The 2009 Kia Sportage has been minimally revamped for this model year, as well as the rest of the maker's lineup. The exterior of the five-passenger SUV gets a new front grille, revised headlamps and taillights, and body-colored front and rear bumpers. The bumper change gives the model a more unified look, and more prominent wheel wells make the model have a muscular appearance. Also, the 2009 Sportage now gets flashy 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, depending on which trim level a consumer purchases. Taking a look inside, this Sportage uses higher quality materials, and remote keyless entry is now included on all trims. Lastly, buyers can now opt for SIRIUS Satellite Radio and an MP3 input jack.

Under the hood, buyers can pick from either an economical 140 horsepower 2.0L I4 or a more powerful 173 horsepower 2.7L V6. With the I4's 136-lbs per foot of torque, it is more than enough to get it going, and the V6's 178-lbs per foot is a nice boost during acceleration. The I4 engine selection pays off with 23 city MPG and 28 highway MPG. Consumers can also choose from either a 2WD or 4WD edition of the Sportage to meet their unique driving needs. The I4 is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, but buyers can upgrade to a four-speed automatic with overdrive, while the V6 is already equipped with the automatic option.

Like the Mazda CX-9, the Kia Sportage can be fitted with many upgrades like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and accessories like remote start, premium floor mats, and a cargo net and cover. A CD player with six speakers is standard on all trims, while the V6 gets the MP3 input jack included as well. This allows drivers to synch their music player with the audio system inside the Sportage. Power windows, mirrors, and locks come standard, and rear privacy glass keeps prying eyes from checking out the cargo area. This SUV also gets two auxiliary power outlets to quickly power up any electronic devices.

Packages that can be added to the 2009 Kia Sportage include the Luxury Package with leather/heated seats and automatic headlights and the Sport Package which features a rear spoiler, black mesh grille, and a leather shifter knob. Buyers can fit their Sportage with a hood protector that guards the front end against damage from flying debris. A UV sunshade can also be purchased that fits inside the front windshield to protect the interior against the sun's rays and keeps the interior of the model cool during hot weather.

Overall, the 2009 Kia Sportage is a solid SUV with a number of features that can be added to customize the model to each driver's taste. Those that are looking for all of the extras included will need to search elsewhere, but for an entry-level SUV the Sportage hits the mark. Also, priced around $17,035, this 2009 Kia is one of the most affordable five-passenger SUVs on the market.