Owners Manual Cars

The Kia Borrego SUV medium debut in 2009 and never lived to see another model year. It is available in two trim levels: LX and EX. Both models are available with two engine options: 3.8-liter V6 that cranked out 276 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, or a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 337 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices vary depending on the engine, the V6 models get a five-speed automatic and six-speed automatic V8 models. Base LX and EX two-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive is available as an option. Properly equipped, the V8 can tow a healthy 7,500 GBP.

Borrego exterior design is relatively clean and no-nonsense (you can say anonymously too), with a rather low and wide stance which improves vehicle stability. Inside, the overall high quality of the materials, and for the most part, control and instrumentation layout is simple and easy to use. All trims feature three rows of seats, giving a capacity of seven people, and is relatively easy to stow and put back into place. In terms of cargo space, the 50/50 third-row seats folded flat, the SUVs can swallow a lot of equipment, furniture, and family pets. Unfortunately, with all the seats up, cargo capacity was reduced to 12.4 cubic feet skinny. The Borrego also does not have a power liftgate.

The Kia Borrego LX comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rear parking sensors, integrated tow hitch and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and auxiliary jack. The EX trim adds items such as electric front seats and automatic climate control dual-zone. The V8 version of their trims add a few extra items. Option package upgrades the audio system and adding features such as leather seating, rear-seat entertainment system and a navigation system.

In reviews, we found the V8 in particular for agile and capable of acceleration performance, but because the truck-frame construction and suspension damping features, Kia Borrego feel a little disconnected from the road. Sometimes, throttle and transmission feel lethargic and braking ability on average. Off-road performance is decent for a midsize SUV, despite a serious lack of ground clearance can delay those customers who intend to plunge into the fray really rough. Overall, though, this SUV stands out as a decent if imperfect competitors.