2009 Nissan Frontier: Road Test
2009 Nissan Frontier ▼
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- MSRP: $17,460 - $29,740
- Invoice: $16,562 - $27,555
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Our road test for the 2009 Nissan Frontier includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Nissan Frontier from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Nissan Frontier, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Nissan Frontier help you decide if a 2009 Nissan Frontier is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
No 4-cylinder or long-bed Crew Cab Frontiers have been made available for testing. V6 models are strong from a stop and around town, especially the lighter King Cabs. The automatic transmission kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an automatic-transmission 4WD Crew Cab averaged just 14.5 mpg, disappointing for a compact pickup. Frontier uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Firm but absorbent. Sharp ridges register, but don't jar. Typical truck-like bounding and jiggle over bumps with an empty bed is quickly quelled. Various tire sizes make little difference to comfort.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Nicely balanced for a pickup truck. The steering feels weighty and direct, but is slow to react in tight U-turns and parking spots. Body lean is evident in corners but well-controlled, and Frontier never feels tippy.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
The V6 growls at full throttle, but isn't unduly loud. Wind rush is evident over 60 mph and rises sharply with speed. The tires drone on coarse pavement, and the PRO-4X's all-terrain tires whine at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Simple, handy layout. All controls are within easy reach.
DETAILS
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Hard plastic abounds on the dashboard, console, door panels, and looks low-buck; other cabin materials are predictably workman-like. The controls do not operate with smooth precision.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Good six-footer headroom and legroom. The seats are comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold front passengers in place through turns. Wide-base windshield pillars can hinder visibility to the front corners, the view is fine to the rear corners and directly aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 2.7 |
King Cab's rear seats are best used for small cargo; only preteens will fit. Crew Cab has more space, but legroom is still kid-size with the front seats even partially back. Headroom is tight for six-footers--especially beneath the sunroof housing.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Both cab types provide useful space behind the front seats. Some thoughtful small-items storage up front, though the console's shallow tray needs a rubber mat to keep objects from sliding around.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
Frontier carves out a nice niche for itself in the compact-pickup market with a powerful V6 engine, middle-of-the-pack size, and options that appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Ride and handling are decent for the class, but interiors disappoint with too much tacky plastic and subpar rear-seat room. Still, Frontier merits Recommended status--and a place on your shopping list.
Total Score
| 2WD SE V6 King Cab, automatic | 4WD LE Crew Cab short bed | PRO-4X Crew Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 54 | 51 | 50.1 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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