The midsize 2009 Kia Optima has been restyled, repowered and reappointed to add value and competitive appeal. Larger than Accord and Camry, the Optima’s fresh new style and improved mileage make this alternative more appealing than ever.

New styling front, side and rear adds visual excitement to the friendly Optima body shape. Optima's front grille and foglights have been restyled to create a more aggressive face. Side accent trim adds sportiness while a bolder styling line flows to the rear, ending on a fine edged rear deck. To complete the redesigned rear end, Optima’s taillights have been sleekly narrowed.

This year, the newest Optima is nearly three inches longer, with a total length of about 189 inches. Stance, as a result is noticeably longer, leaner and more athletic, while the cabin is more spacious and comfortable than ever before. The remaining dimensions stay the same for 2009.

For 2009, Kia has added the sporty SX trim, making a trio with the value-priced, yet well-equipped LX and the luxury-oriented EX trims. SX features an upgraded suspension system, 17-inch alloys, a sportier front grille, headlights and foglights and side-mirror mounted turn signals. EX and LX V6 trims feature 16-inch alloys.

For 2009, a more powerful 2.4-liter engine takes over, producing an additional 13 hp. The four-cylinder Optima now packs 175 hp and 169 lb/ft of torque. An available 2.7-liter V6 is controlled by a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-style Sportmatic™ shifting. Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS) ensure smooth shifting, enhanced fuel economy and ample power.

Optima's unibody frame houses independent front and rear suspension systems. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension layouts are joined with coil springs and anti-rollbars (standard equipment on all models) to provide responsive handling without compromising ride.

The Optima cabin has an entirely new look with a new décor including new color schemes and trim patterns and upgraded content, as well as a more impressive audio system with MP3 and SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability. A three-month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio is standard on all models. An optional in-dash DVD navigation system is an Optima first for 2009. In addition to a new “barrel-type” cluster, the driver’s instrumentation now has an easy-on-the-eyes red illumination. Two seat trims, in gray or beige, are offered in cloth for the LX and leather for EX with the new SX getting leather with aluminum trim, metal sports pedals and a systems information screen.

Optima still offers more standard features than any car in its class. The LX model features a six-speaker CD audio system and folding rear seats. The upgraded EX includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shiftknob, power leather seating and HomeLink^®. An Infinity audio system and power sunroof are also available.

For safety, the 2009 Optima features six standard airbags, side-impact door beams, intelligent safety belts and tethers, antilock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system and intuitive stability and traction control systems.

Like every Kia, the Optima is covered by a comprehensive warranty, one of the best offered by any carmaker. This warranty program includes a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also included.

It’s time you made your own comprehensive review of the 2009 Kia Optima.