In recent years the Korean car makers Hyundai and Kia have been working overtime to build their reputation for high quality, fully equipped value vehicles. Both of them are gaining accolades all over the place for their 2009 range of vehicles, and the new Kia Borrego is no exception. This truck-based mid-sized seven-seater SUV has surprised many with its stylish exterior, great range of interior features, impressive performance and class-beating towing performance that positions it fair and square next to its rivals the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder. Although the Kia name will no doubt still turn some people off, those days are numbered, with Kia quickly emerging as a serious competitor. In these troubled financial times it may just be the remedy for those families who still want the size and utility of a big SUV, without the $50,000 plus cost.
2009 Kia Borrego Performance
The Kia Borrego offers two engine sizes. The 3.8-liter V6 generates 276hp and 267lb-ft of torque and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, while the 4.6-liter V8 produces 337hp and 323lbft of torque and features a six-speed automatic for much more efficient gear shifts especially uphill.
Both engines produce plenty of acceleration even for this heavy-weight SUV, and the V8 is right up there with its key competitors for power. In fact for pulling power, the V8 blows them all out of the water with a 7,500lb tow capacity. Even the V6 manages 5,000lb which is still a good 1,500lb more than your average crossover.
Rear-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive are both available on both engine types. The four-wheel drive is good for off-roading with locking center differential with a low range gear, and Downhill Brake Control and Hill Start Assist are impressive features on a budget SUV. However while all this is perfectly adequate for a bit of rough-roading, the comparatively low ground clearance and standard tires make deeper ruts and soft sand driving off-limits.
Handling in the Kia Borrego does not let you forget that this is a truck-based SUV, and there is plenty of body roll around corners and not a great deal of responsiveness from the steering. The mid-range torque on the V8 gives some problems when power is required at lower speeds with a slow throttle response time, but overall this is a SUV that is easy to drive and impressively quiet.
Fuel economy in the Borrego is on par with the other SUVs in the class at 17/21mpg city/highway for the V6 and 15/20mpg in the V8.
2009 Kia Borrego Interior and Features
Kia specializes in providing plenty of extra features as standard and both the base LX and top-of-the-line EX offer plenty of family-friendly bits and pieces to keep everyone happy. The LX comes standard with full power accessories, tilt/telescoping steering column, six-speaker stereo with CD and MP3 facility, iPod adapter, USB port, roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, back-up warning system, towing equipment, and a rear defogger. The EX trim adds dual-zone climate control, 8-way power controlled drivers seat, heated mirrors, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights and steering-wheel mounted audio and climate controls. The V8 models also offer 18-inch wheels.
If that is not enough, there are a number of attractive options packages that can add leather upholstery and a memory function on the powered seats, a sunroof and an upgraded Infinity stereo system with 10 speakers. There is also a voice-activated navigation system and DVD rear entertainment system available on the EX.
Seating is extremely comfortable and there is even more legroom in the second and third rows of the Borrego than the Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner. Still the third row seats may be best left to the kids as access in and out requires a bit of twisting. The second and third rows both fold into the floor and this is a good thing because with only 12.4cubic feet of storage behind the third row, there is not much space for all the family stuff apart from the roof racks. Many have commented that Kia’s oversight in leaving out the power liftgate makes a big difference to its overall appeal for large families.
2009 Kia Borrego Safety
Kia does a great job at building a safe vehicle and the Borrego features the full safety kit, from electronic stability control, four wheel ABS and brake assist to traction control to provide maximum control in emergency situations. The four-wheel drives offer hill ascent and descent control, there are front-seat active head restraints and dual front airbags, front side and side curtain airbags.
Safety features:
- Dual front, front side and side curtain airbags
- Stability control, ABS, brake assist and traction control
- Front seat active head restraints
- Tire pressure monitor
- Hill ascent/ descent control
Overall the 2009 Kia Borrego is a great testament to how far the Korean manufacturers have come in building high quality vehicles. The only shame is that it may be too late for the Borrego, as the SUV class shrinks in response to the shrinking American economy. On the other hand though, it may just be these cheaper utility vehicles that survive the crunch for their affordability.