Nissan's Chinese Truck Goes On Sale In Mexico And Other Markets

Nissan is sending a new pickup from China to buyers in other countries, including Mexico and Australia. At home it is called the Frontier Pro. Depending on the market, it will carry the Frontier, Navara or Navara Pro name. CarBuzz reports that Nissan developed the truck with Dongfeng through the two companies' joint venture, and Dongfeng sells its own version as the Z9. CarBuzz says this is the first time Nissan has exported a product from China under its own name to markets such as Australia and North America. [1]

The truck shares its basic layout with Nissan's other small pickups: body-on-frame construction, four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case and a solid rear axle. It looks boxier, with a mostly closed-off grille and a light bar. Every version is a plug-in hybrid. Mexico gets a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 350 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. Its 20-kWh battery gives an estimated 47 miles of range on the NEDC test, which CarBuzz calls generous. Australia gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter making 402 hp and 590 lb-ft. Both can tow 7,700 pounds. [1]

Shoppers in America should not expect this truck. CarBuzz says US tariffs on Chinese electrified vehicles, the 25% Chicken Tax on trucks not built in North America, and the cost of meeting US safety and emissions rules leave no real path for it here. The outlet expects a hybrid American Frontier later, built on a new platform shared with the next Xterra. The Xterra is targeted for a late 2028 reveal. CarBuzz frames the export push as part of Nissan's effort to improve sales and keep costs down. [1]