2009 Kia Optima Review
2009 Kia Optima Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent crash scores, plenty of standard features at a low price, spacious backseat, generous warranty, surprisingly involving to drive around town.
Cons
- V6 offers little advantage over the more efficient inline-4, automatic sometimes slow to downshift.
What’s new
A face-lift for 2009 makes the Kia Optima slightly longer and more aggressive, while a new SX trim level lends a sporty flair with blackout accents and 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition to the visual tweaks, the Optima gains some muscle: the 2.4-liter inline-4 now makes 175 horsepower while the V6 puts out 194 ponies. Inside, the Optima has a new base audio system with satellite radio and a newly available navigation system. Last, standard safety equipment grows as antilock brakes and stability control become standard across the board.
Edmunds says
Once a forgettable entry in the family sedan segment, the updated-for-2009 Kia Optima stands as a recommended choice, thanks to its respectable driving dynamics, value-packed features list and welcoming interior.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$147/mo for Optima LX
Optima LX
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Like Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, the 2009 Kia Optima is an out-of-the-spotlight player that's fully capable of delivering the goods when need be. Rather than dazzle those in the stands with either a deep-center homer or a struck-out-swinging-for-the-fences at bat, Lowell is more apt to hit a single or double and get a few runners across the plate. And though the Optima isn't capable of making a great catch and starting a double play like Mr. Lowell, it likewise boasts a subtle, well-rounded character that's easy to like -- for those willing to take notice.
Previously, we described the Optima as being "styled by the witness protection program." Kia actually listened to our criticism, and some visual tweaks have been made to the 2009 Optima to make it look, well, less inconspicuous. But under the generic yet attractive enough styling is an admirable car that offers a lot to the midsize-family-sedan shopper, such as strong crash test scores, a lengthy features list and a well-crafted interior.
Following the Kia philosophy of offering maximum value, the Optima comes well-equipped for such a low price. In fact, a fully loaded EX V6 with leather, heated seats, premium audio and sunroof doesn't crack $24,000, which is about five grand less than similarly equipped rivals such as the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. Of course, those competitors, as well as every other car in this segment, offer a more powerful V6 engine than the Optima. Although the Optima's V6 has been upgraded to 194 hp for 2009, it's still down by as much as 76 horses compared to the strongest entries. On the upside, the standard four-cylinder has also been improved and boasts class-competitive power and fuel economy.
Overall, we think pretty highly of the 2009 Kia Optima. Though lacking the higher levels of refinement and performance found in the Accord, Altima and Hyundai Sonata, the Kia shines as a well-made, well-rounded choice at a low price, especially when compared to four-cylinder models like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion and gradually slipping Toyota Camry. As with the Red Sox third baseman, the Optima may not be the most ballyhooed player in the game, but considering how competent this Kia is, it certainly belongs on your scouting list of top prospects.
Performance & mpg
The base engine on all 2009 Kia Optimas is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes a competitive 175 hp and 169 pound-feet of torque. Available on the EX and SX trim levels is a small-for-the-segment 2.7-liter V6 that produces 194 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX. Optional on the LX and standard on the EX and SX is a five-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel mileage estimates are 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined for the four-cylinder (both manual and automatic) and 20/28/23 for the V6.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, stability control and traction control.
Crash test scores for the Optima are top notch. The government gave it a perfect five stars for front and side impact protection, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the highest possible rating of "Good" in its frontal offset crash test. The IIHS side impact test resulted in a second-best "Acceptable" rating.
Driving
Between stoplights the 2009 Kia Optima V6 feels plenty powerful, but that engine runs out of steam as the rpm climb. Passing power is adequate but unimpressive for a V6 in this class, and the five-speed automatic is reluctant to downshift. Thankfully, there is a manual mode when you want some extra punch. Given the boost in power it received this year, we'd therefore recommend the base four-cylinder engine for most buyers, as it provides fully adequate performance while keeping the price and fuel consumption low.
