Santana Motors Returns with a 400 HP Plug-In Hybrid Pick-Up

The legendary Spanish brand makes a strong comeback: its first model will be the Santana Frontier Pro, a plug-in hybrid pick-up developed in collaboration with Nissan and Dongfeng.

After years of silence, Santana Motors is back from the dead. The historic brand from Linares (Jaén), once a symbol of Spanish off-road engineering, is resuming production at its Andalusian plant with an ambitious project that mirrors the EBRO formula: a strategic partnership with Zhengzhou Nissan, a subsidiary of Dongfeng, to produce a modern, high-performance, tech-focused vehicle on Spanish soil.

A Spanish pick-up with Japanese soul and electric heart

The first model will be the Santana Frontier Pro, a rebadged version of the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pick-up will deliver over 400 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor integrated into the transmission. It also offers up to 135 km of electric range (CLTC cycle), ensuring the Spanish DGT “Zero Emissions” label, a key advantage for urban driving.

Power, technology, and comfort with an off-road spirit

Measuring 5.52 meters long, 1.96 wide, and 1.95 high, the Frontier Pro makes its presence known. It features four-wheel drive with low range (4Low), an electronically locking rear differential, and a multi-link independent rear suspension, a setup designed more for comfort than for heavy loads. With 23.1 cm of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 30º and 25º, it’s well equipped to tackle any terrain with confidence.

Premium interior and cutting-edge technology

Inside, the Santana Frontier Pro embraces a modern and refined design, featuring a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and optional heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. It also includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing users to power external devices with up to 6 kW, perfect for camping, outdoor adventures, or professional use in remote areas.

A new chapter for Spanish industry

The revival of Santana Motors is more than just nostalgia for 4×4 enthusiasts—it’s also a major boost for Andalusia’s industrial sector. With the Frontier Pro, the brand aims to secure a foothold in the competitive electrified pick-up market, blending power, advanced technology, and local manufacturing. Although it shares its platform with the Dongfeng Z9, Santana seems determined to focus on hybrid powertrains rather than diesel, signaling the beginning of a bold new era for the Spanish automaker.