2009 Kia Borrego

TEST DRIVE—With two smaller SUVs already in its lineup, Kia has taken a traditional and expansive approach to its newest model. Named Borrego, the new midsize sport-utility vehicle is built like a truck, with a separate body and frame, and seats up to seven passengers. Both the compact Sportage and the smaller midsize Sorento hold five occupants.

Kia-First V-8 Power

Said to be inspired by Kia's "less is more" philosophy and meant to "convey a pure and functional look," the Borrego nevertheless pushes power. Kia's first-ever V-8 engine goes under the hood, making this the most potent Kia ever. Buyers who feel content with less than the 4.6-liter V-8's 337 horsepower can opt instead for a milder 3.8-liter V-6 version that makes 276 hp. Both engines use regular-grade fuel. A new six-speed automatic transmission mates with the V-8, while the V-6 works with a five-speed automatic. Estimated fuel economy is 15-mpg city/22-mpg highway with the V-8 and 2WD, dipping to 15/20 mpg with 4WD. The V-6 earns an estimate of 17/21 mpg with 2WD, and 16/21 mpg with 4WD. Kia claims class-leading towing capacity, of up to 7,500 pounds with V-8 power, or 5,000 with the V-6 engine. Borregos come with rear-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive.


Introduced at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January 2008, the Borrego is based on styling cues from Kia's Mesa concept vehicle, which appeared at the same show three years earlier. Flared-back headlamps flank the Borrego's upright grille, sitting beneath a chiseled hood. Built on a 114-inch wheelbase, the Borrego is 192.3 inches long overall and 75.4 inches wide. That compares to 171.3-inch overall length for Kia's Sportage and 180.7 inches for the Sorento.

7-Passenger Seating and Safety
Three rows of seats are standard, for up to seven-passenger capacity. Second- and third-row seats fold flat, and the sliding second-row seat eases access to the third row. Second-row seats recline, too. Full-length curtain airbags help protect occupants in all three rows. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags also are standard. All-disc antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist, which can help in emergency stops. Electronic Stability Control and traction control are standard, along with a tire-pressure monitor. LED turn-signal indicators are incorporated into each outside mirror.

Easy to drive and generally pleasant on the road, the Borrego approaches the experience provided by familiar midsize SUVs, but doesn’t quite match them in every respect. Highway acceleration with the V-6 leans toward the mild side. Despite its considerable power, the V-8 doesn’t propel a Borrego with much greater swiftness. Automatic-transmission shifts are quick and easy, however, often barely noticed.