What it is: The Borrego is Kia's full-sized SUV that is equipped with either a 3.8L 276hp V6 or a 337hp 4.6L V8. It provides seating for seven in a mid-sized SUV/crossover package. After the under-stimulating Kia Amanti, I had low expectations for the Borrego. Fortunately, I was absolutely blown away with the complete package that Kia provides. The exterior looks wonderful with a stylish hood and front end and big chrome wheels. The interior was incredibly refined and provided much better amenities than previous Kias I have reviewed. Seat warmers, touch-screen navigation, moon-roof, great interior, build quality, perforated leather seating and steering wheel audio controls awaited me in the Borrego. The car has a high profile but not hard to get into, and the interior provided a feeling not necessarily of luxury (a la BMW or Mercedes), but of a high-end Honda or Toyota.
Upsides: The car is a complete package, and performed as such. The sound system, interior fit and finish, exterior looks, suspension and engine were all great. Gas mileage is a very-acceptable: 17mpg/city considering it's a seven passenger, V8 4X4 SUV. The audio system not only offered an aux-in port, but a USB port as well, so you can charge your iPod or other accessory (like a phone) while you are driving around.
Downsides: The engine and car don't have any history, so problems may present themselves down the road, but the car comes with a 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty, so you don't have to worry too much.
Cost: Starts at $26,995 for a V6 2WD and tops out at a little more than $40,000 for a loaded version.
Final word: Very few of the cars I drive would I recommend to someone to buy, and this is one of them. An incredibly competent and complete package paired with a good price and great warranty equals a good deal. Kia is offering 2.5 percent financing and $1,000 cash back on the 2009 models, so it is a great time to buy as well.
Wilson Calvert
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