2009 Nissan Frontier
by Jim Prueter -12/2008

Frontier gets minor facelift for 2009

(Since little of substance has changed with this model, this 2008 review has been updated to cover model year 2009)

Redesigned for 2005, Frontier was so completely new the only thing unchanged was the name. It looks so much like its big brother, Titan, it was often mistaken for one during my weeklong test drive. No wonder, Frontier is larger than its predecessor inside and out and is even built on Nissan’s “F-Alpha” platform, which it shares with the Titan, Nissan’s full-size Pathfinder Armada SUV and the Pathfinder, also all new in 2005.

Frontier has been around since 1958 and was the first compact pickup on the market, although it wasn’t always known as a Frontier. It started out as the Datsun pickup, then the Nissan, which became the Hardbody and finally the Frontier.

The 2005 Frontier was significantly wider and taller than the previous model with a nearly 10-inch-longer wheelbase and almost six-inch longer overall length, making it one of the largest trucks in its class. Only the Dodge Dakota is bigger.

Outside the “Little Titan” appearance is unmistakable with the wedge profile, angled two-bar chrome strut grille and vinyl trim around the tailgate release. Gone (thank goodness) is the wide plastic wheel-arch cladding featured on previous Frontier models.

For 2009, the Frontier receives a minor exterior face-lift, featuring redesigned front fascia, headlamps and grille. The exterior trim — including bumpers, mirrors, door handles — receives a body-colored monochromatic treatment. Two new colors debut for ’09: brick red and navy blue.

Frontier has many of the same innovations found on the Titan, including an optional, factory-applied, sprayed-in bedliner. Frontiers may also be had with a Utili-Track system that consists of five moveable grooves or channels in the bed on both the top sides and bottom, along with heavy-duty tie-down cleats to secure cargo. Tailgates are equipped with a door-style lock.

For 2009, a new PRO-4X off-road model is added (really, it’s just last year’s Nismo with a new name), along with our test vehicle, the Frontier Crew Cab. A total of five well-equipped models are offered: Frontier XE 4x2, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a five-speed manual shifter only; SE 4x2, 2.5-liter, with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission; SE V-6 4x2 or 4x4, 4.0-liter V-6, with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission; Frontier LE 4x2 or 4x4, 4.0-liter V-6, six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission; and PRO-4X, 4.0-liter V-6, 4x2 and 4x4, six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

The Crew Cab is offered in SE, LE, and PRO4X models, in regular or long bed body styles, with a standard 4.0-liter V-6 and a choice of 4x4 or 4x2 drivelines. Frontier Crew Cab SE models are offered with either six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, while Crew Cab LE and PRO-4X come with the five-speed automatic transmission only.

All Frontier models come with four doors. The rear doors on the King Cab are hinged in back, opening “clamshell” style, while the Crew Cab doors open forward like those on a sedan. King Cab versions feature flip-up rear jump seats with headrests, while the Crew Cab has a full-size bench.

Front seats are comfortable, but for this tall driver the seating position seemed too high and my line of vision was mostly through the sun tint on the upper part of the windshield. Rear-seat room in our Crew Cab was tight, but adults can fit if the trip isn’t a long one. The dash and gauges are well laid out and easy to use. Controls for the climate control system are large and straightforward. You’ll find plenty of cupholders for both front and rear seat passengers. However, the interior has a bit of an economy look because everything is hard plastic.

For 2009 we drove a 4x4 SE Crew Cab with four doors. Our 261-horsepower V-6 provided plenty of power but suffered abysmally with just 15 miles per gallon overall fuel economy. The ride, however, was extremely quiet, rattle free and surprisingly sedan-like, but firm enough to handle sharp cornering with a sense of control.

What I have always liked about the Frontier, though, is its capability on an off-road course, where I tested the 4x4 suspension and traction capabilities. Steep hills, deep ruts, sand, and pebbled desert were handled with aplomb.

But not all is well driving the Frontier. The turning radius is among the worst of any vehicle we have driven, making parking a consistent three-point maneuver. Frontier seems to take acres to turn a circle and you can forget about just pulling into a parking spot at the shopping center. You’ll need to pull up, back up and then finish the job.

For safety, all Frontiers are equipped with standard four-wheel disc antilock brakes. Front-seat side-impact airbags and curtain airbags that provide side-impact and rollover protection for front and rear passengers are highly recommended but do cost an additional $550. Frontier earned four out of five stars for driver and passenger protection in frontal crash tests, four stars in rollovers and the highest five stars in side crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Available options and packages include the XE Preferred Package, SE Power Package, Value Truck Package (SE, LE and PRO-4X only), Moonroof Package (Crew Cab only) Technology Package and Traction Package (4x4 automatic transmission only).

Anyone in the market for a mid-size pickup would be advised to take a good look at the Frontier. Nissan offers a lot of content for the money and has the largest engine in its class, a roomy interior, advanced off-road systems, innovative cargo bed features and bold, tough looks. Frontier feels solid and well built with excellent fit and finish.