Safety-Minded

Kia Optima / Overview / Safety-Minded

As with the rest of the Kia line-up, the 2009 Kia Optima is equipped with many safety features as standard equipment. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The Electronic Stability Control Package adds Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), brake assist and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.

    See also:

    Manual transaxle
    Manual transaxle operation The manual transaxle has five forward gears. Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, then release it slowly. A special safety feature prevents inadvertent ...

    Trunk
    Outside the vehicle • To open the trunk, insert the key into the lock and turn it to the right (clockwise). • To close the trunk, use both hands to push the trunk lid down. Check to see if ...

    On the Road
    During our seat time in and around Seattle, we test drove an EX with the Fuel Economy Package and an SX version. We found the EX's 5-speed automatic a bit annoying in its rush to get into fifth ...