Nissan Frontier Pro-4X R By Roush Is Bad News For Chevy Colorado ZR2 originally appeared on Autoblog.
Can’t afford a Ranger Raptor? This could be the next best thing
In the first-ever collaboration between Roush Performance and Nissan, the two companies have come up with the 2026 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X R, the most hardcore Frontier pickup you can get right now. Roush has plenty of experience with upgrading popular pickups, so this Frontier is not to be underestimated.
Priced at well under $50,000, the Frontier Pro-4X R delivers impressive all-terrain performance in the mid-size pickup segment, without the high price commanded by the Ford Ranger Raptor or even Chevy’s Colorado ZR2. Here’s a closer look at what’s new for this purpose-built Frontier.
Related: 2026 Nissan Frontier Adds Fresh Features Without Big Price Jump
A Strong First Impression
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The Frontier Pro-4X R gets a string of external upgrades to identify it as a rather special member of the frontier family. In front, there are titanium-painted front grille inserts and red tow hooks to match the red Nissan emblem. An off-road skid plate with a titanium-painted finish provides a tougher look and additional underbody protection.
Along the sides, there is special R badging on the fenders. The upgraded wheels—with a titanium finish and R center caps—are sensibly sized for off-roading at 17 inches, and these are wrapped in all-terrain tires.
At the back, not too much changes, but there is another R badge to match the ones on the fenders.
A Better Off-Roader Than Stock Frontier
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The Pro-4X R’s most important upgrades aren’t all visible to the naked eye. It gets a Roush performance x Öhlins two-inch suspension lift, boosting ground clearance. Off-road shocks with remote reservoirs have also been fitted. These aluminum shocks have external gas reservoirs, 18 mm steel shafts, and rear cooling fins, which assist with maintaining damping over rough surfaces.
Off-road front upper control arms are also equipped, which increase travel and improve suspension geometry. Combined, Roush claims that these changes not only make for a better off-roader, but improve the Nissan’s ride quality, too.
No changes were mentioned for the 3.8-liter V6 engine, and it’s here where the Frontier loses out to the Ranger Raptor. The Nissan produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, but the Ranger Raptor’s turbocharged V6 generates 405 hp and 430 lb-ft, so the Ford is comfortably more powerful.
A Sportier Interior, Too
Inside, the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X R gets upgraded seats with the R logo embroidered into the front seat headrests. Orange stitching finds its way onto the seats, center armrest, and doors, which contrasts nicely with the black leather upholstery. No other interior changes were mentioned, so we expect the same seven-inch drive-assist display and 12.3-inch touchscreen as found in the standard Pro-4X.
Whereas the Pro-4X starts from $41,870, the Pro-4X R has an MSRP of $47,960, so it’s easily the most expensive Frontier you can buy. That seems reasonable for all the add-ons, though, and it’s still a lot cheaper than the Ranger Raptor, which begins at $56,070.
A closer alternative to the Frontier Pro-4X R is the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, which starts at $49,600. Like the Nissan, this Chevy gets a suspension lift and a special suspension. In this case, it has DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers. The ZR2 gets a 310-horsepower engine, matching the Nissan, but the Chevy's turbo means it has a much healthy 430 lb-ft. Then again, a lot of buyers will prefer the Frontier's simpler V6.
We found the normal Frontier Pro-4X to be equally capable off-road as it is on a road trip, so the Pro-4X R improves on what is already a solid and underrated midsizer.
Nissan Frontier Pro-4X R By Roush Is Bad News For Chevy Colorado ZR2 first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 19, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
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