Nissan Navara Pro plug-in hybrid ute confirmed for NZ in 2027

Nissan's first plug-in hybrid for New Zealand is a Navara Pro ute with a 2.0-litre turbo PHEV drivetrain, 300kW, 800Nm and a 3500kg towing capacity.

Richard Edwards October 8, 2026 · 3 min read

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Camouflaged Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype climbing a dirt track

Nissan has confirmed the all-new Navara Pro plug-in hybrid for New Zealand in 2027. It will be Nissan New Zealand’s first plug-in hybrid and Nissan’s first electrified ute globally, and New Zealand and Australia will be the first right-hand-drive markets to get it.

The Oceania version uses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor built into an eight-speed automatic transmission. Nissan quotes preliminary combined outputs of 300kW and 800Nm, subject to homologation. It has a mechanical 4×4 system with differential locks, and Nissan expects around 1000kg payload and a 3500kg braked towing capacity, also subject to homologation.

Battery size, EV-only range, pricing and final specification will be announced closer to launch.

We reported earlier this week that Nissan was preparing to reveal an electrified ute, with the China-market Frontier Pro the likely basis. Nissan says the Navara Pro was developed with its partners in China, with findings from local testing fed back to Nissan’s light commercial vehicle development centre in Zhengzhou.

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype front three-quarter view — The prototypes wear camouflage. Image: Nissan

2.0-litre chosen for Oceania

Nissan says it evaluated both the globally announced 1.5-litre turbo petrol PHEV drivetrain and a new 2.0-litre turbo version. The 2.0-litre was selected for Oceania after testing against local expectations for towing, payload and sustained performance.

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype rear three-quarter view on gravel — Nissan tested both 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre PHEV drivetrains. Image: Nissan

The eight-speed transmission includes low-range gearing. There are four drive modes (Eco, Standard, Sport and Slippery) and seven terrain modes (Standard, Deep Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, Wading and Expert). Vehicle-to-load (V2L) will be available.

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype in mud — Front, rear and combined differential-lock configurations were tested. Image: Nissan

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype side view on a slope — Seven terrain modes will be offered. Image: Nissan

Local testing

The first prototypes arrived in Australia in 2025. Nissan says five development vehicles have covered more than 20,000km in Australian conditions, with testing continuing. Teams from Nissan Australia, Nissan Motor in Japan and Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile have worked on powertrain, suspension, driver assistance calibration, terrain modes, tyres, differential locks, towing and load performance.

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype beside a muddy pond — Nissan Australia, Nissan Japan and Zhengzhou Nissan worked on the program. Image: Nissan

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype crossing a slope — Driver assistance systems have been calibrated locally. Image: Nissan

“Australia wasn’t simply where we tested Navara Pro PHEV. It was one of the markets helping shape it,” said Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette.

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype descending a track — Leaf-spring and coil-spring rear suspension are both being assessed. Image: Nissan

Nissan has assessed both leaf-spring and multi-link coil-spring rear suspension. The final configuration for New Zealand will be confirmed closer to the start of sales next year.

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype rear view on a climb — The final NZ suspension setup is still to be confirmed. Image: Nissan

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype in deep ruts — Nissan quotes around 1000kg payload, subject to homologation. Image: Nissan

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV prototype front view crossing ruts — Braked towing capacity is 3500kg, subject to homologation. Image: Nissan

Design and cabin

Three horizontal LED elements above the grille reference the three-slot bonnet opening of the 1980s D21 Hardbody. The Navara Pro is a five-seat double cab. Depending on grade, equipment can include a large central touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated front seats.