Nissan Frontier Pro Plug-In Hybrid Is The Truck America Needs
Nissan has revealed its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, and it's not an SUV or a sedan—it’s a pickup truck. The new Nissan Frontier Pro made its debut at Auto Shanghai, combining a turbocharged gas engine with electric power in a package different from the Frontier currently sold in North America.
Key Points
- The new Frontier Pro PHEV debuted at Auto Shanghai as Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid, featuring a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and a single electric motor.
- Co-developed with Zhengzhou Nissan, the Frontier Pro is confirmed for future export, but no timeline or target markets have been announced.
- Producing over 402 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, the truck has an estimated electric-only range of 84 miles (CLTC) and features a redesigned interior and exterior that differs significantly from the U.S.-spec Frontier.
2025 Nissan Frontier Pro Plug-In Hybrid: All The Details
For now, the Frontier Pro PHEV is a China-exclusive model, co-developed with Zhengzhou Nissan—the PHEV Frontier Pro is based on the Nissan Dongfeng Z9. While Nissan confirms that the vehicle is slated for export, it hasn't provided a timeline or specified which markets will receive it. I wouldn't count on America being on the export list, considering the astronomical tariff stack that would apply to a pickup truck built in China.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor integrated into the transmission. The hybrid system produces over 402 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, sending power to all four wheels through Nissan’s Intelligent AWD system.
An electromechanical locking rear differential is available for added off-road capability. Drivers can choose from four modes: Hybrid, Pure Electric, Performance, and Snow.
The truck boasts an estimated electric-only range of 84 miles (135 km) based on the optimistic CLTC testing cycle used in China. That figure could be considerably lower in real-world driving, but even a reduced range would be notable for a hybrid pickup of this size. Dimensionally, the Frontier Pro stretches just over 18 feet in length and rides on a 130-inch wheelbase, making it dimensionally similar to the U.S. model—but at roughly 5,600 pounds, it’s significantly heavier than the U.S.-spec Frontier Pro-4X.
Visually, the Frontier Pro introduces a fresh design that shares more in common with Nissan’s new Kicks crossover than with our Frontier. A wide LED light bar spans the front end, with three signature slots in the center paying tribute to the classic Nissan Hardbody truck. The truck rides on 18-inch wheels.
Inside, the cabin is outfitted with a 10.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, and available massaging, ventilated front seats. The interior is a clear departure from the current U.S. Frontier’s interior design.
The Frontier Pro is expected to go on sale in China later this year.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Guess we better get used to it. If Carney gets elected in Canada he intends to stop the sale of all ICE cars by 2035, and starting with a $20,000 tax on ICE cars starting in 2026.
(according to the one report by a Carnet loving TV channel.
Nice. Too bad about tariff mania though.