Nissan’s New Plug-In Truck Makes American Pickup Prices Look Like A Joke

If you thought the bare-bones Slate was cheap at $20,500 after tax credits, wait until you hear what Nissan’s Chinese Frontier costs

For anyone eyeing a budget-friendly midsize pickup, China is quietly becoming a treasure trove of surprisingly capable options. With the right currency conversion and a bit of context, the prices seem almost too good to be true, especially when it comes to Zhengzhou Nissan’s Z9 lineup.

Zhengzhou Nissan, the truck-centric branch of the Dongfeng-Nissan joint venture, has just expanded the local Z9 lineup with the GE PHEV, a plug-in hybrid that serves as the electrified sibling to the locally-built Nissan Frontier Pro. The company had previously launched gas and diesel-powered versions of the Z9.

Wallet-Friendly Workhorses

The Zhengzhou Nissan Z9 starts at just ¥119,900 (equal to around $16,600 at current exchange rates) for the internal combustion version. If you’re looking for a greener option, the new Z9 GE PHEV kicks off at ¥156,900 ($21,800), still far below what most midsize pickups command elsewhere.

More: Nissan’s New Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid Wants To Take On The World

While the Z9 and Frontier Pro may be siblings under the surface, you can tell them apart by their grille and bumper designs. They also sport unique LED lighting signatures at both ends. Beyond that, the bodywork is identical, including the five-seat cabin.

Low Price, High Tech

Inside, the Z9 punches well above its weight for the price. A 12.8-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster come standard. Higher trims step it up with a 14.6-inch touchscreen, Nappa leather seats, and all the modern comforts, including heating, ventilation, massage functions, and a 12-speaker stereo. Tech features extend to four ultrasonic radars, a transparent engine hood camera mode, and four high-def cameras enabling Level 2 driver assistance.

Zhengzhou Nissan Z9 GE PHEV

Nissan Frontier Pro

Size and Powertrain Specs

Measuring 5,494 mm long (216.3 inches) with a 3,300 mm (129.9 inches) wheelbase, the Z9 GE PHEV fits squarely into the midsize pickup truck category. It comes exclusively in a dual-cab layout, with seating for five and a 1,520 mm (59.8 inches) long rear bed.

The plug-in hybrid system pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter gas engine with a single electric motor. Depending on the trim, total output comes to either 322 hp (240 kW) or 429 hp (320 kW), with both versions delivering an impressive 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of peak torque. Power goes to the rear or all four wheels via an automatic transmission designed specifically for hybrid use.

More: Nissan’s Plan To Save Its Factories? Make Chinese Cars

The PHEV offers two battery options. The least powerful version gets a 17 kWh battery pack, allowing an EV-only range of 60 km (37 miles). For those who want more, the larger 32.85 kWh battery extends the zero-emission range to 135 km (84 miles). As always, keep in mind these numbers are based on the more optimistic NEDC test cycle.

A Serious Bargain Compared to US Offerings

Which brings us to the surprisingly low sticker prices. The base Z9 GE PHEV starts at ¥156,900 ($21,800), while the more powerful variant with the extended EV range is priced at ¥168,900 ($23,400). Even the fully loaded flagship version, complete with all the premium features, tops out at just ¥219,900 ($30,500). For those prioritizing value above all, the entry-level diesel model with a six-speed manual can be had for only ¥119,900 ($16,600).

More: Nissan Confirms Plug-in Hybrid Frontier For America

To put things in perspective, the similarly sized US-market Nissan Frontier starts at $32,050 for the most basic 4×2 King Cab with a non-electrified 3.8-liter V6. That’s nearly double the price of the Z9, without any hint of electrification or standout tech features.

As for EV alternatives, the upcoming Slate is projected to start around $28,000. But the base model skips over even the most basic comforts, like power windows – and paint. It’ll be sold in a single molded-in-color gray, with buyers offered a $500 do-it-yourself wrap kit as the only customization option. Federal incentives could bring the price down to about $20,500, but don’t bank on it. With Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” picking up steam, those generous tax credits may not be around much longer.

Zhengzhou Nissan hasn’t revealed pricing for the Nissan-branded Frontier Pro just yet, but it’s likely to sit slightly above the Z9 GE PHEV. What’s more interesting is that the Nissan-branded truck is also expected to become available in markets outside China, though obviously, not in America. If they manage to keep the pricing in check, it could be a compelling option.

Zhengzhou Nissan / Weibo