast body lines that are sharp and angled with 5 LED lights mounted directly above the grille while three LED lights form the modern cross-reference with the rectangular air intakes in the hood of the 80s hardbody version. An illuminated Nissan badge also offers some more stand-out points for the Lightning Nissan badge looks at bottom front and lights it up, and adds a really unique look to the front end of the Frontier Pro.

Classic Looks, Serious Utility:

• Tows up to 7,716 pounds
• Supports heavy equipment towing
• Electric torque aids launches
• Inspired by D21 Hardbody
• Five LED lights across front

The Frontier Pro combines the traditional pickup styling elements with the advantage of having a hybrid powertrain. The 3,500 kg towing capacity enables owners to tow boats, campers, and heavy equipment. The electric motor’s low-end torque can help if you’re pulling away from a situation that needs a little bit of help, such as a hill or a boat ramp. Nissan’s front-end design also ties the modern pickup to its truck roots. The front end takes design cues from the 1980s D21 Hardbody, with a bold grille, angled lines, and a row of five LED lights above the grille. The three inner lights reference the rectangular air intakes found above the hood of the original Hardbody. Another lighted Nissan badge adds to the front lighting design.

7. Midsize Dimensions and a High-Tech Interior

The Frontier Pro ranks in the midsize truck segment with dimensions of 5520mm long, 1960mm wide, and 1950mm high, with a 3300mm wheelbase bringing an ideal balance of passenger space and cargo-bed length. The 18-inch wheels and 265/65R18 tires can take a beating on rugged off-road trails, with sidewall protection. Nissan provides modern tech in a five-passenger cabin with a single tablet-style 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10-inch digital instrument display offers driver information. Traditional buttons are below the main display to access things that shouldn’t be ignored, and a gear shift on the center console makes it easy to select gears. The panoramic glass roof allows more natural light to fill the cabin to make the interior look and feel more open.

Midsize Pickup, Modern Cabin:

• 5,520mm overall length
• 3,300mm wheelbase
• 14.6-inch touchscreen display
• 10-inch digital instrument cluster
• Panoramic glass roof

With the size of a practical midsize pickup truck, the Frontier Pro has the room to carry passengers and gear. With a length of 5,520 millimeters, a width of 1,960 millimeters, a height of 1,950 millimeters and a 3,300-millimeter wheelbase, this new pickup has the bulk and rear leg room that customers want. With the 18-inch wheels fitting over 265/65 R18 tires with high profile tires, this pickup offers additional clearance when traveling on rocky roads and trails, while providing a smooth ride on pavement. The interior brings the pickup a bit into the modern era, with a 14.6-inch touchscreen display to provide infotainment and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster behind the wheel to give drivers the information they need. The front of the center console has a cluster of physical controls just below the touchscreen that allows drivers to manually adjust entertainment and other functions. The shift lever for the transmission is centered on the console to keep the cabin layout simple, while the panoramic glass roof introduces more daylight to the interior.

8. Premium Comfort and Practical Cabin Features

The front seats are adjustable to provide comfort and are heated, vented and massage-enabled for the driver and front passenger. Bright accent trim on the doors and dash helps to extend the bright exterior paint color palette into the cabin, providing warmth and visual interest, while a retro-inspired two-spoke steering wheel adds personality and all the soft-touch dash and door panels are filled with textured and easily cleaned materials. The hoodless screens of the Frontier Pro share their clean design with a practical, full-length center console with well-positioned controls and armrest. Features like a six-way driver seat, ambient interior lighting, and a premium audio system help to make this midsize pickup more comfortable. Rather than focusing on utility equipment, Nissan has included equipment that is designed to make both long highway trips and everyday commutes a lot more comfortable.