Thanks to its tightly tuned suspension and relatively communicative steering, the Kia Optima has a somewhat sporty feel around town, especially the new SX model. The trade-off is that this Kia ultimately doesn't feel as luxurious as more plush-riding midsize sedans. In addition, if you start pushing it harder in the corners, that sportiness goes away quickly, something that might be cured with a set of performance tires. However, most folks won't be looking for all-out sport sedan athletics in this segment. Used as a daily commuter and family car, the Optima provides more entertainment behind the wheel than one would rightly expect.
Interior
Like the exterior, the 2009 Optima's cabin isn't a standout in terms of visual presentation. However, it counters any lack of character with simple control layouts and good interior materials. On both counts, it outdoes better-known competitors like the Toyota Camry, but not the Accord and Sonata.
There's plenty of legroom up front, and the seats are well-shaped and supportive with nicely padded bottom cushions. Legroom is good in back as well, but those seat bottoms are a little short, offering less support for long-limbed occupants than many rivals' accommodations. Trunk capacity is 15 cubic feet, and all Optimas have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
2009 Kia Optima models
The 2009 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan offered in LX, EX and SX trim levels.
Standard equipment on the LX includes 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering column, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary and USB audio jacks. LX models with the optional automatic transmission gain keyless entry, cruise control and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls.
The Optima EX adds (to the LX) 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, chrome door handles, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer and further upgraded interior trim. The SX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a blacked-out grille and headlight trim leather and cloth seating, aluminum cabin accents, and sport pedals.
A handful of optional, trim-level-specific packages can add equipment. Those for the EX and SX trims offer luxuries such as a power sunroof, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, a manual rear-window sunshade, power adjustable pedals and an upgraded audio system with a subwoofer and a six-CD/MP3 changer. A navigation system is a stand-alone option on the EX and SX trims.

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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Kia Optima.
5 star(74%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
51 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Transmission
dholder35, 04/27/2013
2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
KIA needs to make a better transmission. This is the second Kia Optima I have owned and the transmission always seems to go out. The service department will always say you need a transmission flush, but then after the warranty runs out the transmission will quit working and I have to pay for the transmission to be replaced. When I
apply my brakes the transmission will down shift hard.
5 out of 5 stars
4th kia
LONG TIME KIA FAN!, 08/24/2009
2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
Had for 6 months and have put 4,000 miles on it. Had a 2006 sportage and saw the optima and had to have it. I am blown away at the attention it gets. People are always telling me they love its looks and the red color is sharp. I just smile when I pull up beside a accord or Camry and think to myself I saved thousands and have an equal car. The optima feels smooth and plenty of power from … the I-4 it only has a few less horse power than the v-6, save a few bucks and buy the I-4. The trunk really holds a lot and the car is comfortable on long trips. The gas mileage is as advertised which many cars do not match up. So we are very pleased. We do recommend kia to everyone we know.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Second car, Love it!
carmansam22, 09/25/2011
2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Great Car! Bought it Oct. 11, 2010. Haven't had any problems with the car. It's the first 5 speed I've owned and I love it. It's pretty quick and fast, I can downshift to third and pass cars with no problem. I once had a loaded car (at least 800ibs extra weight), driving up steep hills and still got 25MPG. I feel I got a lot for what I paid, just a little over 12,000.
5 out of 5 stars
Good Choice
1st Time Kia Owner, 07/27/2010
2009 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
Traded in a gas hogging Ford Windstar. It served us well for 8 yrs. but it started to have electrical problems at 90K miles. I told the wife that I was going to buy her an import this time because everybody knows they are more reliable, last longer, and you generally get a fair trade in value. I took a long time shopping on the internet and this Kia Optima was by far the best value … for the money. As others have stated the standard equip. is very generous. But that was not the main reason I purchased this vehicle. It was safety. Here's a quote from the carconnection.com: " When it comes to crash-test ratings, you won't find many better than that of the Kia Optima's. 10/10 crash test."
2009 Optima Highlights
LX
Base MSRP | $17,495 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $147/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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