Overview & Reviews

Oh Kia Borrego, we hardly knew you. This large, old-school truck-based SUV went from all-new to all gone in a single model year. In retrospect, it wasn't a surprising fate. While most automakers couldn't crank out car-based crossover SUVs fast enough, Kia chose to utilize traditional body-on-frame construction, an available V8 engine and low-range gearing for models fitted with four-wheel drive. This approach gave the Borrego respectable off-road performance and towing capacity, but sales were dismal.

The Borrego itself was a pretty decent SUV. But even assuming you find one as a used-vehicle purchase, we'd recommend staying away. Its incredibly short production life will likely mean trouble getting parts down the road.

Most Recent Kia Borrego

The Kia Borrego midsize SUV debuted for 2009 and never lived to see another model year. It was available in two trim levels: LX and EX. Both models were available with a choice of two engines: a 3.8-liter V6 that cranked out 276 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, or a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 337 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions varied depending on engine choice, with the V6 models getting a five-speed automatic and V8 models a six-speed automatic. The base LX and EX were two-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available as an option. Properly equipped, the V8 could tow a healthy 7,500 pounds.

The Borrego's exterior design was relatively clean and no-nonsense (you could say anonymous as well), with a somewhat low and wide stance that enhanced vehicle stability. Inside, the overall quality of materials was high, and for the most part, the layout of controls and instrumentation was straightforward and easy to use. All trims featured three rows of seating, giving it seven-person capacity, and were relatively easy to stow and put back into place. In terms of cargo space, with the 50/50 third-row seats folded flat, this SUV could swallow up plenty of gear, furniture and family pets. Unfortunately, with all the seats up, cargo capacity was reduced to a meager 12.4 cubic feet. The Borrego also lacked a power liftgate.

The Kia Borrego LX came standard with 17-inch wheels, roof rails, rear parking sensors, an integrated tow hitch and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and an auxiliary jack. The EX trim added items like power front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. The V8 versions of those trims added a few extra items. Option packages upgraded the audio system and added features such as leather seating, a rear-seat entertainment system and a navigation system.

In reviews, we found the V8 in particular to be capable of frisky acceleration and performance, but due to the truck-frame construction and dampening features of the suspension, the Kia Borrego felt a bit disconnected from the road. At times, the throttle and transmission felt sluggish and braking capabilities were average. Off-road performance was decent for a midsize SUV, although the lack of serious ground clearance may put off those customers who intend to plunge into truly rugged terrain. Altogether, though, this midsize SUV stood as a worthy if imperfect competitor.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 61.00

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  first time kia owner - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By royalray - October 26 - 9:56 am

  good product for the money. a few sounds and clicks from underneath the passenger side when stopped at a light, like a solenoid clicking on and off. esc and downhill light came on and froze the transmission and caused vehicle to drag on two separate incidents , had to turn engine off to shift gears. kia service said contacts needed to be tightened on both occasions. Computer detected a stability problem when non existed... 1,000 miles later all is well. Infinity radio not the best sound quality and only takes one CD

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  wow so this is a kia!!!! - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By reese - October 16 - 1:53 am

  Bought this kia yesterday after hearing about the mark downs on 09 models. It stickered 4 33,075 but got it out the door for 26,000! Im very impressed with this vehicle so far, the interor is very Nice and the look is awsome! The v6 has great power on the highway just Punch it even v8 suvs cant touch it! Only gripe is the low end torque and weird shift points of the automatic but other than that its just what my family needed. Go get one you wont be disappointed!

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  You would never guess its a Kia - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Miguel - August 2 - 4:36 am

  I have purchased many cars everything from an Audi to a Toyota. I have to say that this Borrego is the best purchase ever. The ride is great (for a truck style frame). Comfort is that of a luxury car. All of the options this Borrego comes with is unbelievable. We looked at everything from a 4Runner to a Acadia. I saved over $10,000 by purchasing this Borrego. The warranty cant be beat. I even got the dealer to throw in the 100,000 Mile bumper to bumper warranty for free. The turning radius is also unbelievable.

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  2009 Borreg - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By COLORADOMTNLUVR - June 30 - 5:00 am

  We bought a 2009 Borrego for my family 3 weeks ago. We love the features and the comfortable ride that the vehicle provides. Fuel economy is as advertised at 21 mpg, which is not bad overall considering the size of the vehicle. We are very pleased with this vehicle and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

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  Update - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By LAJ - May 14 - 8:22 am

  I drove this car for 91,000 miles and five years. It was a reliable, trustworthy car. Never gave me one issue with the engine. Always started. Inexpensive to maintain. At about 75k, things started breaking. The CD player quit working, the button for volume became tricky as well. The AC was not always great in the back,so sometimes we burned up on long trips. The Door locks broke, and the paint began chipping and flaking like crazy. Despite this, it was a great car mechanically. It was a trusty beast, and if not for the fact that my kids started moving out, Id probably still drive the gas guzzler daily. It was just that reliable. Of course, Id have to insure I did not lock the doors, or cared about having a car with paint, all while burning up and checking apps for cheap gas. It gets to ya, its like a good old work truck thats ugly as Heck, but you went to your first job in it, so you keep it. I had a hard time trading it in. I kinda felt sorry for it. I guess thats what happens with good cars. I guess this is a great car if you just need to drive a little bit, or you have a kid who just needs to go back and forth to school, and gas moneys no big thing it they are safe. All in all, its a reliable family hauler thats cheap to maintain. I truly believe someone can drive it 200k with very little issues. If thats all that matters to you, this is the car for you. Just make sure you never lock it or leave anything valuable in it. :)

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  Tows 5000# Towing-Buyer Be Ware - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By LesC - May 9 - 11:50 pm

  The 5000# towing capacity is only good if the trailer has brakes. 1650# max without trailer brakes. If you buy one to tow a 3500# trailer without brakes, you will wind up putting out $400 or more adding brakes to you trailer. Dont beleive me? Look at the manual. Thats the only place I found it.

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  Awesome SUV - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By ZIG - January 29 - 8:16 pm

  We love the Borrego! Awesome driving experience, great handling, plenty of power, lots of room for the family, tons of safety features, it stacks up well against the Highlander!

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  The Power to Suprise - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By ray1117 - January 25 - 2:33 pm

  We bought our Kia about 3 months ago and dont regret it a bit. Got to "test" it during a recent snow storm and its four wheel drive capability was incredible. Plowed through over two feet of snow on unplowed highway shoulders and it worked like a champ. Havent had a single problem with it and really dont expect any. Kia did an impressive job building this. Comfortable ride, nice controls, excellent quality, very quiet, and just enjoyable to drive. Thanks Kia.

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  GREAT WORK KIA - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By JERSEY TONY - September 3 - 1:30 pm

  Just purchased this truck after extensive research and review reading. Truck is great. Visibility is outstanding. Styling is sharp. Vehicle handles like a car. Only down side is the transmission is definitely gear wrong. Shifts to quick, but what I have found is kia has done this on purpose to help stop people like me from flooring it and wasting all that gas. When truck gets going it has balls. Features that come standard are extensive. Kia good job! I would buy this in a heart beat if I had to do it all over. Such a fun car to drive.

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  Best Ever - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Patrick - August 15 - 5:23 pm

  We recently purchased this vehicle because of the value. However, having owned the SUV for almost a month and 2000 miles. I can tell you this is very comparable to past higher value SUVs we owned (Volvo,Mercedes & Ford) This is the second KIA we have owned and the service and reliabilty has been wonderful. I would recommend KIA to anyone, and encourage them to shop KIA, regardless of budget