Shanghai 2025: Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV wants to fight BYD Shark 6

Nissan made its presence felt at the 2025 Auto Shanghai with one heck of a reveal. Remember when Nissan launched the sleek-looking Z9 pickup earlier this year? Well, the Dongfeng co-developed pickup truck has been followed up with an electrified version.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV, and it’s the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid and Nissan’s first-ever electrified pickup truck. Combining the best features of a utilitarian vehicle and an efficient plug-in hybrid system, the Frontier Pro PHEV is set to attract customers who are looking for such a pickup truck.

At the heart of the Frontier Pro PHEV is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s assisted by a dedicated hybrid transmission with an integrated electric motor. This gives the pickup a total system output of over 408 PS and a staggering 800 Nm of torque. The system also comes with four drive modes - Hybrid, Pure Electric, Performance, and Snow.

Battery specifications have yet to be revealed, although Nissan did say the China-spec Frontier Pro PHEV is capable of traveling up to 135 km on pure electric power based on the CLTC cycle. Those who want to take it off-road will be glad to know it will be available with a mechanical locking rear differential

All models of the Frontier Pro PHEV get a five-link rear suspension, along with Intelligent AWD, which automatically adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles. Last but not least, the pickup truck comes with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system that supports up to 6kW of power, which is more than enough to power up a campsite or several appliances with ease.

Style-wise, the 2025 Frontier Pro PHEV borrowed some inspiration from the Nissan D21 hardbody pickup truck from the 1980s. Nissan’s Shanghai Studio lifted some key styling elements like the distinct three-slot opening in the hood and the retro-boxy profile.

The pickup also gets a visually-striking set of LED daytime running lights that run the entire width of the front fascia, stylish LED headlights, generous black body cladding, blacked-out side mirror caps & roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, distinct LED taillights, and a power tailgate couple with a retractable corner step for easier ingress and egress from the bed.

In terms of size, the Frontier Pro PHEV measures 5520mm long, 1960mm wide, 1950mm tall, and comes with a 3300mm wheelbase. It also has an approach angle of 30 degrees, a departure angle of 25 degrees, and a ground clearance of 231mm (fully loaded). Meanwhile, its bed measures 1520mm long, 1600mm wide, and 490mm tall.

Hop inside, and the pickup welcomes you into a high-tech and comfy cabin. Amenities such as a panoramic roof, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system are all within reach for occupants. Both front seats also benefit from heating & cooling functions, as well as a seat-back massage. It also has what appears to be a wireless charging pad, automatic climate control, and LED ambient lighting.

The Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV will be produced and go on sale in the People’s Republic before the end of the year. What’s better is the fact that Nissan confirmed the electrified pickup truck will be exported outside of the PRC, although the exact markets where the Frontier Pro PHEV will be offered will be subject to a future announcement.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the Philippine market is included in the possible markets that will get the Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV, which could rival the likes of the BYD Shark 6.