This wouldn’t be the same as the Xterra’s return; instead, it would be a body-on-frame SUV
Nissan’s unveiling of the Frontier Pro at the Auto Shanghai 2025 show came as a surprise. Despite sharing a name with a US model, this truck is actually closely related to the Nissan Dongfeng Z9, a vehicle developed for the Chinese market. The Frontier Pro marks Nissan’s first electrified pickup and its first conventional plug-in hybrid (differing from their e-Power models, which are technically EVs with gas range extenders).
While Nissan has discussed reviving the Xterra with various powertrains, a different body-on-frame SUV might also be in development. The Frontier Pro’s development engineer hinted at the possibility of transforming the pickup into an SUV.
Speaking to Australian media, Ikuo Miyai suggested that beyond the pickup, other variations like a normal wheelbase model or an SUV could be feasible. He stated that market requirements and investment would need consideration, but development would commence if an opportunity arises. Everything is currently under evaluation.
Such an off-road-oriented SUV would compete with vehicles like the Ford Everest (a Ranger-based SUV not sold in the US), the upcoming Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (another ladder-frame SUV not destined for the US), the Toyota Fortuner, and the Isuzu MU-X.
Given that the Frontier Pro pickup is slated for export markets, a potential SUV version could also be sold outside of China. However, Nissan has already indicated that the pickup will not be brought to the US, making the arrival of a related SUV in America seem unlikely as well.
The Frontier Pro pickup will launch in China this year, featuring a small 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the automatic transmission, producing a combined output of 402 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.
Nissan claims an electric-only range of 84 miles (135 kilometers) based on the Chinese CLTC cycle, and a total driving range of 650 miles (1,046 km). These figures would likely be lower under WLTP or EPA testing. Following its Chinese debut, the Frontier Pro will be exported to select regions.
