Impressive Warranty

Hyundai is Kia's corporate parent, so the Optima gets Hyundai's impressive warranty; it includes 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection and 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.

Kia is putting more marketing muscle behind the new Optima. Its predecessor received little marketing support, and most folks wanting a Kia sedan brushed past it in showrooms and headed for the automaker's Spectra model.

The front-wheel-drive Optima has quick steering and a decent ride, but the softness of an older Buick and thus just average handling. The brake pedal has a linear action to help provide smooth stops.

    See also:

    Kia's precise MDPS 'electric' power steering
    To save fuel and deliver responsive handling in everyday driving, new Kia cee'd retains Kia's Motor Driven Power Steering system (MDPS). This electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering has r ...

    Your vehicle at a glance
    Interior overview Instrument panel overview Engine compartment ...

    Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
    The 2009 Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV offered in two trim levels: LX and EX. The Sorento LX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, clot ...