2009 Nissan Frontier: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Nissan Frontier gets slightly freshened exterior styling but is otherwise unchanged. Two body styles are available. Extended-cab King Cabs have rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts, flip-up rear seats, and a 6.1-foot cargo bed. Crew Cabs have a rear bench seat and a 5- or 6.1-foot bed. Both come in SE, LE, and PRO-4X trims. A base XE trim level is also offered as a King Cab. XE and SE King Cabs have a 152-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. Other Frontiers have a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6, and most are offered with rear- or 4-wheel drive. Manual transmission is offered on XE and SE: A 5-speed with the 4-cylinder, a 6-speed with the V6. A 5-speed automatic is standard on LE and PRO-4X and available on the SE. Frontier's 4WD system includes a low-range gear for off-roading but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The 4WD PRO-4X comes with heavy-duty off-road equipment. A wireless cell-phone link, sunroof, and DVD entertainment are among the options offered.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.

New for 2009 is the Suzuki Equator.