All-new Kia performs well in winter weather
The new 2009 Kia Borrego midsized sport utility vehicle got Motor Mouth through this week's Boston snow storm without breaking a sweat.
My test Borrego EX 4x4's four-wheel-drive system, high ground clearance, standard rear wiper and hefty tires easily handled all that the snow-covered Mass Pike could throw at me.
Oh, and the Borrego - an all-new model for 2009 - also looks good, seats seven and carries a nice price (base sticker: $26,245).
On the outside, the model offers a sophisticated if admittedly suburban look.
My test model's large front grille swept back to standard side running boards, optional six-spoke alloy wheels ($750) and large doors with folding side mirrors.
Inside, the driver's and front passenger's seats come standard on the EX 4x4 with electric seat adjusters, offering good legroom, headroom and hiproom.
My test Borrego also featured optional heated seats and stitched-leather upholstery, part of an optional $1,500 Luxury Package.
The Borrego's dashboard features a large speedometer and tachometer, along with smaller fuel and temperature gauges.
My test car also came with an optional 10-speaker Infinity AM/FM/CD/MP3/iPod/Sirius stereo, part of a $1,500 Premium Package.
The Premium Package also added a three-zone climate system and a power sunroof. Additionally, my test Borrego came with a great optional navigation system ($1,500).
In back, the SUV's 60/40 split fold-down rear seats offer decent legroom, along with good hiproom and headroom.
Surprisingly, the center seat offers the most room of all, as Kia strategically placed the Borrego's center console far forward in the passenger cabin.
The model's rear seats can realistically accommodate three adults (a rarity in the auto world), although grown-ups might find things cramped after perhaps 20 minutes.
The Borrego's second row of seats also fold forward easily, providing good access to the model's standard third-row seating.
These third-row seats offer good headroom, legroom and hiproom for two people. Again, this space can comfortably accommodate adults for brief trips, or kids for longer rides.
With all seats in use, the Borrego provides a decent 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space: Enough for one large suitcase or perhaps five knapsacks.
But the second- and third-row seats both fold down flat when not in use, creating a mammoth 97.6 cubic feet of storage space. That's enough for a tent, hockey gear or other bulky items.
On the road, the EX 4x4's 276-horsepower V-6 engine and four-wheel-drive system provide a solid ride in virtually any type of weather.
The Borrego offers a "high-up" road view, corners well and brakes crisply. The SUV also accelerates smoothly, although Motor Mouth found the model's ride a bit bumpy.
Still, backing up and parking the Borrego are relatively easy, thanks to a standard parking assistant that beeps if you're about to hit something.
The Borrego EX 4x4 also comes standard with "Downhill Brake Control," which automatically applies brakes for you when going down steep declines. Likewise, a standard "Hill Assist Control" helps prevent the EX 4x4 from rolling backward when you're stopped at a light on the top of a hill.
As for fuel efficiency, the EPA rates the Borrego EX 4x4 at 16 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway. During a week of test drives, Motor Mouth logged a combined 14.6 mpg city/highway - so-so fuel economy.
However, the Borrego shines when it comes to pricing.
The model's $26,245 base price handily beats that of competitors like the Honda Pilot ($29,195) or the Saturn Outlook ($33,035).
By Jerry Kronenberg / Motor Mouth
Boston Herald
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