Rahul Somvanshi
Nissan’s latest truck shows how pickup traditions are changing. The new Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid, revealed at Auto Shanghai 2025, mixes old-school truck capability with new electric technology. It’s a pickup that can run on both gas and electricity, aiming to cut fuel costs while keeping the muscle truck buyers need.
Let’s talk power first. The truck pairs a small 1.5-liter gas engine with an electric motor. Together, they pump out 402 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of pulling force. That’s enough muscle to tow up to 7,716 pounds – think a large boat or camper trailer.
The big news is how far you can drive without using any gas. This Frontier Pro can travel up to 135 kilometers (84 miles) on pure electricity. That’s enough for most daily school runs, grocery trips, or commutes without burning a drop of fuel. At night, just plug it in like your phone to recharge. When the battery runs low on longer trips, the gas engine kicks in automatically, so there’s no worry about getting stranded.
For families who camp or tackle home projects, there’s a built-in power station. The truck’s battery can supply 6 kilowatts of electricity through a special outlet – enough to run power tools, keep a small fridge cold at your campsite, or power essential appliances during a blackout. An electronic bed cover protects your gear from weather and prying eyes.
Inside, it’s more comfortable than you might expect from a work truck. Five people fit easily, with plenty of modern touches. The dashboard sports a 14.6-inch touchscreen that’s larger than most laptops, plus a 10-inch screen for the driver. A glass roof brightens the cabin, and the front seats offer heating, cooling, and massage features – nice extras for long drives or tough workdays.
The truck handles rough roads with all-wheel drive and special traction features for slippery conditions. Drivers can pick from four different modes: Hybrid for everyday driving, Pure Electric for zero-emission trips, Performance when you need extra power, and Snow for winter weather.
Looking at the front, five LED lights span above the grille, with the three central ones paying tribute to Nissan’s tough 1980s “Hardbody” pickup design. It’s a nice nod to Nissan’s truck heritage while moving toward future technology.
But this truck isn’t perfect. While 135 kilometers of electric range works for daily drives, it might not satisfy everyone. The complex hybrid system means more parts that could need maintenance down the road. Also, we don’t know yet how much this technology will add to the price tag.
Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan’s North American planning chief, explains why they’re adding electric power to trucks: “For its life cycle to make sense and be compliant, it will have to be electrified.” He believes plug-in hybrids offer the best mix of traditional truck capability and modern efficiency.
The Frontier Pro hits Chinese dealerships later this year, with other countries to follow. However, this exact model won’t make it to U.S. shores due to trade rules. Instead, Nissan plans a different plug-in hybrid Frontier for North America around 2028.
This truck is part of Nissan’s bigger push toward electric vehicles, with nine new hybrid or electric models planned for China by summer 2027. The Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid shows how pickup trucks are evolving – keeping their practicality while adapting to a world that increasingly demands cleaner vehicles. For families who need a truck’s capability but want to spend less on fuel, this mix of gas and electric power could be the sweet spot.
