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 31 through 40 of 61.00-
Great value!!!! - 2009 Kia Borrego
By BILLY C - July 17 - 3:33 pmI tried and priced many other SUVs but, the BORREGO is the best deal for the money!!!! You get way more bang for your buck with this baby!! Its has all the comforts of the more expensive bands and drives awsome. I already sold two to other people that saw my Borrego. I spend a lot of time at my job driving around looking and/ or estimating jobs, so comfort is big, my BORREGO is like being in a lounge chair all day!! I would recommend this suv to anyone looking for a superior suv for a rock bottom price!!
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Really Under-Rated - 2009 Kia Borrego
By Joe Cunningham - May 13 - 4:06 amThis is the best kept secret on the road.Good mpg(23.5 on recent interstate trip with cruise set @72mph). Comfortable ride,well placed,easy to use controls,vast cargo space with both rear rows down. Handles well,small turning radius, smooth powerfull engine. 5 star safety ratings except a 4 for rollover(it IS a suv). Better mpg than my 91 Cherokee,as much room as my 72 Suburban had,drives and handles better than either did. You do feel bumps in the road,but it doesnt beat you with them. It is after all a true 4wd, not a car. I researched vehicles for 3 years before I finally purchased this. I wanted a U.S. brand,but nothing came close in price,quality, or warranty.
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Borrego a best buy! - 2009 Kia Borrego
By DMILL - May 8 - 11:46 amAfter tracking down some that a dealer (3 hours away) still had on the lot, purchased it and drove 2000 miles in the mountains on vacation. Powerful, comfortable and easy to navigate. Tight turn radius and the other features make a Borrego better than what Ford, Chevy, Nissan, etc. have to offer. Have read that kia is bringing it back for 2011, an Oct/Nov 2010 release, hope this is true because this is truly a fine SUV. Warranty makes this a slam-dunk!
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A Real Sleeper! - 2009 Kia Borrego
By adomaib - April 8 - 2:20 pmWe have been a KIA family since our first Sedona 12+ years ago and currently own a Soul and a Rio. I was always intrigued by the Borrego but timing, finances and and model availability never seemed to come together; until this Memorial Day. We bought a 2009 LX AWD 6 cylinder with 29000 miles. We immediately took off on a 1000 mile driving trip to Northern Minnesota for a week. The Borrego met our every expectation. It was comfortable, roomy for all our gear, quiet, and it handled much better than all the negative reviews about "rough ride" would lead you to expect. Acceleration with the 6 cylinder is more than brisk, and our gas mileage for the trip was 21.9.
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Stopped Looking! - 2009 Kia Borrego
By drew - March 19 - 7:00 amThis is our new vehicle, "our" I mean my wifes. The test drive sold me. I have owned mostly ford products but owned enough other vehicles to know what is quality and what isnt. Borrego is no Mountaineer, the sheet metal could be a little thicker but the horsepower is OK. Anyways, Borrego is tough enough and fun enough for this Northern Minnesota resident.
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Wonderful!!! - 2009 Kia Borrego
By asiel1 - January 31 - 6:00 pmThis is my first SUV. I purchased it last November after my car was totaled. We have driven this car home to Louisiana (8 hours) Jacksonville Fl (13) and Colorado Springs(13).-- one way trips. The car drove beautifully and was comfortable for my three kids. - 18,13, and 10. The only complaint I have had is shifiting into gear in the mountains, it drags a bit. -- and occasionally the downhill and traction control button comes on, but other than that nothing. The hankook tires are okay, but wear out quickly--41,000 for me and will be replaced with Michelins. All in all, I love this car. buy one and never look back. I plan on driving mine for years!
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good to go - 2009 Kia Borrego
By GJ - January 24 - 3:56 pmWe looked for a mid-sized vehicle that could tow a small travel trailer or a couple of motorcycles and bikes. Take everything for a drive and you will come back to the Borrego. Its quiet inside, radio quality is great, lots of standard features, quality through and through. We can take our large German Shepherd and the back has more than enough room for two dogs! This is a vehicle that can haul anything you want, including seven adults! We highly recommend!
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Back to back Borregos - 2009 Kia Borrego
By JR - October 4 - 6:45 amI have the distinct pleasure of being on my second Borrego. The first was a brand new, off-the-lot EX V6 4x2, and the second, and current, is a used EX Limited V8 4x4. Fell in love with my first Borregos excellent freeway manners, stability at any speed, and feature-laden and cavernous interior. Although the 4x2 was tow rated for 5,000 lbs., we wanted something stronger to pull a heavy RV trailer. When we learned that that the V8 Borrego was tow-rated at 7,500 lbs., which is huge for its class, we searched around and bought one from a nearby private seller. It hasnt disappointed as a tow vehicle. Ironically, the V6 felt peppier and smoother. But Im happy with the V8s torque and go-anywhere confidence of the full-time 4x4 system. Im only sorry that Kia discontinued the Borrego as I would loved to made a three-peat. On both Borregos, I appreciated the interior volume, standard adult sized third row seating, easy to use navigation system, no fuss dashboard and HVAC controls and layout, and just simple reliability all around. It will be a sad day when I have to part with my current Borrego.
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yes its a kia - 2009 Kia Borrego
By sallen - September 17 - 10:00 amJust got it and very happy. The v6 has as much hp as my 4.7L. tundra. You cant beat the standard equipment that it comes with. The dealer was selling these for $11,000 under list, so couldnt go wrong. needed something that towed and it came ready to go. This is a "$40,000" domestic SUV and they still cant match the 10/100,000 war.Friend has 05 sportage with v6 thats going on 100,000 mi. and still going strong.(tows two wave runners to lake). Cant see buy any domestic SUV until they can match this one.
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Good SUV for the value - 2009 Kia Borrego
By Gokuldas Hegde - September 9 - 1:49 pmfront panel lacks indicator for burned lights. There is no indicator to show if any of the light bulbs are burnt or do not come on.
