2009 Nissan Sentra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Nissan Sentra is FE+ tuning for slightly better fuel economy on most 2.0-liter models with the continuously variable automatic transmission. Nissan also adds the sporty-looking SR FE+, while the broader lineup receives several small styling and equipment updates.
About the 2009 Nissan Sentra
6th generation (B16, 2007-2012), third model year before the 2010 styling refresh.
Nissan positions the Sentra as a roomy compact sedan with an upright seating position, useful storage, and a broader spread of personalities than many rivals. The regular 2.0 trims are aimed at daily commuting and easy ownership, while the SE-R pair add real performance without leaving the Sentra family. Compared with Civic and Corolla competitors of the time, Nissan leaned on cabin space, straightforward controls, available keyless tech, and a lineup that ran from fuel-economy-minded FE+ versions to the more serious Spec V.
The 2009 Sentra ranges from simple commuter versions to comfort-focused and performance models. The SL FE+ pairs leather seats, Bluetooth, and keyless entry and ignition with mileage-focused tuning, while the SR FE+ adds sportier bodywork without the stronger 2.5-liter engine. The 177-hp SE-R and manual-only 200-hp SE-R Spec V remain the performance standouts.
What changed, by category
2009 Nissan Sentra specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 25 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 33 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 140 hp | 140 hp | 140 hp | 140 hp | 140 hp | 140 hp | ||
| Torque | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | ||
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | |||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2009 Nissan Sentra redesigned?
No. The 2009 Sentra receives light updates rather than a redesign, and it remains part of the sixth generation introduced for 2007.
What is the main change to the 2009 Nissan Sentra?
The main change is FE+ fuel-economy tuning on most 2.0-liter Sentras with the continuously variable automatic transmission. These versions also wear FE+ badging.
What is the 2009 Nissan Sentra SR FE+?
The SR FE+ is a new-for-2009 trim that combines the regular 140-hp 2.0-liter engine and mileage-focused FE+ tuning with sportier bodywork, smoked light trim, a rear spoiler, and 16-inch alloy wheels. It looks more aggressive than the regular Sentra but does not use the more powerful SE-R engine.
What equipment became standard on the 2009 Nissan Sentra?
Automatic door locks and MP3 playback became standard across the 2009 Sentra lineup. Nissan also updated the seat trim and revised the trunk lid.
Did the 2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R models get FE+ tuning?
No. FE+ tuning applies to mileage-focused versions with the 140-hp 2.0-liter engine and continuously variable automatic transmission. The SE-R uses a 177-hp 2.5-liter engine, while the SE-R Spec V has a 200-hp 2.5-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission.