As 2009 draws nigh, Kia's new 'Borrego' emerges as the mid-size luxury SUV you can actually afford
Who knew? The V-6-powered Borrego is rated to two up to 5,000 pounds, while V-8 models can handle a 7,500 pound trailer. The V-6 scampered to 60 miles per hour in just 8.1 seconds (without a boat) for this review. There's a lot of room and the optional leather interior was rated divine. It's the modern New Age family SUV.
Who knew, back when Kia started designing the Borrego, its first mid-size sport utility vehicle with rugged body-on-frame construction (and optional V-8 power) that it would arrive just as gasoline prices peaked?
Who knew that gasoline prices would begin free-falling as the credit market deteriorated and the economy started seizing up?
Who knew? Certainly not Kia, nor any other auto manufacturer, it seems.
One look at the specifications and you know the new Borrego has the right stuff to cope with difficult conditions.
Our week with a new EX model proved to us that the Borrego has the size, performance, equipment and price to get a leg up in the current economy.
"I'm driving one right now," said Dan Leonard, general manager of Crowley Kia in Bristol, "and I can tell you that it is a great vehicle for the money."
"The money" is $26,245, plus $750 for destination charges and handling, for an LX model with a generous list of standard features.
In addition to a peppy and refined 3.8-liter V-6 engine, rated at 276 horsepower, Kia includes a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, seating for seven in three rows, traction control, six air bags (including side curtain air bags that cover occupants in all three rows,) and all the comfort and convenience items expected in a modern family SUV.
This means air conditioning, power windows, power remote locks, power mirrors and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. All that is standard, plus with countless additional features that may seem unimportant when you see the list but make a real difference over time in day-to-day use of a vehicle.
There's also an upscale EX model, which was the model Kia loaned us. It added dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, a trip computer -- and heated power mirrors.
It also had four-wheel drive, an available option.
The EX also has, as an option, Kia's first V-8 engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Trials conducted during the press presentations this fall at Pocono in Pennsylvania and the Ontario race track in California demonstrated that the V-8 is refined and noticeably more powerful than the V-6.
Yet our V-6-powered Borrego driven in Connecticut delivered all the punch most drivers would ever need.
It scampered to 60 miles per hour in just 8.1-seconds.
V-6 models are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds while V-8 models can handle a 7,500-pound trailer.
If there was any quibble with the V-6's performance, it was the fact that the generally smooth-shifting automatic transmission required a healthy push on the accelerator pedal before it would downshift for added power during merging and passing maneuvers.
"Right now, people are looking at the EX with the V-8 engine and four-wheel drive. They want it loaded with Sirius radio, a power sunroof and leather. The third-row seat [a standard feature] is also a big plus," Leonard said.
Inside, the Borrego offers front-seat occupants impressive room in all directions. These seats are not at all uncomfortable.
The second-row 60/40 split seat is a pleasant surprise -- it is perfectly capable of keeping grownups comfortable.
Even the 50/50 split two-passenger third row can accommodate adults, though they might grumble. Access requires some flexibility and once in, you discover that the bottom cushion is entirely too low. Of course that means the head room is fine even for six-footers.
Both the third- and second-row seats fold easily to dramatically expand the rather limited cargo space at the very rear -- when all seats are up to accommodate passengers.
With the second and third rows folded, the interior turns cavernous -- clearly competitive with other mid-size and larger SUVs.
This is, essentially, a truck-based SUV. And for a truck-based SUV, the ride was good.
Some previously smooth stretches of road delivered a few minor vertical motions, but overall, the Borrego feels good. Really rough pavement results in some abrupt motions, but you'l find that rare.
Another surprise -- the Borrego is easy and pleasant to drive.
And to compound the enjoyment, the interior -- design, materials and assembly -- is right up there.
Our EX had the optional leather upholstery, which added a feeling of luxury. Further enhancing comfort was the good noise control over most surfaces including coarse pavement.
Regardless of the turn of events, Kia dealers have been dealt a strong hand with the arrival of the new Borrego. Buyers, however, may tend to overlook the performance and concentrate instead on the exceptionally strong warranty that comes with this new model. Just as with every other Kia, its warranty covers the vehicle for 5 years or 60,000 miles and the drivetrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles. In today's unsettled times, that adds a level of certainty that many customers will find comforting.
The optional leather upholstery in our Kia Borrego LX really added a feeling of luxury.
Further enhancing comfort was the good noise control over most surfaces including coarse pavement.
Regardless of the turn of world events, Kia dealers have been dealt a strong hand with the arrival of the new Borrego.
Buyers, however, may tend to overlook the performance and concentrate instead on the exceptionally strong warranty that comes with this new model. Just as with every other Kia, its warranty covers the vehicle for five years or 60,000 miles and the drivetrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
In today's unsettled times, that adds a level of certainty that many customers will find comforting.
Paula Says...
The new Kia Borrego is a roomy, substantial vehicle. Its height means that shorter adults and children will find that getting in is a bit of a climb.
Once in the driver's seat, however, THIS shorter adult was impressed by the commanding view ahead.
The main visibility problem comes from the driver's side mirror. While it gives a great view to the rear and side, its position and size can completely hide a larger vehicle coming up from the left at intersections. Backing also suggests that every Borrego should come with the optional backup camera.
Those issues aside, I found the Borrego fun to drive. The engine is powerful and responsive and the handling is easy. The Borrego felt smaller to me on the road than its dimensions would suggest and its relatively tight 37-foot turning circle aids maneuverability in tight parking lots.
The ride is comfortable, but I did notice that it has some bounce over certain bumps and there were stretches of road on which I felt a lot of small, vertical movements that I had not detected in other vehicles.
Aiding comfort is the lack of noise, even at speed.
The upscale interior is another plus.
By JIM MACPHERSON
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