Wait, is the Nissan Frontier Pro in the Philippines?
Sorry to get you excited. We actually got to drive Nissan’s plug-in hybrid pickup in China, specifically at a test track within the Dongfeng-Nissan Technical Center. The brand then took us to Heihe, China’s northernmost city, to drive the Frontier Pro over ice and snow.
However, you might have heard that Nissan China is going global. From our experience, the Frontier Pro is ready to make its Philippine debut. It’s already left-hand-drive, and one could say that BYD and Changan have been priming the local market for more plug-in hybrid trucks.
For Nissan Philippines, it’s just a matter of time—but, when that time comes, the question is whether it can stand out and beat its Chinese competitors.
You’re forgiven, but isn’t the Frontier Pro also Chinese?
Yes and no. While this pickup is based on the Dongfeng Z9, Nissan has been adamant in ensuring buyers that it’s still...well, a Nissan. In fact, ‘Nissan-ness’ was the buzzword of our China trip.
Throughout our time in Guangzhou and Heihe, the engineering and marketing teams reiterated that the Frontier Pro performs like a Nissan and is just as reliable—albeit with loads of Chinese tech on board. We would need a lot more seat time—and perhaps an all-stock Navara—to confirm those statements, but it certainly looks the part.
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Unlike other plug-in hybrid pickups like the BYD Shark 6 and the Changan Nevo Hunter, the Frontier Pro has a more conservative design. With that, I guess we can thank Dongfeng for creating a rather low-key silhouette for Nissan to adopt and utilize.
There isn’t any large or ostentatious branding on the shell, and its boxy shape actually has some similarities to the burly USDM Frontier. Overall, it looks very clean, especially in dark gray or a blacked-out finish.
To make a 5,500mm-long frame look this understated is quite impressive. It’s also bigger in every way than the current-generation Navara. With its presence and dimensions, perhaps the Frontier Pro can immediately stand out in the overall pickup market.
That’s well and good, but how does it drive?
Aside from retaining the Nissan-ness of the Frontier Pro, the engineers stressed that the pickup should deliver a balanced ride on varying road conditions. To achieve this, the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is up front, while the single-motor hybrid system with a 20kWh battery is placed between the rear axles.
Coupled with a body-on-frame ladder chassis, the Frontier Pro did stay composed on track and on the ice—even at higher speeds. Body roll was decently controlled through sharper and slippier turns. And while plowing through thick snow, the pickup held its own and kept its balance on uneven surfaces. As you may have guessed, this is a full 4x4 truck with front and rear differential locks.
Interestingly, the four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission was coupled with a propeller shaft to deliver power directly and more efficiently. Speaking of power, while the Frontier Pro is rated for over 400hp and 800Nm of torque, we didn’t really get to experience that kind of grunt. It was a bit sluggish when accelerating, but it confidently maintained our desired speed when it got there. Our best guess is that the engine had to heavily compensate for the depleting battery charge.
Even so, the Frontier Pro remained light on its feet and was surprisingly easy to maneuver for such a big truck. Steering was on point, and it was pleasantly comfortable. The seats were plush, and the doors opened at 90-degree angles for easier ingress and egress.
So it’s a good drive, but can it still truck?
Nissan China has definitely positioned this pickup to be a lifestyle vehicle. It’s comfortable and quiet, and has all the bells and whistles urban vehicles typically have. However, and this could be where the Nissan-ness comes in, it has some serious capability.
Wading depth is rated at 800mm with 248mm of ground clearance. Payload capacity is listed at 1,500kg, while the bed can fit around 1,165 liters. The plug-in hybrid system also has V2L capabilities to power small appliances and outdoor equipment. Together with a full 4x4 system, perhaps this can be the electrified workhorse new-age truck buyers can consider.
It has the numbers to prove it, along with 75km of fully electric driving range to boot. With a rather complete package, the Frontier Pro may compete not only with other plug-in hybrid pickups but also with traditional trucks. Maybe the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger should be on notice, too?
