The Nissan Frontier PHEV You Actually Want Is Here

Debuting for China, it has 402 combined horsepower and distinctive styling versus the gas model.

Photo by: Nissan

By: Christopher Smith

Apr 23, at 10:12am ET

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Nissan's first plug-in hybrid pickup is alive. The Frontier Pro just debuted at Auto Shanghai, packing a four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor into a body that looks notably different from the pure combustion version we have today.

First things first. Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's paired with a single electric motor mounted in the transmission. Nissan claims "over" 402 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, driving all four wheels through the automaker's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system that automatically shuffles power between the front and rear wheels. A locking rear differential is available for more aggressive off-roading. It rides on a 5-link independent rear suspension.

Photo by: Nissan

Nissan doesn't mention details on the electric motor or the hybrid battery. We're simply told the truck has an electric-only range of 84 miles (135 kilometers). It should be noted that the range estimate is based on China's CLTC cycle, which is notoriously optimistic. Still, even half that range isn't bad, considering this new Frontier is a bit larger than the current gas model.

The truck is slightly longer, at just over 18 feet, and rides on a 130-inch wheelbase. It's a heavy sucker too, checking in at approximately 5,600 pounds. By comparison, a U.S.-spec Pro4 X is around 4,850 lbs.

Styling-wise, the Frontier Pro PHEV bears a striking resemblance to the new Kicks, at least in front. Nissan says the LED light bar spanning the width of the truck pays homage to the old Nissan Hardbody, specifically with the three "slots" in the middle. The interior is decked out with a 10.0-inch driver display and a 14.6-inch center infotainment screen. It bears no similarity to the current Frontier on sale.

For now, the truck is available in China. Nissan's official press release says it's "confirmed for future export," but there's no timeline for when it could happen, nor markets where it will be sold. That said, a Nissan spokesperson confirmed with IEV that there's no plan to bring this truck to the States:

'While we have no plans to introduce this model in North America, we are continuously evaluating the needs of U.S. customers and are focused on expanding electrification offerings in this region.'

The Nissan Frontier Pro was co-developed with Zhengzhou Nissan in China, and goes on sale there later this year.