Nissan has revealed a new PHEV bakkie that boasts over 300 kW. Revealed in China but confirmed for export, is this the Japanese automaker’s answer to the BYD Shark 6?
Meet the new Nissan Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Revealed at Auto Shanghai 2025 in China, the Japanese brand’s very first PHEV bakkie has a power output in excess of 300 kW, which sees it square up to the BYD Shark 6.
Seemingly based on the Nissan Yuanye Z9 already offered in China (and produced by Zhengzhou Nissan, the brand’s joint venture with Dongfeng), the Frontier Pro PHEV double cab will likewise be built in the world’s 2nd most populous nation. However, Nissan has confirmed it “will also be exported outside of China, with the recipient markets to be the subject of a future announcement”.
In addition, a Nissan executive told Australian publication carsales.com.au that though select Latin American countries are most likely to be the first export markets for the newcomer, right-hand-drive production is also under consideration. What that means for South Africa, of course, remains to be seen.
According to Nissan’s preliminary specification sheet, the new PHEV bakkie measures 5 520 mm from nose to tail, with a wheelbase of 3 300 mm. That makes it a consideration 260 mm longer than the current Navara double cab (and 63 mm longer than the Shark), with an 150 mm extra between its axles, too.
The ladder-frame PHEV bakkie’s ground clearance comes in at 231 mm, while the approach- and departure angles are 30- and 25 degrees, respectively. The Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid’s weight is listed as 2 540 kg, while the load bed measures 1 520 mm long, 1 600 mm wide and 490 mm deep. During the press conference in China, Nissan also mentioned a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg.
Nissan says its Shanghai design studio was “inspired by the distinctive 3-slot opening in the hood of the 1980s Nissan D21 Hardbody”. So, when putting together the PHEV bakkie’s lighting signature, the designers “leveraged LEDs to reimagine this design element for a new era”.
What about the powertrain? Well, the plug-in hybrid arrangement is built around a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, with a “high output” electric motor mounted to the transmission. Total system outputs stand at “over 300 kW” and “up to 800 Nm”. For the Chinese market, Nissan says the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid is “targeted to deliver up to 135 km of EV-only [NEDC] range”. Details of the battery pack have yet to be released.
The PHEV bakkie features a 5-link rear suspension system and all-wheel drive, while all derivatives for China ride on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/65 R18 tyres. Nissan says it has also included an “electromechanical” rear differential lock, along with a quartet of drive modes.
Inside, Chinese-spec models feature a panoramic roof as standard, along with a 10-inch LCD instrument panel and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen. Items like front-seat heating and a massaging are also available in that market.
As a reminder, the D23-series Navara we know in Mzansi is badged as the Frontier in Latin America. While countries like Australia are due to receive a next-generation Navara based on the new Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan will seemingly instead offer a heavily facelifted version of the current model in Latin America.
Though Nissan SA has not yet officially confirmed its plans, the Japanese brand’s bakkie strategy in Africa may well mirror its approach in Latin America. If that indeed ends up being the case, South Africa would stick with a heavily facelifted version of the long-in-the-tooth D23-series model, a bakkie that would likely continue being built in Rosslyn for export to the rest of Africa. But only time will tell…
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