Kia launches the new seven-passenger 2009 Borrego this year with V6 or optional V8 power, and works over its bread-and-butter Optima sedan to improve both power and fuel economy. Like Hyundai, Kia is also offering a host of interior improvements to its 2009 model lineup, and new iPod connections, Sirius Satellite Radio options and revised audio systems should help Kia gain interest from young buyers.
2009 Kia Amanti: Kia's big 2009 Amanti sedan receives a new audio system with Sirius Satellite Radio and MP3 capabilities, plus auxiliary and USB jacks in the lower bin of the center console. A new 5.5-inch display monitor replaces the previous 4-inch monitor (now standard equipment with the Leather package), and the trip computer is relocated to the instrument cluster.
2009 Kia Borrego: Arriving as an all-new model this year, the 2009 Kia Borrego midsize SUV takes power from a 276-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 or an optional 4.6-liter V8 rated at 337 hp. Both engines are available with either rear-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. All V6 Borregos are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, and the V8 gets a six-speed automatic.
Available in two trim levels, the entry-level Borrego LX V6 model comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a back-up warning system, an integrated tow hitch, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping steering column and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and auxiliary jack. The EX V6 trim adds foglights, heated outside mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Borrego V8 models are also offered in the same LX and EX trim levels, but come standard with 18-inch wheels. Four-wheel-drive models are equipped similarly and also have a windshield de-icer.
An LX Convenience package adds leather seating and a power driver seat, and two additional options packages, Luxury and Premium, are available exclusively on the EX. The Luxury package includes chrome wheels, leather upholstery, a power tilt-telescoping steering column, a memory function for the driver seat and heated front seats. The Premium package adds running boards, a sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, rear air-conditioning controls and a rear back-up camera. Additional options for the EX include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and voice-activated navigation.
2009 Kia Optima: Kia's midsize Optima sedan gets a mild freshening for 2009, both in appearance and equipment. Most noteworthy are increases in power and fuel economy from the Optima's four-and six-cylinder engines. The 2.4-liter four is now rated at 175 hp (up from 162) and the 2.7-liter V6 climbs from 185 hp to 194 hp. Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS) are now standard across the Optima model line.
A revised hood, headlamps, grille, front bumper, foglights, fender and air intake opening update the Optima's exterior, as do new side sills and new steel and alloy wheel designs. The Optima's read end has been reshaped, and the sedan's overall length has grown from 186.4 to 189 inches.
A revised gauge cluster improves the Optima's interior appearance, and Sirius Satellite Radio and MP3 capabilities, along with auxiliary and USB jacks, are now standard on all Optimas. A navigation system is now optional on the EX and new SX trim, and the LX V6 Optima has been discontinued.
2009 Kia Rio: The subcompact Kia Rio receives standard Sirius Satellite Radio with MP3 capabilities, and LX and SX trims get a revised audio system with auxiliary and USB jacks. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are added to the LX and SX's Power package, and all Rios get a revised gauge cluster design and a new HVAC switch.
2009 Kia Rondo: Kia's tall five-passenger Rondo receives an optional 175-hp inline-4 cylinder engine for EX models, and an SULEV (super ultralow-emissions vehicle) engine is now available in select markets. A revised audio system with auxiliary and USB jacks is standard on all Rondos, with iPod integration through the head unit available with an optional iPod cable. A navigation system is optional on the Rondo EX and all models get a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob. New 16-inch wheels on the Rondo LX round out the changes.
2009 Kia Sedona: The 2009 Kia Sedona minivan gets the option of Sirius Satellite Radio, and a navigation system is now available on EX models. All new Sedonas benefit from new carpet.
2009 Kia Sorento: A revised front grille dresses up the 2009 Kia Sorento, as does new monotone exterior paint. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are now standard on the Sorento EX, along with leather seats, and all Sorentos now come standard with keyless entry and front active headrests.
A new Value package is now available for the Sorento, bundling a sunroof, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, and 16-inch machine-finished alloy wheels.
2009 Kia Spectra: Updates to the 2009 Kia Spectra are limited to changes to standard or optional equipment. Active front headrests are now standard on all Spectras, as is a revised HVAC fan speed control knob. Cruise control becomes standard on the Spectra EX, and a sunroof and antilock brake system (ABS) are now optional on the EX.
2009 Kia Sportage: Kia's Sportage SUV receives some mild exterior updates for 2009, including a revised front grille and head- and taillamp design. Front and rear bumpers are now body color, and a dual exhaust has been added to four-cylinder models. The Sportage's wheel arches have been reshaped to accent new alloy wheel designs for 16- and 17-inch tires.
Keyless entry is now standard for all Sportage models, as are front active headrests. Sirius Satellite Radio is now optional on all models, and iPod integration is available with a new optional iPod cable. Interior trim has also been updated throughout the cabin.
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