Recently, Zhengzhou Nissan's all-new mid-size pickup, the Z9, officially opened pre-sales, with pre-sale prices ranging from 119,900 to 181,900 yuan, while the higher-tier Z9 GTS version directly enters the 250,000-yuan-class market. Built on an all-new off-road platform, this "hardcore player" has quickly become the "top influencer" in the pickup circle thanks to its hardcore performance, premium equipment, and intelligent technology. Netizens exclaimed: "There's another strong contender in the pickup world!" But the question is: can the Z9 shake the Great Wall Cannon's dominance?
Traditionally, pickups have been synonymous with "work vehicles"—rough, cheap, and having nothing to do with luxury or intelligence. But the Z9 is determined to break that stereotype. With a high-strength steel cage body design, ultra-high-strength steel accounting for over 60% of key parts, and frame longitudinal beam torsional stiffness increased by 20%–30%, it stands rock-solid during off-roading. The L2-level intelligent driving assistance system and 360° panoramic view plus transparent chassis technology make urban commuting smooth and stress-free.
Stepping into the Z9's cabin, you might even wonder if you got into the wrong vehicle. A 14.6-inch large screen plus an intelligent infotainment system offer smoothness comparable to emerging EV brands, and dialect voice recognition is a blessing for social butterflies—even dialects are no problem. The center console and door panels are extensively soft-wrapped, with brushed metal trim and double-layer laminated glass, pushing the sense of quality to the max. Panoramic sunroof, seat heating/ventilation, multi-zone automatic climate control... these features once found in 300,000-yuan-class SUVs have now become "standard" in the pickup segment.
The Z9's all-terrain intelligent four-wheel-drive system is truly an "off-road artifact." Part-time 4WD, electronically controlled differential lock, 10 driving modes, a 31-degree approach angle, a 26-degree departure angle, 240 mm ground clearance, a maximum wading depth of 800 mm, and a towing capacity of 3.5 tons—whether climbing mountains or fording water, the Z9 handles it all with ease.
In terms of power, the Z9 offers two choices: a 2.3T diesel engine and a 2.0T gasoline engine. The 2.3T diesel produces a maximum power of 140 kW and a maximum torque of 500 N·m, delivering 500 N·m of torque even at low RPM, making steep climbs and muddy sections a non-issue.
The Z9's target audience is very clear: family users seeking "one vehicle for multiple uses," high-end individual business owners, and hardcore off-road enthusiasts. Family users can commute daily and take long road trips, individual business owners can haul cargo and handle business receptions, and off-road enthusiasts can enjoy professional performance at a "civilian price." Such an all-rounder is truly rare.
The Z9's "Star Core" platform supports multiple powertrain forms including gasoline, pure electric, and plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid version delivers a combined power of 320 kW and a range exceeding 1,100 km, the diesel version offers 500 N·m of torque, and the gasoline version produces 190 kW. This level of technical strength puts direct pressure on competitors.
Editor's Note
Some believe the Z9 will accelerate the pickup market's shift from a tool-oriented nature toward "lifestyle + play" scenarios, but whether it can shake the Great Wall Cannon's dominance still needs time to verify. Regardless, for consumers, the Z9 is undoubtedly a highly attractive new choice. After all, the Z9 is neither out of place for daily commuting nor timid on weekend off-road adventures, and the price is friendly. Such an "all-around player" may truly be able to reshape the mid-to-high-end pickup market landscape. So, would you consider this vehicle? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
