Shark hunter: Plug-in Nissan Frontier Pro unwrapped in Shanghai to rival BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
The 2026 Nissan Frontier Pro has been launched at the Shanghai motor show and been pitched as the ultimate no-compromise electrified plug-in hybrid ute that blends 302kW of power with the full 3500kg towing.
Combining a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a single e-motor packaged within its transmission, the new Nissan Frontier Pro features a proper mechanical all-wheel drive, ladder-frame chassis and locking rear differential.
Nissan also promises it will be as rugged and capable off-road as a standard turbo-diesel mid-size ute.
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Confirming it will be in global markets “within a year”, Nissan Australia has yet to lock the new electrified ute in for our market.
However, an official statement read: “We’re excited to see the all-new Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid unveiled at Auto Shanghai.
“This model is planned for export to select global markets which will be announced in the future.”
It’s thought if it’s confirmed for Australia the new Frontier Pro will be offered alongside the next-generation Navara – due on-sale in 2026 – as a cost-efficient way to have a plug-in ute among its lineup.
It will be an immediate and formidable rival for the new generation of plug-in utes including the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and JAC T9 Hunter.
It could also expand Nissan’s highly successful local Warrior off-road performance brand, developed in conjunction with Melbourne engineering and design firm Premcar, that currently covers Navara and the Patrol SUV.
Instead of being all-new, the Frontier Pro is the rebranded version of the Nissan Z9 already on sale in China that was co-developed as part of the Nissan-Dongfeng joint venture.
Differing from the Z9, the export hybrid ute gets a new front end, LED light bar and illuminated Nissan badging.
The new Frontier Pro is just one of a number of mid-size utes that will be introduced by Nissan globally, including the next-gen Navara that’s set to become a reclothed Mitsubishi Triton twin next year.
Early details suggest the global Frontier Pro will produce 302kW and 800Nm of torque and come with all-wheel drive, plus a transmission that will package an e-motor within it.
Capable of towing the headline 3500kg and wading up to 700mm deep, the electrified ute is claimed to have an all-electric range of 135km.
It also claimed to cover 1046km when the petrol engine kicks, while averaging 6.9L/100km.
Handy features include a long bed and outlets for vehicle-to-load power.
It’s thought a decision to import the Nissan Frontier Pro locally will be made shortly with more details coming soon.
