Nissan reinvents a pickup star
The Nissan Navara has long established itself as one of the leading pick-up trucks in the Philippines.
Its sturdy build and punchy turbodiesel engines have made it the perfect car for Filipinos who work and play. But with diesel still at eye-watering levels as of press time, could the much-beloved Navara still hang on as electrified vehicles steadily become popular in the country?
Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) thinks so – the Japanese automaker previewed the all-new Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid on Tuesday at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City. Developed in conjunction with its Chinese joint-venture partner Dongfeng, the new model is slated to be available in local dealers by Nov. 6, 2026.
Tough exterior
Although NPI has not yet officially released the specifications of the upcoming local unit, the Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid has been produced in other markets as the Dongfeng Z9 since January 2025 and the Nissan Frontier Pro since November 2025.
Both models share the same body, ladder-frame chassis and powertrain, with the Nissan getting a full-width LED lightbar (reminiscent of the hood vents of the old Nissan Hardbody pick-up). The Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid also differs from the D27 Navara that was unveiled in November last year, which is based on the latest-generation Mitsubishi Triton.
The unit on display at the preview featured a bright-yellow paint job, although more subdued hues will be available. Large LED daytime-running lights accentuate the aforementioned lightbar (almost imitating the likes of the Mitsubishi Destinator), while matte-black cladding lines the lower bumper and fenders.
Down the side, the Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid gets blacked-out side mirrors and pillars for a floating-roof appearance. Silver trim on the doors, along with LED fender lights, add sparkle to this electrified pick-up, while the black 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 265/55-series tires.
Out back, the LED taillights are connected by a full-width lightbar that mirrors the front-end treatment. In other markets, the Frontier Pro also gets roof rails and an electronically retractable cargo cover.
135-km EV range
The Frontier Pro sold outside the Philippines is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine mated to dual electric motors and a 32.85-kWh battery pack for a combined output of over 400 horsepower and 800 Newton-meters of torque through all four wheels.
It promises a maximum battery range of 135 kilometers on one full charge and incorporates vehicle-to-load function for up to 6 kW of electrical power. Other drivetrain features include 5-link independent rear suspension, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and an electromechanical rear differential lock.
The Frontier Pro also gets premium equipment like a panoramic moonroof, 10-inch digital gauge cluster, 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage functions.
When it is officially launched, the Nissan Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid is expected to take on rivals like the BYD Shark DMO and the Changan Nevo Hunter K50 REEV.
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