Nissan Frontier PHEV Review: 410 horsepower
The Nissan Frontier PHEV goes on sale in China on October 30th, with a view to global exports; it features a 410-horsepower, 800 Nm hybrid engine, 135 km/h CLTC EV range, a 3.5-ton towing capacity, AWD, and Level 2 driver assistance.
Nissan has confirmed that the Frontier PHEV will go on sale in China starting October 30th through its Zhengzhou Nissan joint venture, with plans for global exports. This marks a milestone in Nissan's "In China, for China, globally" strategy, as the Frontier is the first Nissan pickup truck designed, developed, and manufactured in China to serve the global market.
The heart of the PHEV version lies in its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 410 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, combined with all-wheel drive. On paper, the Frontier PHEV boasts a pure electric range of 135 km according to the CLTC cycle, a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tons, and Level 2 driver assistance package.
V-Motion design and the unique characteristics of the PHEV.
The Frontier Pro line includes both gasoline and PHEV versions. Compared to the gasoline version, the Frontier PHEV differs in the front end: a seamless daytime running light strip combined with the characteristic V-Motion design language creates a wider and more modern feel. The vertically arranged headlights, inspired by body-on-frame vehicle architecture, are accompanied by a three-chamber center light cluster and a laser-etched embossed logo.
The vehicle body uses a two-tone color scheme, with the rear end matching the front design. Power-operated tailgate, tonneau cover, and automatic running boards are standard equipment, which Nissan says work in sync to optimize loading and unloading operations.
User-oriented cabin: 14.6-inch screen, Focal sound system.
The Frontier PHEV cockpit combines a 14.6-inch central screen with numerous physical buttons, maintaining an intuitive operation for frequently used functions. A French Focal sound system and a large panoramic sunroof are highlights that enhance the entertainment experience and create a sense of spaciousness.
The passenger doors open up to 90 degrees, making entry and exit easy, especially when carrying bulky items. The rear seats are adjustable to three reclining positions, a notable feature considering many pickup trucks still prioritize cargo space over rear passenger comfort.
PHEV performance: power, range, and towing capacity
In terms of specifications, the Frontier PHEV boasts 410 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, coupled with a full-time four-wheel drive system. Its maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tons indicates a powertrain configuration geared towards both work and off-road towing of heavy-duty trailers.
The all-electric driving range reaches 135 km according to the CLTC standard, a figure suitable for short daily commutes in urban areas. Note that CLTC results are usually optimized under test conditions; actual distances may vary depending on speed, load, and terrain.
Main specifications (as published)
| Category | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Drive system | Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) |
| Maximum power | 410 horsepower |
| Maximum torque | 800 Nm |
| Drive | four-wheel drive |
| Pure electric range | 135 km (CLTC) |
| Maximum towing capacity | 3.5 tons |
| Central screen | 14.6 inches |
| Sound system | Focal |
| Exterior features | Electric tailgate; tailgate; automatic steps (synchronous operation) |
| Door opening angle | 90 degrees |
| Rear seat | Three-way intersection |
| Discharging electricity outside the vehicle. | 6 kW power; 3 modes; 6 application scenarios |
Safety and supporting technology
The Frontier PHEV is equipped with Level 2 driver assistance package. Its high-power 6 kW intelligent discharge feature supports three discharge modes and six extended application scenarios, useful for camping or as a temporary power source for tools.
Details regarding active safety features and the number of airbags have not yet been released. Safety ratings from independent testing organizations (NCAP) are also unavailable at this time.
Pricing and market positioning
The Nissan Frontier PHEV will officially go on sale in China starting October 30th. This model represents a strategic move, as it is designed, developed, and manufactured in China to support global export plans. Pricing and detailed specifications for each market will be announced later.
At its current stage, the Frontier PHEV targets customers who need flexibility: purely electric travel for short distances, while retaining the powerful towing capacity of a traditional pickup truck.
Conclude
The Frontier PHEV demonstrates a clear direction: combining the efficiency of electrification with the practicality of a pickup truck. Its powerful 410 hp, 800 Nm powertrain; four-wheel drive; 135 km CLTC electric range; and 3.5-ton towing capacity are key highlights. The interior focuses on the driving experience with a 14.6-inch screen, Focal sound system, 90-degree opening doors, and three-position reclining rear seats.
Conversely, crucial information such as battery specifications, fuel/power consumption, and safety details have yet to be released; the scope of the CLTC may differ in real-world use. Pricing and specific equipment for each export market are also factors to monitor.
Overall, the Frontier PHEV is a fresh, well-equipped, and potentially competitive new PHEV pickup truck when it enters the global market, especially if Nissan optimizes the configuration and pricing for each region.
