What Changed for 2009:

• Minor refresh for the 2009 model year
• Revised wheel arches, front grille, headlights and taillights
• Updated interior trim
• New alloy wheel designs
• Bumpers are now painted body color
• Keyless entry standard on all models
• Four-cylinder model receives dual exhaust

Overview
One of the original Kia models sold in the U.S. when the brand arrived in 1995, the Sportage was discontinued in 2002 when the Sorento was launched. Today’s 5-passenger Sportage shares its car-based platform—as well as many of its styling cues—with the Hyundai Tucson. The Sportage was re-introduced in 2005. After only minor changes for 2008, Kia has treated the Sportage to a minor refresh of both the interior and exterior for 2009. In addition, the SUV receives new standard features and additional audio options.

As with other Kia models, the 2009 Sportage is covered by a competitive warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage including roadside assistance; the powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Kia Sportage LX models start with front and rear tow hooks, roof rails and a front-end skid plate. It includes power windows and mirrors, rear privacy glass, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system. The EX adds a one-touch power sunroof, fog lights, heated outside mirrors, remote keyless entry, and upgraded seat fabric. Air conditioning is standard on all models, except for the LX.

All 2009 Kia Sportage models get 16-inch wheels, although versions with the V-6 engine get wider tires. The “drop-and-fold” rear seat creates a flat area for cargo carrying. The rear cargo area features four tie-down anchors plus an under-floor tray. The front passenger seat folds as well, allowing Sportage owners to carry ladders or other long objects. With the rear seat folded, cargo capacity expands to 66.6 cubic feet.

Powertrain
The standard engine in the 2009 Kia Sportage is a 140-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT). A 5-speed manual transmission is standard; a 4-speed automatic is optional. Optional with either LX or EX trim is a 173-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 engine, which comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shift capability. Both front-wheel- and full-time 4-wheel-drive (FWD and 4WD) models are offered. According to the EPA, 2009 fuel economy for the Sportage ranges from 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway in the FWD, 4-cylinder engine, manual-shifter model to 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the 4WD V-6 engine with automatic transmission.

Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2009 Kia Sportage includes front, side, and side curtain air bags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; and electronic stability control.

The Sportage earns an “Acceptable’’ rating in both frontal offset and side-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the 2009 Kia Sportage 5-star ratings for both driver and passenger frontal and side-impact ratings—a perfect score. The 2WD models receive 3-star rollover ratings, while the 4WD models receive 4 stars in the same test.

Technology
The Sport package, an option on 2009 Kia Sportage V-6 LX models, features fog lights; sport-gauge instrument cluster; black mesh grille; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; rear spoiler; cargo cover; and an upgraded 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. New technology for 2009 includes optional Sirius satellite radio, and iPod integration.