A new wave of plug-in hybrid utes from China is set to be challenged by a Japanese brand, with help from Nissan's Chinese division.
Nissan has revealed its 300kW rival to plug-in hybrid utes from BYD and GWM, the Frontier Pro, at the Shanghai motor show.
And the new ute has been confirmed for sale in “selected global markets within a year”, opening the possibility of an Australian launch.
The Frontier Pro is a rebranded version of the Z9, a new Ford Ranger-sized petrol and diesel dual-cab ute offered by a different division of Nissan in China, a joint-venture it holds with local car maker Dongfeng.
It is one of a number of ‘mid-size’ utes offered by Nissan around the world, including Australia’s Navara – which is set to become a Mitsubishi Triton twin for its new generation due in the next 12 months – and the Frontier sold in the US.
“We’re excited to see the all-new Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid unveiled at Auto Shanghai. This model is planned for export to select global markets which will be announced in the future,” a Nissan Australia spokesperson told Drive.
Nissan – which recently trademarked the 'ZNAZ9' badge in Australia – proudly says the car was designed "in China, for China, to global", and the ute will be manufactured in the nation for export.
The Chinese-market Frontier Pro is offered as a plug-in hybrid, expected to combine a turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor.
Nissan has confirmed the vehicle produces “over” 302kW (410 horsepower) and 800Nm, and is four-wheel-drive with a ‘DHT’ hybrid automatic transmission.
It is capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and claims 135km of electric driving range.
Vehicle-to-load technology is available, allowing owners to power external electrical devices with the car’s battery pack, the capacity of which is yet to be disclosed.
Styling differences compared to the Z9 include a revised front end with a segmented LED light bar and illuminated Nissan badging, though the bodywork and boxy profile – including a distinctive window pillar – are shared with its sibling.
More details of the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro are due closer to its Chinese launch.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
