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2009 Kia Optima Features Review

February 19, 2009

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

SX trims have electroluminescent gauges, custom leather seats and metallic trim
Cars.com

Way more ways to plug into your consumer electronics
Autoblog

Among the available features on the EX and SX are heated front seats, remote engine start, and a sunroof
ConsumerGuide

It's surprising what you can get for a relatively low base price these days, and in this world of surprises, the 2009 Kia Optima offers some big ones.

The 2009 Kia Optima is available in three trims: LX, EX, and new-for-2009 SX, with minor visual differences between the three. According to Cars.com, "sixteen-inch steel wheels come on the four-cylinder Optima LX, while other trims have 16-inch alloys" and the Kia Optima "SX has 17-inchers." Otherwise, the trims are nearly identical.

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com report an impressive number of standard features inside the 2009 Kia Optima. Car and Driver finds that the 2009 Kia Optima delivers "high standard-feature content [and] lots of standard features," as Cars.com adds that "air conditioning, power windows and locks, heated mirrors and a six-speaker CD stereo are standard." While the LX comes with standard cloth seats, ConsumerGuide notes that "leather upholstery is standard" on the EX, and Cars.com states that "SX trims have electroluminescent gauges, custom leather seats and metallic trim." Kia Optima V-6 versions come with dual exhaust outlets, while J.D. Power reports that "a new audio system in the 2009 Kia Optima is MP3 compatible and Sirius satellite radio capable, and features a USB port and an auxiliary jack."

For those who crave customization for their 2009 Kia Optima, the optional features list won't disappoint. J.D. Power says that "an optional navigation system is a first" for the Kia Optima, while ConsumerGuide lists "heated seats, sunroof, and power-adjustable pedals" among the other options. Kelley Blue Book calls the 2009 Kia Optima "well-equipped...above the basic transportation category," and Autoblog reviewers note that you have "way more ways to plug into your consumer electronics (USB, MP3 player plug, etc.)" with the new 2009 Kia Optima. The one major feature lacking from the 2009 Kia Optima is a Bluetooth connection for your cell phone.

Conclusion

A new navigation system for the 2009 Kia Optima rounds out what was already an impressive list of optional features for the Optima lineup.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:SX trims have electroluminescent gauges, custom leather seats and metallic trimCars.comWay more ways to plug into your consumer electronicsAutoblogAmong the available features on the EX and SX are heated front seats, remote engine start, and a sunroofConsumerGuide It's surprising what you can get for a relatively low base price these days, and in this world of surprises, the 2009 Kia Optima offers some big ones. The 2009 Kia Optima is available in three trims: LX, EX, and new-for-2009 SX, with minor visual differences between the three. According to Cars.com, "sixteen-inch steel wheels come on the four-cylinder Optima LX, while other trims have 16-inch alloys" and the Kia Optima "SX has 17-inchers." Otherwise, the trims are nearly identical. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com report an impressive number of standard features inside the 2009 Kia Optima. Car and Driver finds that the 2009 Kia Optima delivers "high standard-feature content [and] lots of standard features," as Cars.com adds that "air conditioning, power windows and locks, heated mirrors and a six-speaker CD stereo are standard." While the LX comes with standard cloth seats, ConsumerGuide notes that "leather upholstery is standard" on the EX, and Cars.com states that "SX trims have electroluminescent gauges, custom leather seats and metallic trim." Kia Optima V-6 versions come with dual exhaust outlets, while J.D. Power reports that "a new audio system in the 2009 Kia Optima is MP3 compatible and Sirius satellite radio capable, and features a USB port and an auxiliary jack." For those who crave customization for their 2009 Kia Optima, the optional features list won't disappoint. J.D. Power says that "an optional navigation system is a first" for the Kia Optima, while ConsumerGuide lists "heated seats, sunroof, and power-adjustable pedals" among the other options. Kelley Blue Book calls the 2009 Kia Optima "well-equipped...above the basic transportation category," and Autoblog reviewers note that you have "way more ways to plug into your consumer electronics (USB, MP3 player plug, etc.)" with the new 2009 Kia Optima. The one major feature lacking from the 2009 Kia Optima is a Bluetooth connection for your cell phone. ConclusionA new navigation system for the 2009 Kia Optima rounds out what was already an impressive list of optional features for the Optima lineup.  2009 KIA OPTIMA STYLING | [5 out of 10] Cars.com: "New face seems derivative of a lot of other cars" Autoblog: "Though all the sheetmetal is new, the '09 Optima still looks as interesting as white bread" ConsumerGuide: "Shares its basic design with the Hyundai Sonata " J.D. Power: ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Thanks to its bargain base prices, which start several thousand dollars less than the Camry and Accord (which are admittedly plusher and more refined), the 2009 Kia Optima appeals to shoppers who want their money to go the furthest in a new mid-size sedan. Versus a smaller sedan or more luxurious used car, the Optima offers an enviable new-car warranty from Kia. Other direct competition might include the Dodge Avenger, which flaunts a distinctly American design inside and out. The Avenger falls behind due to its coarse powertrain and chintzy interior materials. The Fusion also has standout styling but is much more fun to drive than the Optima, even as a base four-cylinder model. The new Malibu, though it costs only slightly more, feels in a class above, with a swoopy interior design, high-grade materials, and a very refined driving experience.

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See the Kia Optima in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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