Kia has made some significant changes to the Borrego for 2009, making the three-row, seven-passenger SUV a solid contender in its market.
For the first time ever, Kia is using a V8 engine. The Borrego is featured with a V6, as well as the optional 32-valve, 4.6-liter V8. This was the power plant in my tester. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the V8 generates 337 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The engine's torque rating is exemplary. It produces 323 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm.
In my V8 tester, with a curb weight of 4,621 pounds, this powerful pulling force was felt immediately under throttle. The big and forceful Borrego is smooth running as it proceeds through its six automatic shift points. With all this force under the hood, the Borrego can tow 7,500 pounds of trailer weight.
My 4x4 tester had a base price of $32,995. Its official 2009 EPA fuel economy ratings are 15 miles per gallon city and 20 mpg highway. The Borrego runs on regular gasoline and has a fuel tank capacity of about 21 gallons.
The 4x2 Borrego starts at $26,245 and is standard equipped with the 3.8-liter V6. This engine is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission and has a horsepower rating of 276 at 6000 rpm and torque rating of 267 pound-feet at 4400 rpm. The V6 towing capacity is capped at 5,000 pounds. EPA estimates on this power plant come in at 21 mpg highway on both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions.
The Borrego is a true truck and competes with offerings from other top manufacturers. Kia's body-on-frame sport utility vehicle has a double wishbone front suspension with shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. The coil-over springs rear multi-link suspension incorporates a damper and stabilizer bar.
The Borrego is good for on-road towing and off-road adventures. This Kia SUV has a typical ground clearance of 8.5 inches. Drivers who will be doing off-roading should inquire with the dealer about skid plate protection.
The entry model Borrego has a high level of standard amenities, such as air conditioning; power windows, door locks and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control; and a six-speaker sound system with MP3.
The up-level tester came standard with dual-zone climate control, Sirius satellite, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power seats, sliding and reclining second row seats, a back-up warning system and active head restraints.
A high level of standard safety equipment is offered. It includes electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and six air bags. The V8 model has seven air bags with a driver's knee air bag.
2009 Kia Borrego EX
Vehicle type: seven-passenger 4WD SUV
Base price: $32,995 (as tested: $39,295)
Engine type: 32-valve DOHC V8 with SFI
Displacement: 4.6 liter
Horsepower: 337 net at 6000 rpm
Torque: 323 pound-feet at 3500 rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 114 inches
Track: (front/rear) 64/64 inches
Overall length: 192 inches
Overall width: 75 inches
Height: 71 inches
Turning circle: (curb-to-curb) 36 feet
Curb weight: 4,621 pounds
Fuel capacity: 21 gallons
EPA mileage rating: 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway
Connie Keane
Motor Matters
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