2009 Kia Borrego
A new model for 2009, the Kia Borrego is a traditional midsize SUV that seats seven passengers. It's available with either a V6 or V8 engine as well as a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Introduction
Kia is hoping to lure customers to its seven-passenger, body-on-frame SUV with the promise of luxury at a value price. The Borrego is Kia's first model to offer gadgets such as vofice-activated navigation, Bluetooth, keyless start and a back-up camera. Other options such as leather seating, an upgraded Infinity audio system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system may come as a surprise to shoppers who may have previously considered Kia strictly a bare-bones brand.
The 2009 Kia Borrego is up against long-running, top-selling midsize standbys such as the Ford Explorer,
Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder. And on paper, the Kia looks like a worthy contender. The Borrego has a slightly lower base price than these competitors, and offers all the necessities for an active family, such as a 60/40-folding second row and a 50/50-split third row. Its V8 boasts more horsepower than any of its other eight-cylinder rivals and still provides some of the best fuel economy in the segment. The Borrego also has the smallest turning circle, which in theory should make it a tad nimbler than the rest.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options f
The 2009 Kia Borrego midsize SUV is available in two main trim levels, LX and EX. Rear-drive Borrego LX V6 models come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a back-up warning system, an integrated tow hitch, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering column and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and auxiliary jack. The EX V6 trim adds fog lights, heated outside mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Borrego V8 models are also offered in the same LX and EX trim levels and are very similar in terms of equipment, but come standard with 18-inch wheels. Four-wheel-drive models are equipped similarly and also have a windshield de-icer.
In terms of options, there's a Convenience Package for LX models that adds leather seating and a power driver seat. Two additional option packages, Luxury and Premium, are available exclusively on the EX. The Luxury Package includes chrome wheels, leather upholstery, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a memory function for the driver seat and heated front seats. The Premium Package adds running boards, a sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, rear air-conditioning controls and a rear back-up camera. Additional options for the EX include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and voice-activated navigation.
Safety
Standard on the 2009 Kia Borrego are antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, downhill brake control, hill assist control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags with rollover sensor. Borregos equipped with the V8 engine also get a driver's knee airbag standard.
Awards and Accolades
Each year independent journalists and experts in the automotive industry recognize outstanding vehicles in areas such as design, safety and overall reliability. You can use these awards as a guide in the decision-making process.
Automobile Magazine calls the Borrego quiet, smooth and comfortable
Automobile Magazine found the Borrego's cabin very nice-looking with loads of gadgets
Motor Trend found the Borrego's exterior design to be clean and well-proportioned
Motor Trend calls the Borrego's interior logically laid out and good from an ergonomics standpoint
Motor Trend found the Borrego's ride quality to be comfortable, controlled, and quiet
Truck Trend found the Kia Borrego to offer class-leading power and fuel economy
