Last updated August 4, 2026
The Galant lineup starts with the ES and its fleet-oriented FE counterpart, both simple front-wheel-drive sedans with four-cylinder power. Sport Edition adds comfort and style, while Sport pairs that richer equipment with V6 power and upgraded audio. SE is the comfort-and-tech branch, built around premium cabin features. Ralliart is the performance model, with the strongest V6, sport-tuned suspension, and a more aggressive look.
The Base Model trim level—ES and FE—is the straightforward everyday Galant, with four-cylinder power and the core comforts expected in a midsize sedan.
Best for: Drivers who want a simple, comfortable daily sedan without upscale or performance-focused extras.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level—Sport and Sport Edition—is the better-equipped 2009 Galant, centered on added comfort and style, with Sport bringing a stronger performance flavor.
Best for: Shoppers who want heated seats, a sunroof, and a power driver’s seat; Sport suits those who also want V6 acceleration.
Highlights
Adds a sunroof, heated front seats and mirrors, automatic climate control, a power driver’s seat, and alloy wheels over the Base Model. Sport also brings a 230-hp V6, five-speed automatic, and upgraded audio, while Sport Edition retains the four-cylinder and four-speed automatic.
0 in stockThe Premium Comfort trim level, sold as SE, is the upscale four-cylinder Galant with a stronger focus on cabin technology and convenience.
Best for: Drivers who care more about a well-equipped, comfortable cabin than stronger acceleration or sportier handling.
Highlights
Moves beyond the Mid-Level comfort package with navigation, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a more powerful audio system, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
0 in stockThe Performance trim level, sold as Ralliart, is the quicker and more handling-focused Galant, backed by the lineup’s strongest V6 and dedicated suspension tuning.
Best for: Drivers who want midsize-sedan practicality with stronger acceleration, a firmer road feel, and distinctive sport styling.
Highlights
Shifts away from the SE’s comfort-tech emphasis and toward performance, with a 258-hp V6, five-speed automatic, Ralliart-tuned suspension, and 18-inch alloy wheels while retaining heated seating and premium audio.
0 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Performance | Premium Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | Sport, Sport Edition0 in stock | ES, FE0 in stock | Ralliart0 in stock | |
| Engine and output | Sport Edition: 2.4L four-cylinder; Sport: 3.8L V6, 230 hp | 2.4L four-cylinder, 160 hp | 3.8L V6, 258 hp | 2.4L four-cylinder, 160 hp |
| Automatic transmission | Four-speed on Sport Edition; five-speed on Sport | Four-speed | Five-speed | Four-speed |
| Cabin comfort | Automatic climate control; heated front seats and mirrors | Manual climate control | Heated leather-trimmed front seats | Automatic climate control; heated front seats |
| Driver’s seat | Power-adjustable with sport cloth | Core seating | Power-adjustable with leather trim | Eight-way power-adjustable |
| Audio system | Sport: 360 watts, eight speakers | 140 watts, six speakers | 360 watts, eight speakers | 650 watts, eight speakers |
| Defining upgrade | Sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels | Cruise control and keyless entry | Sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels | Navigation, rearview camera, and Bluetooth |
The ES is the mainstream base trim in the 2009–2012 lineup. It uses a 160-hp four-cylinder and four-speed automatic, with practical basics such as cruise control, manual climate control, keyless entry, and a six-speaker audio system.
The FE is a fleet-oriented base Galant found in the later lineup. It follows the same simple formula as the ES, with four-cylinder power, a four-speed automatic, manual climate control, cruise control, and 16-inch steel wheels.
The ES is the publicly marketed base trim, while the FE appears to be its fleet-coded counterpart. Their core equipment is very similar, so condition and maintenance history may matter more than the badge when comparing used examples.
On 2010–2012 Galants, the SE adds the comfort and technology missing from the ES. Key upgrades include navigation, a rearview camera, premium audio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated front seats, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and a power driver's seat.
Not really. In 2009, the Sport Edition was a comfort-and-style upgrade with the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder as the base car. It added a sunroof, heated seats and mirrors, automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
No. In the 2009 lineup, Sport Edition refers to the upgraded four-cylinder model. The Sport name in some trim listings corresponds to the Sport V6, which adds a 230-hp V6, a five-speed automatic, and stronger premium audio.
Both 2009 trims share a sunroof, heated seats and mirrors, automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Sport Edition has a four-cylinder and four-speed automatic; the Sport V6 has 230 hp, a five-speed automatic, and upgraded audio.
The 2009 Ralliart is the more performance-focused V6 model. It raises output from the Sport V6's 230 hp to 258 hp, then adds sportier suspension tuning, a front body-stiffening brace, 18-inch wheels, leather-trimmed heated seats, and projector headlights.
The ES is the straightforward choice for basic daily use. In the later lineup, it has the same 160-hp four-cylinder and four-speed automatic as the SE but skips the SE's more complex cabin technology and luxury features.
The SE is the better fit among 2010–2012 models. It combines the four-cylinder powertrain with navigation, a rearview camera, premium audio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated seats, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and a power driver's seat.
The 2009 Ralliart is the stronger performance choice. Its 258-hp V6 and specially tuned suspension make it more aggressive than the 230-hp Sport V6. The Sport V6 better suits someone who wants extra passing power without the Ralliart's firmer performance focus.
The better-equipped trims carry both features. In 2009, that includes Sport Edition, Sport V6, and Ralliart. On 2010–2012 models, the SE includes heated front seats and a power glass sunroof.
The SE includes both on 2010–2012 models. Its DVD-based touchscreen navigation works with a rearview camera and is paired with upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio. The ES and FE do not share that upscale technology package.