Driving Impressions

More horsepower equals more pleasant riding and driving. The new V6 provides more than adequate torque for city driving and highway cruising, and is a significant improvement over the previous-generation engine's disappointing acceleration. On pavement, the independent front and solid-axle rear suspension provide a firm but overall agreeable ride. However, bumps and sharp impacts can intrude into the cabin. Steering feels good and body roll is minimal around corners. The truck-based frame and low-range transfer case are great for off-road trails.

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    Trailer towing
    WARNING - Towing a trailer If you don't use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not ...

    Powertrains and Performance
    Two engines are offered on the Sportage LX: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (140 hp and 136 pound-feet of torque) and a 2.7-liter V6 (173 hp and 178 lb-ft). The Sportage EX comes standard with th ...

    Competitive Warranty
    The 2009 Kia Optima is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warra ...