2009 Nissan Frontier: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Nissan Frontier is a mid-cycle exterior refresh with a redesigned front end, grille and headlights. It also gains new wheel designs, revised center controls on V6 models and the PRO-4X off-road trim as the successor to NISMO Off-Road.
About the 2009 Nissan Frontier
2nd generation (D40, 2005-2021), mid-cycle refresh year
Nissan positioned the Frontier as a midsize truck with much of the strength and utility of a full-size pickup in a more manageable footprint. Its core identity centered on a fully boxed frame, strong V6 performance, useful bed hardware, competitive towing and genuine off-road ability. King Cab and Crew Cab layouts supported both work and everyday use, while the relatively compact exterior made narrow roads, trails and parking easier than with a full-size truck.
The 2009 Frontier ranges from the work-focused, four-cylinder XE to the comfort-oriented V6 LE, which has a power driver’s seat and a bed-channel cargo system. PRO-4X is the trail-focused version, with Bilstein shocks, skid plates and an electronic locking rear differential, while SE fills the middle of the lineup.
What changed, by category
2009 Nissan Frontier specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 19 mpg | 15–16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 152–261 hp | 152 hp | 261 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft | 171–281 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6100–6500 lb | 3500–6100 lb | 3500 lb | 6300–6500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 25.4–33.6 in | 25.4–33.6 in | 25.4 in | 25.4–33.6 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||
| Stability Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Nissan Frontier?
The biggest change is a refreshed exterior with a redesigned front end, grille and headlights. This makes 2009 the mid-cycle update year for the second-generation Frontier.
Did the 2009 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X replace the NISMO Off-Road model?
Yes. PRO-4X succeeded the NISMO Off-Road model for 2009 and kept the off-road focus with Bilstein shocks, skid plates and an electronic locking rear differential.
Did the 2009 Nissan Frontier get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2009 Frontier had no significant engine or transmission changes. XE retained its 152-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while the V6 trims used the 261-hp 4.0-liter V6.
Did every 2009 Nissan Frontier get revised dashboard controls?
No. The revised center audio and climate-control layouts were limited to V6 models; four-cylinder trucks did not receive that update.
Were side and curtain airbags standard on every 2009 Nissan Frontier?
No. Side and curtain airbags remained optional for 2009 rather than becoming standard across the full lineup.