Comfort Beyond Work-Truck Basics:

• Heated front power seats
• Ventilated front seats included
• Built-in massage functions
• Classic two-spoke steering wheel
• Soft-touch cabin surfaces

Those comfort features help create a more upscale look and feel for the cabin on the Frontier Pro than you might expect from a pickup designed primarily to get dirty. Power front seats are heated and cooled, with massagers built in to make both day-to-day commutes and longer trips more enjoyable. Accents in the cabin made to resemble the exterior paint tones also add a bit of visual warmth, while the two-spoke steering wheel has more of a classic look. Contemporary materials, soft-touch door panels, hoodless displays, and other details blend together to help cabin a modern look and feel in the interior. These details may not get the Frontier Pro to be solely a truck that can tote a load of gear or traverse the off-road trail, but it still be a comfortable cabin that everyone can enjoy.

9. Chinese Production Keeps It Away From North America

While it shares the Frontier badge, the Frontier Pro PHEV that was unveiled in Shanghai is in fact a completely different vehicle from the North American Frontier. Developed in collaboration with Zhengzhou Nissan, the Frontier Pro is based on the Dongfeng Z9-based midsize pickup truck platform. This diesel-powered pickup will be manufactured in China, with Japanese sales set to follow later this year before the truck is rolled out to select global export markets. North American consumers will have to wait for the next-generation Frontier to reach the U.S. market as the current import regimen and foreign trade policy, as well as the 25-percent Chicken Tax on foreign-built light trucks, means it cannot be sold here. North American consumers continue to get the U.S.-spec Frontier, which is assembled in Mississippi on a different, even larger platform, and not this Chinese import.

Two Different Frontier Models:

• Chinese-built Frontier Pro PHEV
• Co-developed with Zhengzhou Nissan
• Based on Dongfeng Z9
• U.S. model built locally
• Chicken Tax limits imports

That gap is significant because the China-market Pickup (or Nissan 65 tomorrow) is not a straight-up refit of an American-made truck. The Frontier Pro was co-developed with Zhengzhou Nissan and shares the architecture of the Dongfeng Z9 platform. Production is slated to take place in China, with commercialization slated first for China, and then later additional export markets. Imported from China, the Pickup is prohibited from meeting American trade restrictions, including the 25 percent Chicken Tax on imported light trucks that keeps the North American market supplied by a locally assembled Mississippi-built Frontier. Such restrictions give American consumers the choice of a locally assembled model, and mean that the two trucks have distinct underlying platforms and marketing responsibilities.

10. Nissan’s Future Points Toward Global PHEV Pickups

Nissan’s North American pickup strategy is now heading to battery-powered. Nissan’s North America planning boss Ponz Pandikuthira announced the next-generation Frontier (pictured) would need to be plugged in for its entire life cycle, and able to meet modern regulatory compliance rules, as batteries paired with a body-on-frame chassis for traditional truck strength and durability, saying “We don’t want to keep the body-on-frame, but if you plug an electric powertrain into that body-on-frame, you will be able to deliver traditional [towing] capability, together with the solution of a clean sheet. In the pipeline is an electrified hybrid he calls “plug-in hybrid 2.0,” and is still working on that, but the North American Frontier and international Navara are approaching to share a new global platform capable of taking both plug-in hybrid and internal combustion powertrains for markets in different markets.

Nissan’s Electrified Pickup Direction:

• Electrified Frontier targeted around 2028
• PHEV remains under development
• Global Frontier-Navara convergence planned
• Nine electrified China models
• Rivals include BYD and Ford

The Frontier Pro PHEV joins a growing pack of global contenders led by the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV in a big battery trend that is set to play out in the global full-size ute segment. Its 402kW (802Nm) output ensures the Frontier Pro also stacks up well against contemporary hybrid ute performance figures. Just as plug-in hybrid pickups can help solve a pain point associated with the arrival of electric trucks reduced range from long-distance towing the hybrid architecture allows a short-range daily electric workhorse with a liquid fuel backup, while also enabling long-distance towing without restrictions. As part of Nissan’s broader $17 billion-plus battery and electric strategy, the brand plans to add nine new hybrid/EV models in China by summer 2027. The nimbler-than-it-looks Frontier Pro also combines traditional proportions that will fit in most garages and parks with useful towing, carrying and rough road ability for tradies, families and outdoor families.