The Dongfeng Z9, also known as the Nissan Frontier Pro and Santana 400, represents a significant advancement in the world of mid-size pickup trucks. Produced by Zhengzhou Nissan, a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Nissan, the Z9 was first unveiled in 2025. This article delves into the evolution of the Dongfeng Z9, highlighting its design, powertrain options, and market presence.
Design and Features
The Dongfeng Z9 is a 4-door pickup truck that stands
out with its distinctive design elements. It features blacked-out A, B, and C-pillars, Z-shaped daytime running lights, and taillights. The truck's body cladding is present in both the front and rear, complemented by rounded wheel arches and a grille with a hexagonal pattern. These design choices give the Z9 a modern and robust appearance, appealing to both urban and off-road enthusiasts.
Inside, the Z9 offers a comfortable and tech-savvy environment. Faux leather is used for seating, and all models come with a height-adjustable multifunction steering wheel wrapped in synthetic leather. The dashboard is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and depending on the trim level, a digital display or a virtual digital cluster with an LCD display is available. The infotainment system features a touchscreen, with sizes ranging from 12 inches to 12.8 inches on higher trims.
Powertrain Options
The Dongfeng Z9 offers a variety of powertrain options to cater to different preferences and needs. A 2-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 258 horsepower is available, alongside a 2.3-liter turbodiesel inline-4 engine with outputs of either 143 or 190 horsepower. The diesel version offers a 6-speed manual transmission, while an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on petrol models and optional for the diesel version.
For those interested in hybrid technology, the Z9 GE plug-in hybrid variant provides between 322 and 429 horsepower, with torque output remaining at 590 lb-ft. The hybrid models use a 4-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and come with battery options of 17 kWh and 32.85 kWh, the latter being exclusive to the Frontier Pro due to its standard four-wheel-drive.
Market Presence
Since its launch, the Dongfeng Z9 has made a significant impact in various markets. In China, the Z9 was officially launched in January 2025, with the plug-in hybrid Z9 GE following in May. The Z9 is also available in Chile as the DFSK Z9, where only the diesel engine is offered. In Bolivia and the Philippines, the Z9 is sold under the ZNA Z9 name, with the plug-in hybrid version available in the Philippines.
In Europe, the Z9 is marketed as the Santana 400, marking Santana Motor's first vehicle under the revived brand. The Santana 400 began production in Spain in October 2025 and is available in diesel and plug-in hybrid versions. The Z9's presence in these diverse markets underscores its versatility and appeal to a wide range of consumers.
