The new Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV pick-up truck previews an exciting future while being true to the brand’s past.
The pick-up truck segment is one that doesn’t often see massive upgrades in terms of powertrain technology. It took decades for the industry to go from naturally-aspirated diesel engines to common rail direct injection turbo diesels. Now though, the pace of change is accelerating and pick-up truck owners are being offered new, much more modern powertrain solutions. Nissan is not one to shy away from progress in this regard, despite the brand’s recent financial predicaments. At Auto Shanghai 2025, we got a preview of the Nissan Frontier Pro, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) pick-up truck that could just be sold in Malaysia when it comes into production.
The Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV was shown alongside the Nissan N7, an all-electric sedan that was co-engineered with Dongfeng Nissan in China. The Frontier Pro is the second of nine NEVs Nissan plans to launch in China by summer 2027, highlighting the brand’s aggressive strategy to revitalize its lineup with technology-forward products that enhance its competitive position in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Designed for Versatility: Urban Comfort Meets Weekend Adventure
The all-new Frontier Pro has been specifically engineered as a dual-purpose vehicle, catering to families who need a comfortable daily driver for urban commuting while still craving weekend adventures beyond city limits. The five-seat pickup seamlessly blends Nissan’s decades-long truck expertise with cutting-edge electrified powertrain technology developed in China, widely recognized as the world’s leading NEV market.
“Rugged Tech” Design Language Blends Heritage with Innovation
The Frontier Pro’s exterior styling centers around a “Rugged Tech” concept, featuring a modern design aesthetic that complements its spacious and refined interior. A standout feature is the illuminated Nissan logo on the front mask, glowing in vibrant white to signify the truck’s new era of electrified capability.
Design enthusiasts will appreciate the five LED light elements that run parallel to the hood line, emphasizing the width of the truck. The three central lights pay homage to one of Nissan’s most iconic pickup trucks – the 1980s Nissan D21 “hardbody” pickup, which featured a distinctive three-slot opening in the hood. Nissan’s Shanghai studio designers have cleverly reimagined this heritage element using modern LED technology.
All variants of the Frontier Pro come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/65R18 tires, striking an ideal balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Advanced Drivetrain Technology for All Terrains
The Frontier Pro doesn’t just look capable – it delivers performance to match its rugged appearance. All models feature a sophisticated 5-link rear suspension system and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, which automatically adjusts torque distribution between front and rear wheels based on driving conditions.
For more challenging terrain, drivers can engage the available electromechanical rear differential lock. The Frontier Pro also offers four selectable drive modes – Hybrid, Pure Electric, Performance, and Snow – allowing drivers to optimize vehicle performance for specific conditions and preferences.
Premium Interior with Advanced Technology Features
Inside, the Frontier Pro offers a surprisingly premium experience with features typically found in luxury SUVs. The spacious cabin comes standard with:
- Panoramic sunroof for an airy feel
- 10-inch LCD instrument panel
- Impressive 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Available front seat heating, ventilation, and seat-back massage functions
For active lifestyle enthusiasts, the Frontier Pro includes practical features like roof rails and an electronic retractable cover for the cargo area. Perhaps most impressively, owners can utilize the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) port to power household devices directly from the truck’s plug-in hybrid battery, delivering up to 6kW of power – a feature that could prove invaluable during camping trips or power outages.
Production and Global Market Potential
Co-developed with Zhengzhou Nissan (ZNA), the Frontier Pro PHEV will be produced in China with sales beginning before the end of 2025. While China will be the initial market, Nissan has confirmed plans to export the model to other countries, with specific markets to be announced in the future.
The potential for the Frontier Pro to reach Malaysian shores seems promising, especially given the growing interest in electrified vehicles across Southeast Asia and the pickup truck’s popularity in the region.
