Before we start, we’ll make one thing clear first. The Nissan Frontier Pro is not the next-generation Navara. It’s not related to the latter, and we’ll have to wait a little bit longer for that. With that out of the way, what exactly is it?
Unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025, the new Frontier Pro is Nissan’s answer to the growing pickup market over in China. It wades into battle, not with a diesel, but with a plug-in hybrid system. The main target is the BYD Shark 6.
So, if it’s not the future Navara, what is it based on? As Nissan has a joint venture with Dongfeng, this pickup is actually a repackaged Z9. It shares the same frame and powertrain as its Chinese counterpart.
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While the mechanical bits are the same, the Nissan Frontier Pro does have unique touches over the Z9. For instance, the whole front end has been changed to make it look more like a Nissan. The company says the LED pattern is inspired by its pickups from the ‘80s and ‘90s, namely the D21 that was known here as the Power Eagle.
Inside, it employs a minimalist design with a pair of large screens on the dashboard, measuring 10 inches and 14.6 inches. A high-mounted center console is present, along with a sizable storage bin below it. Seat massagers are an optional extra, as well as heating and ventilation. Overall, the cabin follows the boxy theme of the exterior.
Now, for the important bit, the powertrain. It’s a plug-in hybrid similar to the BYD Shark 6 and Changan Hunter. The electrified Nissan pickup uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a high-output single electric motor. Total system output is rated at ‘over 400hp’ and ‘up to 800Nm’ of torque.
Despite having just one motor, four-wheel drive is standard. This pickup is also equipped with a rear differential lock, as well as four selectable drive modes, namely hybrid, pure electric, performance, and snow. On top of that, the Frontier Pro has vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities that allow it to supply power to homes in case of emergencies.
More photos of the Nissan Frontier Pro:
