Kia Borrego SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Kia Borrego was a here and then gone model. It was only available for one model year in the US. During the height of the transition from truck based SUVs to the crossover phenomenon the Kia Borrego stood out like a sore thumb as a full size truck based SUV that was very obviously based on a truck. Low range gearing, 4 wheel drive, and the V8 engine were all options that were actually necessary to make the Borrego function the way it was meant to. This was not a strong selling point and buyers returned quickly to the crossover models that caught their attention.
With the optional package the Kia Borrego was reasonable when it came to chasing down off road adventures. It was also reasonably strong in towing capacity. There were originally high hopes for the Borrego but ultimately poor timing and optional necessities brought the dismal year end sales to a close with a final farewell.
The 2009 model year saw the first Kia Borrego on the showroom floor. Even with all of its promising features and the reasonable value and quality the used vehicle market will not reward the owner very well. Any time a company only makes a vehicle model for one single year the parts are difficult to find should the need arise. Eventually, of course, the need will arise. The Kia Borrego can't be counted as a quality used vehicle for this reason alone.
If you're willing to risk not being able to find the suitable parts and have a contingency plan the Kia Borrego was available in two different trims. The LX and the LE models were both introduced simultaneously. Engine sizes were either the 3.8 liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 267 pounds of torque or the 4.6 liter V8 that afforded abut 337 horsepower and 323 pounds of torque. If the SUV was outfitted with the V6 engine then it was paired with the 5 speed automatic transmission. If it was outfitted with the V8 engine then it was paired with the 6 speed automatic transmission.
The stability of the Kia Borrego was rather impressive. A lower body and wider wheel base helped to ensure all 4 tires stayed on the ground through turns and other traditionally difficult areas of stability for the SUV market. With the seating arrangement intact, the cargo capacity was a dismal 12.4 cubic feet. The third row of seats fit more passengers but left little room for their general stuff. Fortunately, the third row of seats was easy to fold flat to increase cargo space.
The Kia Borrego came with the typical interior standard equipment like satellite radio, six speakers, and the CD and MP3 player. The exterior was rather unnoticeable. It didn't come out of the gate as a showy vehicle and thus it was rather likely to be forgotten sooner rather than later. Most consumers can't even remember seeing one on the roadways for the single year it was out. An all around average SUV with basic features and reasonable performance can be had on the used market with easier and less expensive access to parts.
With the optional package the Kia Borrego was reasonable when it came to chasing down off road adventures. It was also reasonably strong in towing capacity. There were originally high hopes for the Borrego but ultimately poor timing and optional necessities brought the dismal year end sales to a close with a final farewell.
The 2009 model year saw the first Kia Borrego on the showroom floor. Even with all of its promising features and the reasonable value and quality the used vehicle market will not reward the owner very well. Any time a company only makes a vehicle model for one single year the parts are difficult to find should the need arise. Eventually, of course, the need will arise. The Kia Borrego can't be counted as a quality used vehicle for this reason alone.
If you're willing to risk not being able to find the suitable parts and have a contingency plan the Kia Borrego was available in two different trims. The LX and the LE models were both introduced simultaneously. Engine sizes were either the 3.8 liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 267 pounds of torque or the 4.6 liter V8 that afforded abut 337 horsepower and 323 pounds of torque. If the SUV was outfitted with the V6 engine then it was paired with the 5 speed automatic transmission. If it was outfitted with the V8 engine then it was paired with the 6 speed automatic transmission.
The stability of the Kia Borrego was rather impressive. A lower body and wider wheel base helped to ensure all 4 tires stayed on the ground through turns and other traditionally difficult areas of stability for the SUV market. With the seating arrangement intact, the cargo capacity was a dismal 12.4 cubic feet. The third row of seats fit more passengers but left little room for their general stuff. Fortunately, the third row of seats was easy to fold flat to increase cargo space.
The Kia Borrego came with the typical interior standard equipment like satellite radio, six speakers, and the CD and MP3 player. The exterior was rather unnoticeable. It didn't come out of the gate as a showy vehicle and thus it was rather likely to be forgotten sooner rather than later. Most consumers can't even remember seeing one on the roadways for the single year it was out. An all around average SUV with basic features and reasonable performance can be had on the used market with easier and less expensive access to parts.
I don,t understand why KIA let the competition convince them to do away with a better vehicle than what the competition could build. A small V8 w/337hp and great economy. which could tow more than the most popular pickup truck. And now there is that same popular pickup with 4 distinct engines and not one of them give the same fuel consumption/horsepower/towing capacity as the Borrego. Maybe you should work a deal with Dodge ram 1500 using the Borrego V8, 337HP, 6 speed tranmission and comparative differential as that of the Borrego. I am waiting for a new Borrgo to appear.
I totally agree Gerald, I own a Borrego EX Limited and I love it to death.
I had to rent one when I was out of town and someone tried to steal my car. I loved it. didnt want my car back. I am considering purchasing one now.
I've owned a Borrego LX 4wd for 2 years now.. and I love it. My husband is the primary driver and he uses it for work. It has never given us a problem. And it's a great looking car
I rented a Borrego on a trip to Oklahoma City and was impressed by its performance. When I went back home, I looked for it at the Kia dealer and they told me that Kia didn't produce it anymore. Dissapointing!! It Is a good SUV, I think better than Ford Explorer and with the Explorer going croosover now, the Borrego could be the right choice.
I am renting a Borrego after totaling my Suzuki Grand Vitara. I LOVE this vehicle. I don't understand why it didn't sell but I am going to try to find one to buy. The features it offers are excellent & giventhe choice between the this & the Suzuki I would take the Borrego hands down.
We bought our Borrego in 2009. We've driven it two years now with no troubles. We love our Borrego and see nothing on the market that compares to it at this point.
I was happy with the car from the beginning. Than I found out that my V8 model is equipped with a BMW engine from the X5 and a transmission from a 745. That made me loved the Borrego even more since I traded in my 325 for this one. I am super happy.
Just purchased a 2011 Borrego EX V8 Luxury and Love it!! Fit & Finish are on par or better than my 2010 Infiniti G37X Coupe and the Borrego has more features (except NAV). The V8 has tons of torque and is smooth as glass. Fuel economy is better than my old 2005 Kia Sorento 3.8L V6! Full frame and 7500lb towing capacity plus all the other creature comforts makes me wonder why this model stopped being imported into North America after 2011. Sure am glad I got mine!
I bought my Borrego EX V8 Limited March 2011. I wanted one in 2009, but I just could not afford it. Once Kia stop selling it in the US, they prices dropped. While at the dealership, some one was looking for the Borrego I just purchased. He wanted to buy it from me, WOW. It drives like a dream, it does not like speed bumps much. A body on frame SUV no doubt. If down the road you need parts, well they are still selling the Borrego in Canada. Just make the drive up there. lol