Nissan Validates Plug-in Hybrid Frontier | Carscoops

      Nissan is in the process of developing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Rogue but has not shared any specific details regarding the anticipated plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Frontier.

      The company is advancing its hybrid strategy for the Frontier in order to remain competitive in the market. Although the Rogue is set to include a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it is uncertain if this will be applicable to pickup trucks. Nissan also plans to combine the Frontier with the Navara to create a global hybrid model.

      Nissan is working to electrify its mid-size Frontier pickup amid an increasing trend within the truck segment. Simultaneously, the company is considering merging the Frontier with the Navara, a similar-sized model available in various markets outside North America, including Australia, Asia, and parts of South and Central America.

      It's no surprise that Nissan is embracing electrification. While fully electric trucks such as the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, and Chevrolet Silverado EV have been making headlines, they may not be practical for all users, particularly those who require long-distance travel. This is where hybrid vehicles come into play. With competitors like Ram, Toyota, and Ford already offering hybrid pickups, Nissan aims to stay competitive.

      Regarding Nissan’s plans for the Frontier hybrid, in a recent discussion with Motor Trend, Nissan’s Chief Planning Officer for the Americas, Ponz Pandikuthira, noted that electrifying the Frontier is essential for its future. He stated that for the Frontier to remain relevant and comply with emissions regulations, a hybrid powertrain will be needed.

      Pandikuthira mentioned that a plug-in hybrid would be the most sensible option “to maintain a complete spectrum of use,” which would ensure that the vehicle can be maneuvered in urban areas while still providing good towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and the durability typical of traditional body-on-frame combustion pickups.

      Pandikuthira did not disclose specific details about the plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Frontier. While Nissan has several models featuring its E-Power hybrid technology, it currently lacks a plug-in hybrid option. The company is preparing a PHEV version of the Rogue, likely utilizing its 2.4-liter powertrain and twin electric motors from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. However, this setup, generating 248 hp, may not be sufficiently powerful for the Frontier.

      Ford has recently launched a plug-in hybrid variant of the Ranger that delivers 278 horsepower, but regrettably, it will not be available in the U.S. in the near future. This raises questions about the Frontier's future performance, as Nissan is clearly moving toward hybridization but still has a performance gap to address.

      As for the timeline, do not expect the new hybrid Frontier to debut before 2028. According to Pandikuthira, that is the target timeframe: “We need to have a solution by then. Three years from now."

      Looking ahead, beyond preparing a PHEV powertrain for the Frontier, Pandikuthira indicated Nissan’s desire to unite the Frontier and the Navara into a single model. He expressed, “Ideally we’d like to have a global convergence solution.” This new model would be based on an entirely new platform capable of accommodating various powertrains, including traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) and PHEVs.