A Chinese-built hybrid pickup is joining Australia’s truck market as Nissan doubles down with two Frontiers to fight BYD and GWM

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For decades, the Navara has been the lone pickup carrying Nissan’s banner in Australia. That long-standing arrangement is finally changing. Last week saw the reveal of the latest-generation Navara, and before the dust settles, Nissan has confirmed another utility will soon join its lineup.

Seemingly aware that the new Navara alone won’t be enough to hold its ground against a slew of new plug-in hybrid contenders, including the BYD Shark 6, Nissan plans to introduce the Chinese-built Frontier Pro PHEV to Australia from 2027.

More: New Nissan Navara Bets On Mitsubishi To Fight The Hilux And Ranger

Shortly after presenting the new Navara, Carsales reports that Nissan Australia informed dealers that the Frontier Pro would also be part of its future product mix. The model, which debuted earlier this year and was developed in partnership with Dongfeng, will need re-engineering for right-hand drive before it reaches local showrooms.

When it does launch Down Under, it will join a growing number of plug-in hybrid pickups available.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

Leading the charge is the BYD Shark 6, but GWM also sells the Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford has introduced the new Ranger PHEV. Next year, Chery will launch its own plug-in hybrid truck, as will JAC, signaling a fast-growing segment that no brand can afford to ignore.

In its home market, the new Frontier Pro features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine working alongside an electric motor integrated into the transmission. It delivers a combined 402 hp (300 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque and has an all-electric driving range of 84 miles (135 km), roughly on par with rivals from BYD and GWM.

Read: Nissan’s New Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid Wants To Take On The World

It also supports vehicle-to-load, has a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,176 lbs), and includes an electro-mechanically locking rear differential, aiding in off-road driving.

The Chinese-market Nissan Frontier Pro.

On paper, the Frontier Pro checks many of the right boxes, and its spec sheet suggests real appeal. Its interior mirrors the approach taken by the Shark 6, featuring a 10-inch digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen. There’s also a two-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, and front seats with optional heating, ventilation, and massaging functions..

While speaking with Car Expert earlier this year about the potential to sell the Frontier Pro in Australia alongside the Navara, Nissan Oceania managing director Andrew Humberstone noted it would help offset the emissions of the diesel-powered Navara.

“I see no problem with that running in parallel to new Navara,” he said. “It’s about ‘does the business case work?’ I think it takes about six months to get right-hand drive. I think it could potentially work for the market.”