Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV Pickup May Spawn Rugged SUV Sibling

The Frontier Pro was developed in China and is due to go on sale there later this year, but other markets are a possibility, as are other body styles. The information was revealed by Nissan engineer Ikuo Miyai in an interview with Australia's Drive.

Miyai, who served as the vehicle development engineer for the Frontier Pro, said Nissan could make additional versions and hinted at a model with a different wheelbase as well as one with an SUV body style.     

It All Depends On What Buyers Want
Miyai said factors like market demand and investment costs would determine whether development of additional versions would begin.

Nissan already sells a truck-based SUV in China and a handful of other markets in the form of the Terra, which is based on the automaker's Navara global midsize pickup.

With the Frontier Pro expected to be marketed as an electrified alternative to the Navara (as well as the Dongfeng Z9 in China), it's possible a new SUV version could similarly serve as an alternative to the Terra for buyers looking for a greener option.

Don't look for the Frontier Pro or any additional versions to reach the U.S., though that doesn't mean U.S. buyers will completely miss out on a new rugged SUV from Nissan.

A fully electric Xterra is reportedly in development with the U.S. market primarily in mind, and, like with previous generations, would slot in below the full-size Armada. The modern Xterra is tipped to be one of multiple models being developed on a new dedicated EV platform for both Nissan and Infiniti. A related electric pickup is also likely.

These new EVs would be built in the U.S. to take advantage of tax credits and avoid tariffs, with the first expected to arrive around 2028.

US May Also Receive Plug-In Hybrid Frontier
Nissan execs have also recently hinted that the U.S. Frontier may receive the plug-in hybrid treatment. Ponz Pandikuthira, the chief planning officer for Nissan in the Americas, as recently as last month said a plug-in hybrid powertrain may be needed to keep the truck relevant.

As a guide to what's possible, the Chinese Frontier Pro was revealed with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 and an electric motor integrated with the transmission. Together, they’re claimed by Nissan to deliver 402 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The quoted towing capacity is 7,700 pounds.