The departure of the Navara from Europe left a gap in Nissan's lineup, and now there is a potential candidate to fill it. The Chinese-built Frontier Pro could be sold in Europe with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering an 84-mile electric range and 402 horsepower. Despite lacking the prestige of its North American counterpart, the larger Frontier, this rebadged Dongfeng Z9 has enough to warrant closer inspection.
The development of the Frontier Pro is a joint venture between Nissan and Dongfeng, with the latter partnering on the project. The truck made its debut in China last year, alongside confirmation that it would serve as a global model. However, it has yet to appear in other markets, leaving speculation about its potential European launch.
Nissan divisional vice president Jordi Vila hinted at the possibility of selling the Frontier Pro in Europe, stating that the truck is 'under study' and has 'potential for Europe'. This suggests that Nissan is seriously considering the vehicle as a replacement for the Navara in the region.
The actual sale of the Frontier Pro in Europe will require more than just Nissan's approval. It needs to be developed to meet European standards at the automaker's engineering center in the UK, which includes local crash requirements and regulatory hurdle clearance.
The plug-in hybrid truck is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the transmission, delivering combined 402 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This figure rivals that of the popular BYD Shark 6, making it a formidable competitor in the market.
The Frontier Pro also features an intelligent all-wheel drive system and an electromechanical rear differential lock, ensuring improved traction and stability. Its quoted all-electric driving range is 84 miles (135 km), which may appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
Interestingly, the Frontier Pro is not a bespoke model built from scratch by the Nissan-Dongfeng partnership but rather a rebadged version of the Dongfeng Z9 that premiered in 2025. If it launches in Europe, other Dongfeng Nissan models could follow suit, including the NX8 sold in China.
The introduction of the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid powertrain may mark a significant shift in Nissan's European lineup. With its impressive performance and environmentally friendly features, this truck has the potential to attract buyers looking for an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered pickups.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Frontier Pro performs in Europe. Will it fill the gap left by the Navara, or will other factors influence its success?
The introduction of the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid powertrain may mark a significant shift in Nissan's European lineup.
