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Compact trucks are all great options for those needing a truck with reliable performance and versatility. The best compact pickup trucks from 2009 come from brands like Nissan, Honda, and Toyota. In the history of pickup trucks, 2009 was a year worth revisiting.

The best compact pickup trucks from 2009 include the Nissan Frontier

U.S. News has all the ratings for the 2009 Nissan Frontier, which came in first on the list of best compact pickup trucks. It came with plenty of engine choices and was pretty off-road capable for the time. Some even went so far as to call the Nissan truck’s ride refined. Depending on the engine choice, the Frontier gets up to 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Choices between an automatic transmission and a manual were available, as well as rear or four-wheel drive. It can also tow up to 6,500 pounds. J.D. Power and U.S. News gave the Frontier a five-star reliability rating.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2009 Nissan Frontier mixed reviews. It received some good scores, a margin rating on the side impact test, and a poor score for rear crash protection. Reliability was slightly different back in 2009, but there are still plenty of Frontiers on the road.

Honda’s Ridgeline is another one of the best compact pickup trucks from 2009

Face it; people love the 2009 Honda Ridgeline. U.S. News calls it a practical choice, but it has many innovative features other compact pickup trucks from 2009 didn’t get. The bed trunk has a lockable area, and the tailgate can accommodate different loads due to its design. 2009 brought a trailer hitch as standard on all trim levels, and Bluetooth was an available option.

The Ridgeline got 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. J.D. Power and U.S. News gave the Ridgeline a four-star reliability rating.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2009 Honda Ridgeline high scores on the moderate overlap, side impact, and rear crash tests. That was enough to earn the Top Safety Pick award.

You can’t have reliable trucks without the Toyota Tacoma

The best compact pickup trucks from 2009 include the Toyota Tacoma seen here
A 2009 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

The best compact pickup trucks from 2009 have to include the Toyota Tacoma. Good safety ratings, quality interior materials, and solid engines make the Tacoma a good all-around choice. The base four-cylinder engine averages 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which isn’t bad for a compact truck.

It can tow up to 6,500 pounds, and J.D. Power and U.S. News gave the Tacoma a three-star reliability rating. The Tacoma has a long history of reliability before and following 2009, even if the score is only average.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2009 Toyota Tacoma mostly good scores, like on the moderate overlap, side impact, and rear crash tests. It received a marginal score on the roof strength test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Tacoma high scores on the tests performed.

Check out the Dodge Dakota or the Ford Ranger if these options for the best compact pickup trucks from 2009 don’t work. These pickups are all great options for those needing a vehicle with reliable performance and versatility.

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