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2009 Nissan Frontier Review
Revised midsize pickup with strong engine, good handling.
2009 Frontier Review Summary & Specifications
Nissan Frontier offers a lot for a midsize truck, namely best-in-class power, payload and towing capacity, though with a price in fuel mileage. And some safety features, such as stability control, side-impact airbags and airbag curtains, are either optional or unavailable on some models. The Frontier interior is comfortable and laid out well, and the back seat of the Crew Cab offers good room for three passengers. Off-road, the Frontier is very capable, with its two-speed transfer case using part-time 4WD that can be shifted on the fly, plus Hill Descent Control on some models. It rides and steers well on gravel roads in 4WD, and on pavement, its ride is nice and handling tight.Sam Moses filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com.
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| Vehicle Category | Pickups |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | Nissan Frontier XE ($17,460), SE I4 ($19,560), SE King Cab 2WD ($22,210), SE Crew Cab 2WD ($23,260), LE Crew Cab 2WD ($26,540), PRO-4X 2WD ($26,280), SE King Cab 4WD ($24,910), SE Crew Cab 4WD ($25,960), LE Crew Cab 4WD ($29,190), Pro-4X 4WD ($28,980), SE King Cab 2WD lwb ($23,010), SE Crew Cab 2WD lob ($24,060), LE Crew Cab 2WD lwb ($27,040), SE King Cab 4WD lwb ($25,710), SE Crew Cab 4WD lwb ($26,760), LE Crew Cab 4WD lwb ($29,740) |
| Engines (standard) | 4.0-liter 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 2.5-liter I4; 4.0-liter V6 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual-stage frontal airbags, tire pressure monitor, ABS with EBD |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | electronic stability control, side-impact airbags, airbag curtains |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Tennessee |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-335-3592 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.nissanusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 17460 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Nissan Frontier Pro-4X 4x4 ($27,630) |
| Standard Equipment | Bilstein off-road shocks, skid plates for oil pan and transfer case, locking rear differential, 16-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich P265/75R16 Rugged Trail tires, spray-on bedliner, fabric seats with red stitching, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows, power locks, power mirrors; fog lights, automatic headlights, eight-way driver's and four-way front passenger's adjustable heated seats, cruise control, first aid kit, roof rack |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Technology Package ($950) including premium sound system with 6CD and MP3, Bluetooth and satellite radio capability, steering wheel controls; floor mats ($105); Side & Curtain Airbags ($550); Traction Package ($500) with including HDC, HAS and VDC |
| Destination Charge | 745 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | four-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 30480 |
| Horse Power | 261 @ 5600 |
| Torque | 281 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy | 15/19 |
| Wheelbase | |
| Length/Width/Height | 205.5/72.8/73.9 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 43.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.0/55.6/42.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.7/58.0/33.6 |
| Trunk Volume | |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 6300 |
| Front Suspension | independent, double wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | solid axle, multi-leaf |
| Ground Clearance | 8.6 |
| Curb Weight | 4276 |
| Stock Tires | 265/75R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/vented disc |
| Fuel Capacity | |
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