Nissan is turning up the heat with a new electrified Navara that could shake up Australia’s ute market.
The Navara Pro PHEV is the result of a collaboration between Nissan and Zhengzhou and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a transmission-mounted electric motor and eight-speed automatic transmission. Preliminary stated outputs are 300kW and 800Nm, with a targeted 3500kg braked towing capacity and payload of up to 1000kg.
The Chinese-manufactured ute was first shown at last year's Shanghai Motor Show as the Frontier Pro, a badge it shares with its US mid-size pick-up.
Like the current Navara and the Mitsubishi Triton on which the Navara is based, the hybrid will also feature mechanical four-wheel drive and differential-lock capability. Final Australasian specifications and pricing are yet to be confirmed.
Nissan has had pre-production prototypes of the Navara Pro testing in Australia for more than 12 months, racking up thousands of kilometres over varied terrain. That testing showed that the 1.5-litre ICE power plant in the Chinese-specification Frontier Pro show car was not suitable for Aaustralasian conditions, so locel versions will have the 2.0-litre.
Similarly, the 2025 Frontier shown at Shanghai rode on a 5-link, coil-sprung rear suspension, but local testing has featured prototypes using both this set-up and a more conventional leaf-spring live-axle configuration. Nissan isn’t yet saying what it has settled on, but will reveal full details closer to the launch.
The PHEV will be a proper 4WD with mechanical drive through the transmission to the axles, where driver-selectable diff locks will be offered. It will use Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive to control torque distribution with selectable drive modes (ECO, Standard, Sport and Slippery) and seven terrain modes (Standard, Deep Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, Wading and Expert). Each mode adjusts the vehicle’s powertrain, steering and traction-control mapping to optimise performance across a broad range of driving conditions and requirements.
Prioritising the Pro PHEV, the company has shelved plans to produce a current-model off-road oriented Warrior. The cancellation leaves Nissan without a new-generation diesel; whether Premcar will develop a tougher version of the Navara Pro PHEV remains unconfirmed.
