Model Strengths:

• Utility and Cargo Versatility
• Pro-4x Off-road Model
• V6 Power
• Towing Ability.

Model Overview:

The mid-size 2009 Nissan Frontier pickup comes in two cab styles-King Cab and Crew Cab. The King Cab has smaller, rear-hinged rear doors and the Crew Cab has full-size, front-hinged rear doors and a larger rear-seat area. The King Cab is available in a single bed length, while the Crew Cab is available in standard bed and long bed versions.

The Frontier shares its basic layout, including the suspension and other components with the larger Titan pickup. The suspension combines a double-wishbone front setup with a solid-axle and leaf springs at the rear.

The base XE and SE Frontier King Cab 2WD trucks have a 152-horsepower, 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. All other Frontiers are powered by a 4.0L V6 engine, making 261 horsepower and 281 ft-lb of torque. The predominantly aluminum, double-overhead-cam engine utilizes continuously variable valve timing, variable induction and a number of attributes for smooth operation and efficiency. Four-cylinder models have a 5-speed manual transmission standard, while V6 models get 6-speeds. A 5-speed automatic is available on both.

On V6 models, a 4-wheel-drive system is available, featuring electronically controlled shift-on-the-fly engagement and a low range. The 4WD models also bring a 4-wheel limited-slip system. Hill Descent Control helps maintain a steady, slow speed while descending especially steep slopes, while Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows a smooth, controlled start on a steep incline without roll-back. Both features are standard on all SE and LE models with 4-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

The top-of-the-line LE includes the V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission, as well as additional features such as 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, 8-way adjustable power driver's seat and side step rails.

There's also a PRO-4X off-road edition, available in King Cab or Crew Cab SE V6 versions with either 2WD or 4WD, which brings Bilstein performance shocks, an electronic-locking rear differential and 2- and 4-wheel anti-lock-brake-controlled limited slip. The PRO-4X also includes additional skid plates and 16-inch off-road tires.

The Frontier has several innovative storage options, including storage boxes under the rear seats, a large center console, a dual-compartment glove box and several power points. The Utili-track system, which brings removable utility tie-down cleats and secure attaching channels, is available and especially useful for securing heavy cargo that doesn't take up the entire bed. A factory-applied spray-in bedliner is standard with SE V6 Crew Cab, as well as the PRO-4X and LE models

Front-seat side air bags are standard, as are side-curtain air bags that cover front and rear occupants and stability control is standard on V6 models.

Model Changes:

Following several styling updates last year, the 2010 Nissan Frontier receives only minor changes. New standard safety features include side curtain airbags on all models and stability control for V6 models.

The increased availability of the Frontier's 5-speed automatic transmission for XE models is also new this year, as is standard Active Brake Limited Slip for all SE and LE V6 models. Hill start assist and hill descent control is now standard for all SE and LE models with 4-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

Model Value:

The 2010 Nissan Frontier is a good, manageably sized alternative to full-size trucks, and its V6 engine is one of the most powerful in its class. The truck also stands out for its unique Utili-track system and plentiful interior storage bins. Towing ability is a strong point for the Frontier, too--properly equipped it is rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds.