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February 2, 2026

Is Nissan Launching The Ariya, X-Trail, and Frontier Pro In The Philippines This 2026?


Nissan remains fundamentally strong in the Philippines. This is an assurance made by Nissan Philippines president Masao Tsutsumi as he announced an exciting 2026 with a bevvy of new electrified models arriving by mid-year.

Tsutsumi-san has confirmed that at least one e-Power, one Plug-In Hybrid, and one full Electric Vehicle will be unveiled at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in June. Although he didn’t want to mention which models are arriving, he did give a hint that “some” were already on display at last Sunday’s Nissan Festival—albeit the non-refreshed ones.

A quick look at Nissan Philippines’ “Always Daring” display at the Nissan Festival reveals that all but two of the displays are currently available at showrooms: the Ariya and the X-Trail. Both models fit with Tsutsumi-san’s description, especially since these models have undergone refreshes after repeated local appearances at motor shows.


First, there’s the Ariya. The latest version was shown off without fanfare at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. It features an updated exterior, a Google-powered infotainment system, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, and suspension upgrades that enhances ride comfort.

Powertrain-wise, the Ariya isn’t changed and that could very well indicate the spec that the Philippines is getting. It must be remembered that in 2024, Nissan Philippines previewed the Ariya with a dual electric motor system and e-4orce All-Wheel Drive system. All in all, it makes 394 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. Its 87-kWh battery allows for a range of over 500 kilometers.


Next up is the X-Trail. Refreshed in 2023, this model could go head-to-head with electrified compact SUVs like the RAV4 and the CR-V. It was previewed at the Philippine International Motor Show as well. The 5+2-compact SUV features a series-hybrid system (e-Power) with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder that acts as a generator. Driving force, however, is provided by electric motors with up to 214 horsepower.

The X-Trail was repeatedly driven by Philippine press in Japan (us included), perhaps to gauge public feedback on whether Nissan should offer it. If they do, they have to offer it with the electric e-4orce All-Wheel Drive system, at least as an option, as its chief competitors, the RAV4 and the CR-V are both set to offer all-wheel drive on their electrified compact SUVs.


The last product is most likely the Frontier Pro—the plug-in hybrid pickup truck designed in collaboration with Chinese partner, Zhengzhou Nissan (ZNA).

Offsetting the effect of excise tax on pickup trucks (a bit hit on Nissan’s 2025 sales, Tsutsumi-san admits), the Frontier Pro could make for a refreshing take on the segment, while still keeping Nissan’s reputation for making 4x4s intact.

At its heart is a plug-in hybrid powertrain featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a transmission-mounted, high output electric motor. Combined, the system delivers over 408 horsepower (300 kW) of power and up to 800 Nm, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. For the China domestic market, the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid is said to offer 135 kilometers of EV-only range.

It’s understood that Nissan Philippines is flying off select media to China to see a new model this month, and it could very well be this pickup truck. After all, Nissan did confirm that the Frontier Pro is destined for export markets. Sadly, CarGuide.PH isn’t one of those invited to see the truck, so you’ll have to wait a bit longer before we can give you our general impressions of the Frontier Pro, perhaps when it lands here around June.

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