Last April, Nissan showed off the 2026 Frontier Pro PHEV—its first-ever plug-in hybrid pickup truck. Designed and engineered in China by Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile, it’s destined not just for local China sales, but for export markets as well. Today, the carmaker has confirmed that the Frontier Pro—the combustion engine version of the same truck—will be exported from there as well.
As previously announced, the Frontier Pro PHEV packs a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder generator paired with a high-output electric motor. Together, it makes over 408 horsepower (300 kW) and up to 800 Nm of torque. Under its EV mode, it does 135 kilometers between charges. The battery itself is positioned atop the frame, providing nearly 700 mm of ground clearance. Meanwhile, a 6-kW high-capacity intelligent external power supply can support small appliances and devices.
The big news now is confirmation that the combustion model Frontier Pro will also be exported to global markets. Instead of an electrified powerplant, the Frontier Pro relies on a 2.3-liter turbo diesel engine. The Renault-Nissan M9T makes 190 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Mated to it is an 8-speed ZF transmission. An intelligent four-wheel drive system, combined with 13 driving modes, makes off-roading easy, while the three differential locks provide powerful traction in extreme conditions.
The platform is constructed with 70 percent high-strength steel and a frame comprised of 97 percent high-strength steel, ensuring solid stability even under complex road conditions and unexpected impacts. 100 percent of the exterior body panels are made of double-sided galvanized steel, and a large area of the underbody is coated with an anti-stone-impact coating protecting against sand and gravel.
In terms of design, the Frontier Pro features Nissan’s signature V-motion front grille, a floating laser-engraved logo, and advanced LED headlights that create a futuristic impression. In the rear, the 3-D tail lamps and lighting that spans the length of the tailgate create a striking presence. A 31-degree approach angle and a 26-degree departure angle, coupled with 200 mm front and 225 mm rear suspension travel, form the foundation for its strong off-road capability.
Inside, the interior is designed for comfort, safety, and a premium experience. The front leather seats use a six-layer breathable cushion that help make long drives more comfortable. Refined suede materials are pleasant to the touch and excellent abrasion and scratch resistance. The spacious rear seats can be configured seven different ways and offers up to 970 liters of storage capacity when in a flat orientation. The cabin, enhanced with soundproofing and vibration-damping materials, features a large panoramic sunroof and world-class audio.
In terms of safety, the Frontier Pro offers 25 driver assistance functions including 540-degree panoramic camera.
With the announcement that the Frontier Pro is going global, it looks like Nissan will be selling at least three versions of its pickup truck. First, of course, is the current D23 Navara; the second is the just-announced D27 Navara which also happens to be a re-badge of the Mitsubishi Triton, and this made and engineered in China version.
In Australia, it has already been confirmed by Nissan executives that the Frontier Pro PHEV will be offered and will slot above the D27 Navara. I wonder if Philippines will do the same, positioning the Frontier Pro to be a segment above the upcoming D23 facelift. I also hope that the upcoming facelift D23 will come with the M9T/YS23 used for over a decade already in the D23 overseas. Or better, I hope they could put the D27's 4N16 into the D23 facelift.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that Nissan is using the M9T engine code instead of the YS23. Both engines are basically the same, but M9T is for Renault designation (and the original) while YS23 is for Nissan's use.
ReplyDeleteYou're right...but M9T is the designation used in Nissan's official release.
DeleteLooks great
ReplyDeleteNissan Philippines is likely gonna position and market this Frontier Pro PHEV pickup truck as a rival of the BYD Shark 6 PHEV pickup truck and Changan Hunter K50 pickup truck.
Nissan ph should pick this navara version instead. It's way better than the triton. And it has its own signature way of being unique.
ReplyDeleteThe navara i want more than the triton navara. Most likely it could also be a little cheaper than the triton navara since it'll be source directly from china. High strength steel means that this one's made tougher than ever. I d*mn wanted to test drive this one in the flesh.
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