Nissan’s 300kW Navara plug-in hybrid coming to New Zealand

Nissan’s Navara is going plug-in hybrid, with a new Pro PHEV model confirmed for New Zealand in 2027. Preliminary outputs of 300kW and 800Nm will be paired with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, while Nissan is targeting 3500kg braked towing and up to 1000kg of payload.

Australia and New Zealand will be the first right-hand-drive markets to receive the electrified ute. It will also be Nissan’s first electrified ute globally and the brand’s first plug-in hybrid model sold here.

Pricing, battery capacity and electric-only driving range are still to come, along with the final local model line-up and equipment.

This model is completely different to the diesel-powered version already on sale. It uses the Z9 platform developed by Dongfeng, Nissan’s joint-venture partner in China.

The big news for Kiwi buyers is an Oceania-specific powertrain. Nissan evaluated both the globally announced 1.5-litre turbo petrol hybrid system and a new 2.0-litre version before choosing the larger engine for Australia and New Zealand.

According to Nissan, towing, payload and sustained performance were the deciding factors. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine works with an electric motor integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the combined 300kW and 800Nm figures subject to final homologation.

The transmission also provides low-range crawling capability for off-road use, while the mechanical 4×4 system includes differential-lock capability. Nissan has tested front, rear and combined locking configurations, although the final New Zealand specification hasn’t been confirmed.

The towing and payload figures remain subject to homologation too. As usual, passengers, accessories, cargo and towball download all count towards the available payload.

Nissan says the local development programme has gone beyond checking whether a global specification would suit this part of the world. Five prototype and development vehicles have covered more than 20,000 kilometres in Australia since the first arrived in 2025, with testing continuing.

Teams from Australia, Japan and Zhengzhou Nissan in China have assessed the powertrain, suspension, tyres, driver assistance systems, terrain settings and towing and load performance.

“Australia wasn’t simply where we tested Navara Pro PHEV. It was one of the markets helping shape it. The depth of local evaluation and the collaboration between our teams in Australia, Japan and China reflect the importance of Oceania to the development of this vehicle,” says Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette.

Both leaf-spring and multi-link coil-spring rear suspension arrangements have been evaluated. Nissan will confirm which setup New Zealand gets closer to launch.

Drivers will have four selectable drive modes — Eco, Standard, Sport and Slippery — plus seven terrain settings covering Standard, Deep Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, Wading and Expert. These adjust powertrain, steering and traction-control settings to suit the conditions.

Available vehicle-to-load capability will let owners draw electrical power from the ute for tools, camping equipment and other devices.

The five-seat dual-cab will also offer comfort features depending on grade, potentially including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a large central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. Final local equipment is yet to be announced.

There’s a nod to Nissan’s ute history in the styling. Three horizontal LED elements above the grille reinterpret the three-slot bonnet opening of the 1980s D21 Hardbody.

Ownership cover will include access to Nissan’s MORE extended warranty, offering up to 10 years or 300,000km, whichever comes first, when servicing through authorised Nissan dealers. Conditions apply.

Nissan will release pricing, final specifications and the electric-only range closer to the Navara Pro PHEV’s arrival in New Zealand dealerships next year.