INTRO TO THE BORREGO
The roomy 7-passenger Kia Borrego is new to the market and ready to elevate the ordinary by claiming it's a "new kind of luxury SUV." However, the Borrego doesn't necessarily stand out from other mid-size SUVs in its class -- and that's not an insult.
For a newcomer, the Borrego merges easily, fitting somewhere between the more traditional-looking SUVs like a Honda Pilot or a Ford Explorer with its contemporary styling, third-row seating, and not-too-big presence. It does everything any regular SUV can do: tow up to 7,200 pounds; handle inclement weather and steep grades with its 4-wheel drive components; 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds.
The Borrego can cost a few thousand less -- the 375-horsepower V8 engine with sunroof, leather seating and rear AC controls will run you about $32,795 -- which is more of a second-row, smaller SUV price. First viewed by critics as entering the market a little too late due to the high rise of gas, each day fuel costs go down is another day the Borrego finds an edge with a consumer who wants affordability and size.
HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA
Stylish But Comfortable Results: Getting in, I find flexible steering wheel adjustment, along with power and heated seating. Center console looks like the engineers gave thought to iPods -- you can hide your working MP3 player in the center system nicely and keep cords hidden. Turn dials for 4-wheel drive components mounted on dash (easy to use). Second row climate controls are a bonus -- three back here would be comfortable. Easy access to optional third row. Back lift gate is not automatic. There is a removal mat in the cargo area, which is nice for keeping things clean.
Reliability & Safety Factor: You get a great 10-year/100,000 mile warranty with Kia Motors. It does have all the goods: anti-lock brakes; stability control; front, side and overhead airbags;
Cost Issues: A standard Borrego with a V6 engine and 4WD drive runs you $28,295; with the V8 about $30,995. And then there are the features and options. Add on power driver's seat and leather seating trim for $1,200. The Luxury Package (heated seats, memory seating, 17-inch chrome wheels) cost $1,500; the Premium Package adds more to that (sunroof, rear AC with controls, exterior running boards) for $1,800 -- the former is actually a better deal.
Activity & Performance Ability: The Borrego is effortless on upgrades and acceleration, but I found that the independent coil-spring rear suspension lacks a sense of stability -- steering more than 4,500 pounds of steel is serious business. Suspension is bumpy and not much is absorbed during your on or off-road drive.
The Green Concern: Fuel consumption is more or less the same as any other mid-size SUV. EPA estimations for the V6 are 17/21-mpg in 2-wheel drive and 16/21 mpg for 4-wheel drive. The V8 gets 15/22-mpg on 2-wheel drive and 15/20-mpg in 4-wheel drive.
FINAL PARTING WORDS
I think Kia has something wonderful going with the compact SUVs like the Sportage -- the Borrego might have a slight edge in its class with affordability, but women need to test drive to see if the body-on-frame build and rear independent suspension meets their idea of stability.
©2008 Katrina Ramser
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