SHANGHAI, CHINA – Nissan has just shown a brand-new, plug-in electric and gas (hybrid) truck, the Frontier Pro, at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2025. This great-looking truck has a style that reminds people of the much-loved Nissan D21 “Hardbody” truck from the 80s and 90s, bringing back good memories in a very modern vehicle.
Nissan has said that the Frontier Pro will be sold to other countries after it first comes out in China later this year. However, the company hasn’t yet said if this exact model, or one with a similar style and features, will come to the United States. Still, this first showing to the world means Nissan is serious about making its brand new and modernizing its vehicles.
The Frontier Pro is a big step for Nissan. It’s not only their first truck that uses electricity, but also their very first vehicle that uses both plug-in electric and gas power. Its engine combines a small, powerful 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a strong electric motor connected to the transmission. This powerful combination is said to produce about 400 horsepower and a strong 590 lb-ft of turning power – good numbers for a medium-sized truck. Nissan also thinks it can travel about 84 miles using only electric power when the battery is full.
Even though it focuses on saving energy with its plug-in hybrid engine, the Frontier Pro still looks like it can handle off-road driving. It has a special rear suspension, smart four-wheel drive, and an available electronic locking system for the rear wheels, suggesting it’s ready for adventures off regular roads.
The design of the Frontier Pro cleverly mixes new looks with old-fashioned touches. The front of the truck has a Nissan logo that lights up and a special light design. The three lights in the middle above the logo are a clear nod to the three-part hood design of the classic D21 Hardbody. Inside, the truck feels modern with big, clear screens that also have regular buttons, which many buyers like. Features like a glass roof, a 10-inch digital screen for the driver, and a large 14.6-inch screen in the middle add to the modern feel. Available seats that can be heated, cooled, and give massages add a touch of luxury. Useful features like roof racks and a cover for the truck bed that can move in and out electronically make it even more practical. Importantly, a power outlet lets users take up to 6kW of power from the plug-in hybrid battery to run things outside the truck.
While people in the U.S. will have to wait to hear if it will be sold there, the Nissan Frontier Pro in Shanghai gives an exciting look at where the brand is going in the future, showing a mix of old-style design with new electric technology.