by Possibility of a new pickup appearing in Europe
After the Navara model was discontinued, a gap formed in Nissan’s European model lineup. Now, a candidate has emerged that could fill it. This is the Chinese Frontier Pro pickup with a hybrid powertrain. Although it may not have the same status as the larger Frontier for North America, the car looks convincing enough to attract attention.
Joint development and global plans
The Frontier Pro model was developed jointly with partner Dongfeng and was first introduced in China a year ago. It was confirmed at that time that it would become a global model. The car went on sale in China at the end of 2025 but has not yet appeared in other markets. The situation may change. Speaking about this pickup, Nissan division Vice President Jordi Vila hinted that Europe remains among the possible destinations.
“The Frontier Pro PHEV is a pickup that is under study. We believe this vehicle has potential for Europe”
Testing and adaptation for the European market
Of course, for actual sales of the Frontier Pro in Europe, not only approval from Nissan’s management will be needed. The vehicle will need to be adapted to European standards at the manufacturer’s engineering center in the UK. This means compliance with local crash safety requirements and obtaining all necessary certifications for the hybrid system.
Powertrain technical specifications
The hybrid pickup is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The total system power is 402 hp, and torque reaches 590 lb-ft (800 Nm). These figures allow it to compete with the popular BYD Shark model. The equipment also includes an intelligent all-wheel-drive system and an electromechanical locking rear differential. The claimed electric-only range is 84 miles (135 km).
Model origin and prospects
It is important to note that the Frontier Pro is not an entirely new model developed from scratch jointly by Nissan and Dongfeng. In fact, it is a rebranded version of the Dongfeng Z9 pickup, which debuted in early 2025. If a launch in Europe takes place, it could be followed by other models from the Dongfeng Nissan joint venture, for example, the NX8 SUV sold in China.
The decision to enter the European market will depend on many factors, including the final cost of adaptation, the potential selling price, and competition from already established models. However, the presence of a powerful hybrid powertrain and modern equipment could be a significant argument for buyers looking for an economical yet powerful pickup. The success of similar Chinese models in Europe in recent years shows that the market is ready for new players, especially with attractive technologies.
