New Borrego comfy, classy competitor.
Anyone who pays attention to automotive advertising has noticed the Kia spots promoting the new Borrego sport-utility vehicle. The ads claim it's "a new kind of luxury SUV."
Your first question should be: Why would Kia introduce a new body-on-frame SUV when sales of that segment have taken a dive? And what could possibly be new about a luxury SUV when every luxury accessory and trapping imaginable has already been sold for years?
The Borrego was inspired and designed when sales of heavy SUVs were sizzling and no end was in sight. The introduction just came a year or two late. But now it's a buyer's market, and that's good for you.
What's new about this SUV? The Borrego is the first truck-framed, V-8 SUV to come from South Korea, a source of pride to Kia and a hint that the sky's the limit now that Kia, and its Korean sister company Hyundai, are building cars about as good as any. Luxury? Sure, but be prepared to spend. New luxury? Nah.
Kia had the advantage of analyzing established SUVs and was able to deliver a very appealing truck. It's not like anything else, although the Borrego's size and masculine styling suggest the Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Borrego's towing capacity of 7,500 pounds is competitive with other trucks, and a selectable "auto-high-low" four-wheel-drive system is available, though without a locking differential. I consider that an essential feature for anyone headed to the backcountry in wet weather.
My Borrego test unit, an EX trim showpiece with all luxury options and the 337-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8, was stickered close to $39,295. About $2,000 of that was for the 4x4 system; $1,500 was for navigation.
A base Borrego with a 3.7-liter V-6, which I have not driven, starts at $27,000. Fuel mileage is just one mile per gallon better with the V-6, at least in Environmental Protection Agency estimates. I'd expect the V-8's combined city-highway mileage to be in the high teens.
The V-8 is $3,000 extra, and probably well worth it for the added capability, smoothness and its sweet six-speed automatic transmission. Compare Borrego prices with those of established SUVs and the new Kia looks even better, although discounts on all brands are juicy in this soft SUV market.
Unusual for a rugged, tow-capable SUV, an independent rear suspension smooths the Borrego's ride and aids in control during cornering.
Its handling competence and steering seem to approach or equal the Pathfinder's and Toyota 4Runner's, my top picks in this SUV class.
The Borrego's normally comfortable ride is jiggly and stiff over rough pavement, especially at freeway speeds. Noise isolation in the cabin is quite good.
My Borrego's cabin was posh indeed, as it should be for the price. Fit and finish, ergonomics, colors and textures, and build quality were excellent. I'd characterize the style as handsome functionality. The navigation system had sensible controls, but an electronic glitch had the little voice inside demanding repeatedly that I make a turn I'd already made a couple of miles back.
The third-row seat was larger than most in the class, though I found egress difficult. Third-graders will not have a problem.
The middle-row seats had adequate legroom and comfy cushions, and the front passengers had room to stretch out.
Altogether, it's a comfortable, competent vehicle and a worthy effort from Kia.
In his 27 years of writing a column for the Austin American-Statesman, Pete Szilagyi has driven more than 1,400 new cars and trucks. You may reach him at petesz@mac.com.
According to Pete ...
Target audience: Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner shoppers spooked by sticker shock; happy owners of smaller Kias; drivers who need an SUV, regardless of the price of gas.
Highs: Butch styling, comfort, fit and finish, willing engine, six-speed transmission.
Lows: Sometimes choppy ride, no serious off-road package, fuel mileage.
Bottom line: The timing may be late, but the product is right on.
EPA rating for greenhouse gas emissions (10 is best): Not yet rated
By Pete Szilagyi
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
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