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Nissan Launches in the USA the Frontier PRO-4X R, Version Prepared by Roush Performance with Off-Road Focus, 314 HP V6 Engine, Lifted Suspension, and Competitive Price Against Rivals Such as Ford Ranger Raptor, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, and Jeep Gladiator.
Nissan presented in the United States the new Frontier PRO-4X R, a version developed in partnership with the American tuner Roush Performance.
The model aims to compete in the midsize pickup segment with off-road appeal, dominated by rivals such as Ford Ranger Raptor, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, and Jeep Gladiator.
The launch draws attention for combining a 3.8 V6 engine with 314 horsepower with a modification package geared towards trails, including five centimeters of lifted suspension and 17-inch wheels fitted with Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires.
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Partnership Between Nissan and Roush Performance
The creation of the PRO-4X R marks an unusual move for Nissan, as Roush is traditionally associated with Ford.
The tuning company is known for developing high-performance versions of models such as the Mustang and F-150.
This time, it applied its expertise to enhance the off-road capabilities of the Frontier. The base of the project is the PRO-4X version, the top of the line in the North American range.
From it, Roush added new control arms, coilover dampers with external reservoirs and aluminum bodies, in addition to the lifted suspension.
The result is a pickup with more favorable approach and departure angles and greater control in rough terrains.
Reinforced Design for Off-Road
The changes were not limited to the mechanical aspect. The Frontier PRO-4X R received a titanium-finished grille, red-painted tow hooks, and a protective plate under the front.
The exclusive 17-inch wheels complete the package, accompanied by Hankook’s all-terrain tires, designed to withstand more demanding off-road situations.
Inside the cabin, the changes were discreet. The highlight goes to the headrests with the “R” logo embroidered, the 12.3-inch multimedia center, and the seven-inch digital panel.
The features were already present in the PRO-4X line but reinforce the technological proposition of the version.
V6 Engine with 314 HP Remains Unchanged
Despite the modifications, Nissan chose to keep the same mechanical set of the traditional Frontier in the United States.
Under the hood, the 3.8 V6 gasoline engine with 314 hp and 38.8 kgfm of torque remains, always paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 all-wheel drive.
This configuration puts the Frontier at a disadvantage compared to the Ford Ranger Raptor, which uses a 3.0 EcoBoost V6 with 397 hp and 59.4 kgfm of torque in Brazil.
Still, Nissan’s strategy bets on another differentiator: the price.
Price of the Frontier PRO-4X R in the USA
In the United States, the Frontier PRO-4X R has a suggested price of US$ 47,960 (about R$ 260 thousand at direct conversion).
The price is considerably lower than the US$ 55,720 charged for the Ranger Raptor (R$ 304 thousand).
Nissan’s new model also positions itself below other competitors in the off-road segment, such as the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the Jeep Gladiator.
This difference enhances its attractiveness for those looking for a robust pickup without reaching the higher price range of rivals.
Different Generations in Markets
Nissan’s global strategy for the Frontier is marked by contrasts. While the North American version was launched in 2021 in its third generation exclusive to the USA and Canada, the pickup sold in other markets, including Brazil, follows a different path.
Here, the model corresponds to the 12th global generation, introduced in 2017, manufactured in Argentina, and based on a distinct platform.
The Brazilian unit underwent a facelift in 2022 and continues to be available in different versions, with prices ranging from R$ 248,990 (S version) to R$ 315,690 (top-of-the-line PRO-4X).
In the national market, the engine is always the 2.3 turbo diesel with 190 hp and 45.9 kgfm of torque, combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission and 4×4.
Ford Ranger Raptor as Main Rival
The competition between Frontier and Ranger is also reflected in Brazil, but at different levels. Ford launched the Ranger Raptor at the end of 2023 with a price of R$ 490 thousand, a value much higher than the range practiced by Nissan.
The American brand’s proposal prioritizes power and robustness, while Nissan focuses on a balance between cost and versatility.
Future of the Nissan Frontier Global
While in the USA the Frontier continues to be based on the F-Alpha platform, used since 2004 and recently renewed, the future of the global version is heading in another direction.
Nissan is expected to launch a new generation in partnership with the Chinese Dongfeng, probably with PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) option.
The prototype of this model was showcased at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2025, but there is still no confirmed date for the start of production.
The arrival of the PRO-4X R reinforces Nissan’s intention to compete in a segment that is becoming increasingly crowded and high-value in the United States.
Will the bet on competitive pricing be enough to face more powerful rivals like the Ranger Raptor?
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