2009 Nissan Altima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2009 Nissan Altima is the addition of automatic door locks across the lineup. This is otherwise a light-update year, with revised trim offerings and small equipment and styling changes rather than a redesign.
About the 2009 Nissan Altima
4th generation Altima (L32), third sedan model year and second coupe model year; pre-facelift year before the 2010 refresh.
Nissan positioned the 2009 Altima as a midsize car with sharper responses and a more upscale feel than many family-sedan rivals. The core message was sporty driving without giving up everyday comfort, roomy space, or convenience features such as push-button start. The coupe added a more personal, style-focused choice, while the Hybrid aimed to save fuel without the detached feel that many hybrids had at the time.
The 2009 Altima ranges from the straightforward four-cylinder 2.5 and better-equipped 2.5 S to two distinct V6 models: the sport-tuned 3.5 SE and comfort-focused 3.5 SL. The 3.5 SL stands out with heated leather seats, Bluetooth, Bose audio, and xenon headlights, while the Hybrid pairs a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and hybrid-specific displays. Sedan and coupe body styles continue, depending on trim.
What changed, by category
2009 Nissan Altima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg | 19 mpg | 35 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 175 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | ||||
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3 cu-ft | 7.4–15.3 cu-ft | 7.4–15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 10.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 34.4–35.8 in | 34.4–35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Stability Control | |||||
| Traction Control | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| AM/FM Radio | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Nissan Altima a redesign?
No. The 2009 Altima carries over the basic platform, engines, and overall design introduced with the 2007 sedan and 2008 coupe. Its updates are limited to trim, equipment, and minor styling changes.
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Nissan Altima?
Automatic door locks are the biggest lineup-wide change for 2009. Every Altima receives them, while most other updates apply only to specific trims or body styles.
What changed on the base 2009 Altima 2.5 sedan?
The base 2009 Altima 2.5 sedan gains power mirrors, a trip computer, an outside-temperature display, a new 16-inch wheel-cover design, and black grille highlights.
Did the 2009 Nissan Altima get new engines?
No. The 2009 lineup keeps the existing 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 3.5-liter V6, and hybrid systems, along with the same basic manual and automatic transmission pattern.
How does the 2009 Nissan Altima differ from the 2008 model?
The 2009 Altima adds automatic door locks across the lineup, gives the base sedan more equipment, and makes small wheel and grille changes. Its trim roster consists of the 2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL, and Hybrid, while the core engines and design remain unchanged.