THE NISSAN FRONTIER PRO: NISSAN'S ELECTRIFIED BAKKIE REVOLUTION BEGINS AT AUTO SHANGHAI 2025
Nissan is charging into the future with the debut of the Frontier Pro, its first-ever plug-in hybrid pickup truck. Set to launch in China later this year, this electrified bakkie - known as the Navara in South Africa - blends Nissan's storied pickup heritage with cutting-edge hybrid technology, aiming to redefine versatility for both urban commutes and off-road adventures. Under the hood, the Frontier Pro boasts a potent plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a high-output electric motor. This duo delivers over 300 kW of power and a hefty 800 Nm of torque. For city dwellers, the truck offers up to 135 km of pure electric range, making daily drives both efficient and eco-friendly. The vehicle's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system ensures optimal traction, while the electromechanical rear differential lock and selectable drive modes - Hybrid, Pure Electric, Performance, and Snow - provide adaptability across various terrains. Embracing the "Rugged Tech" design philosophy, the Frontier Pro features a bold exterior with an illuminated Nissan logo and distinctive LED lighting that pays homage to the iconic 1980s D21 Hardbody. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels and a spacious, refined interior equipped with a panoramic roof, 10-inch LCD instrument panel, and 14.6-inch infotainment screen elevate the driving experience. Comfort is paramount, with available heated, ventilated, and massage front seats. Practicality isn't overlooked either - the truck includes roof rails, an electronic retractable cargo cover, and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) port capable of supplying up to 6 kW of power to external devices.
The Frontier Pro's naming varies by market. While it's branded as the Frontier in regions like the U.S., Canada, and parts of Latin America, it's known as the Navara in South Africa, Europe, Australia, and other markets. This dual identity reflects Nissan's strategy to cater to regional preferences and market dynamics. In 2024, Nissan's global vehicle sales slightly declined to 3,348,687 units, down from 3,374,374 in 2023. Despite this, North America saw a 4.2% increase in sales, totalling 1,284,404 units, with the U.S. market contributing 924,008 units. These figures underscore the enduring popularity of models like the Frontier in key markets. The Frontier Pro is set to hit the Chinese market by the end of this year, with plans for international exports to be announced subsequently. Given the Navara's strong presence in South Africa, there's anticipation that this electrified variant could soon make its way to local shores, offering a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and versatility. Of course, there are the typical South African issues here, like stable electricity and trying to convince the legions of bakkie fans that a hybrid or a full electric bakkie is a good idea. Here many bakkies are actually used as intended and that means owners will wann get out into the bush for some braaivleis and campig while taking in 4x4 trails - but there’s a rather noticeable lack of charging stations, well, everywhere.
Take a look at the YouTube video that details the all-new Nissan Frontier that sports a hybrid powerplant. In this recorded live presentation, Nissan also outlines a few other special details and upcoming cars, mainly for the Chinese market: Live: Auto Shanghai 2025 - Nissan press conference | Nissan
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