New 2009 Kia Sportage SUV Features And Prices

The 2009 Kia Sportage is certainly a value leader in the compact SUV segment. It's noted for its long standard feature list, its attractive and well-made interior, its strong safety ratings, and its excellent warranty.

And still further enhancements have been introduced for the 2009 model year, including a revised grille and headlights, color-keyed bumpers, new alloy wheels, several electronic upgrades, additional standard audio system features (satellite radio plus auxiliary and USB jacks) and an optional navigation system made available for the first time.

Standard Features And Options:

The 2009 Sportage is classified as a compact crossover SUV and is offered in two trims: LX and EX, both of which offer a choice of front or all-wheel drive.

Standard features on the LX model include alloy wheels (16 inch), keyless entry, full power accessories, rear windshield wiper, and a six-speaker audio system featuring a CD player, MP3 capability, satellite radio and auxiliary and USB jacks. In addition, air conditioning is standard on all models except front-drive, four-cylinder LX models equipped with the manual transmission.

The EX model has all of the above, plus a V6 engine, sunroof, foglamps, heated outside mirrors and a trip computer.

Available stand-alone options include remote starting, navigation, side step bars, and leather seating (EX).

Two optional packages are also available. There's a Sport package for the LX V6 that includes 17 inch wheels, foglights, sport gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a rear spoiler, a black mesh grille, and the upgraded audio system from the EX.

There's also a Luxury package for the EX that adds heated front seats, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming mirror, and a premium audio system with a 6-disc CD changer.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering the Sportage LX is either a 2.0 liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.7 liter V6 that delivers 173 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is standard issue on the EX. The V6 is also coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission on both models. The inline-4 can be mated with either a five-speed manual or the four-speed automatic.

EPA gas mileage estimates for the Sportage range from 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the front-drive, four-cylinder model, to 18 mpg city and 23 highway for an AWD V6.

Safety:

With a strong emphasis on safety, standard features on all Sportage trims include antilock disc brakes (ABS), stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

In addition, in government crash testing, the 2009 Sportage scored a perfect five out of five stars for both frontal and side impact crash protection for both the driver and passengers.

Interior:

The interior of the Sportage is attractive and well designed with solid build quality. The gauges and displays of the many available features are also easy to read and user-friendly.

And while there's ample room for front passengers, large adults in the second row could be a bit cramped (remember, this is a "compact" SUV). Regardless, the rear seat design produces plenty of cargo room due to the folding seat that lowers into the footwell, creating a flat load floor that allows for up to 67 cubic feet of cargo.

Drive:

The Sportage is not trying to impress with its zooming acceleration, even in V6 form. Instead, its modest but adequate power is delivered smoothly and the Sportage performs capably around town and on the highway. It possesses a carlike ride and the handling is actually somewhat nimble, giving it a bit of an additional edge over some of the other compact crossover SUVs.

Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Kia Prices:

Kia sales were down again last month, evidence of the continuing weak economy and an especially weak car buying trend. There's some good deals to be had right now in this very soft car market.

How To Buy A New Kia Sportage At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Sportage, here's a technique that will show you the best way to buy one at or below invoice, especially given the current slow economic environment.

Price:

2009 Kia Sportage SUV:

LX, FWD, manual: listed retail price: $16,695, invoice price: $15,895
LX, FWD, auto: listed retail price: $19,695, invoice price: $18,735
LX, 4WD, manual: listed retail price: $20,195, invoice price: $19,225
LX, FWD, auto, V6: listed retail price: $20,695, invoice price: $19,560
LX, 4WD, auto,V6: listed retail price: $21,995, invoice price: $20,750

EX, FWD, auto, V6: listed retail price: $21,900, invoice price: $20,480
EX, 4WD, auto,V6: listed retail price: $23,400, invoice price: $21,850

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2009 Kia Sportage Features And Prices