2009 Nissan Frontier

The 2009 Nissan Frontier rides on a fully boxed frame derived from the Titan's, and it provides a stiff foundation that effectively quells the shuddering ride that is the bane of 4x4 pickups. All Frontiers use 4x4 ride height, but the body is not perched absurdly high off its wheels, a situation that not only pays dynamic benefits but also provides a lower step-in height. A civilized ride, reasonable size, safety equipment, and a strong V-6 make the Nissan Frontier a medium-size pickup with big-time appeal.

In the neverending quest to keep products new (or at least looking new), Nissan recently announced that the '09 Frontier will look out at the world through a new front fascia, wear new wheels (16-inch and 18-inch), and be available in some new packages, including the PRO-4X off-road model. This new trim level features Bilstein off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, additional skidplates on the oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker, two- or four-wheel limited-slip differentials, and unique, machine-finished, 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with large BFGoodrich P265/75R16 Rugged Trail tires. If you didn't already know, the 2009 Nissan Frontier is a pretty serious truck. It's based on the fullsize Nissan Titan, but in place of the Titan's V8 the Frontier uses a DOHC 4.0L V-6 with 261 hp and 281 lb-ft torque.

Paired with a redesigned front end and bumper, PRO-4X packages have colormatched bumpers, larger wheel flares to protect the larger tires, and a set of rather large and silly-looking stickers on the back bed panel. But the real magic is underneath. The larger tires with the off-road bias are BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/As, sized at about 31 inches in diameter (265/75R16) with enough sidewall to allow for plenty of marshmallow-like conforming when aired down for hard-core rockcrawling.

The $2000 PRO-4X package adds about 200 pounds to the weight of the truck, which you subtract right off the bottom line of the payload number, but the extra strength and capability could end up saving your bacon. Besides, it looks cool, too. The PRO-4X-equipped 2009 Nissan Frontier trucks are offered in 2WD and 4WD trim, in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations.

The big news for 2009 is the all-new PRO-4X off-road trim level. It includes goodies like skid pans for the oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker, Bilstein shocks, and special machine-finished 16-in. alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires. Inside, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (on the manual transmission models) with red stitching, as well as some chrome accents on the instrument cluster. Add the Value Truck Package to your 2009 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab with PRO-4X, and you pick up heated leather front seats with the red stitching, an eight-way power driver seat and four-way power passenger seat, heated mirrors, and a fold-down center armrest in the back seats. While Crew Cab models get the bed liner, rail caps, and tie-down system standard, the King Cab picks them up when you add the PRO-4X package. All 2009 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X trucks get body-colored grilles, bumpers, mirrors, and door handles as well as foglamps, cruise control, power everything, and remote keyless entry.

For 2009, Nissan will be offering larger wheels, factory-installed bed liners, heavy-duty roof racks, leather seats, modular storage units and off-road packages for both vehicles for only a slightly higher price. But while the company estimates the packages could tack on an extra $2,800 to the build price, the retail price will only jump by $1,000 to $1,500. Nissan hopes that the new options will lure customers back to its core strength in the truck market, namely smaller, sportier trucks. The company is also hoping that the new features will help sales of the four-cylinder Frontier by drawing in customers looking for trucks with better fuel economy.

Redesigned front end complete with new headlights

New instrument panels have been incorporated into the 2009 Nissan Frontier's cluster

A PRO-4X off-road package is offered on Frontier models that adds white faced gauges, off-road seats with red trim, 16-inch machined face alloy wheels and color matched exterior

Frontier LE and PRO-4X receive Value Truck Packages that combine Technology and Leather Packages into one. Claimed by Nissan to save $1,000

Nissan updates the 2009 Frontier with new wheels, front-end styling, a PRO-4X off-road model (no more NISMO), and a Crew Cab LE/PRO-4X value truck package. The PRO-4X runs Bilstein shock absorbers, additional skidplates for oil pan and transfer case, electronic rear differential lock, two- or four-wheel limited-slip (ABLS), and unique 16-inch alloys and BFGoodrich P265/75R16 Rugged Trail tires. Inside it gets red stitching for the steering wheel and manual shifter plus chrome accents, while the 2009 Frontier exterior adds body-colored appendages, foglamps, spray-on bedliner with rail caps, and the Utili-track cargo-management system. The PRO-4X Crew Cab value package adds unique black leather power, heated front seats, dual heated outside mirrors, and rear fold-down center armrest. Both King and Crew Cab continue with the VQ 4.0-liter V-6, rated 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet, with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

The Nissan Frontier, a no-compromise pickup forged with premium hardware, extraordinary power and off-road athleticism, continues to be a leader in the mid-size truck segment.

The 2009 Nissan Frontier continues to offer an unmatched level of on- and off- road performance with the use of a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine with best-in-segment horsepower, torque, towing and payload specifications. With its strong performance, combined with good fuel mileage (17 city, 21 highway, King Cab 2WD), the Frontier is a fitting truck for work or play.