Auto Guide
2009 Kia Spectra
Used

Review and specifications

2009 Kia Spectra

The redesigned 2004 Spectra offers a comfortable ride, quiet interior, and good fit and finish. The four-cylinder engine delivers lackluster acceleration with the automatic and unimpressive fuel economy. A Spectra5 hatchback was available starting in 2005. The Spectra comes with standard side- and head-protection air bags, but it still got a Poor in the IIHS side-crash test. ABS can be extremely hard to find.

Market value
$3,625
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2009
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated June 4, 2026

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2004

Pricing

Current retail median
$3,625
Retail value range
$3,025 - $3,675
Original MSRP range
$13,550 - $17,695
Trade-in range
$805 - $1,240

Ratings

Road test score
57/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
24 MPG
EPA highway
34 MPG
EPA combined
28 MPG
Tested city
18 MPG
Tested highway
36 MPG
Tested overall
25 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,535
Cruising range
370 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.8 sec
0-60 mph
11.4 sec
60-0 mph braking
144 ft
Avoidance speed
50 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
176 in
Width
68 in
Height
58 in
Wheelbase
103 in
Weight
2,875 lb
Maximum load
850 lb
Towing capacity
1,875 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5 in
Front leg room
41 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
28 in
Luggage
3+1+0

Brand context

About Kia

<p>For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among competitive small and midsized sedans, Kia sells the K4 and K5. For small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento are competitive with nice interiors, good ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have a useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, but buyers need to be attentive to reliability. Many new and used Kias earn our recommendation.</p><p><br/></p>

Vehicle ID: 6902 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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