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 1 through 10 of 61.00

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  First Kia and Impressed - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Ron - November 24 - 10:33 pm

  Purchased an LX about a month ago after seeing a newspaper ad. Was looking to buy a slightly used SUV, but was able to buy my new Borrego for only a couple grand more. Out-the-door price was about $24K after rebate and discount. The strong engine and brake perform flawlessly. Transmission, however, sometimes hesitates. Fuel economy is a little disappointing at 16+ MPG (mostly city). The interior is mostly quiet, and ride is good except over rough pavement. It can get jarring, and mine rattles a bit in the back area. All controls are laid out intuitively. I wasnt sure about the red-lit center stack, but its actually quite soothing at night. Overall, Im satisfied with Borrego.

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  VALUE! - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By corky - July 14 - 5:13 am

  Traded a 2003 Explorer, Rear end failed at 76000...Understand this is big problem with ford limited silp 4x4. Wanted a Huge warranty, Kia 10 years 100,000 drivetrain and 5 year bumper to bumper...25,000 with leather seating, looks goods drives good...and I sleep at night not worrying about big repair bills! Salesman said watch the maintance scedule; have proof and no one can say no to repairs. Goodnite I sleep like a baby!

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  Gotta Great Deal !! - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Tim - July 4 - 12:43 pm

  Purchased my 2009 Borrego LX 4WD in Nov 2009 for over $7k off the sticker - gotta a great deal at $22,900. We are overall very pleased with this SUV with the exception of gas mileage (about 16 in town). Hope to see improvement as it breaks in. Also, the last gear in the tranny shifts really late, which makes you feel like it is revving too much under certain driving conditions. It is my understanding that this is normal or was designed that way, but still a little annoying. Overall, LOTS of room and comfort. All back seats fold pretty flat making hauling easy. It is a bit cumbersome getting in the 3rd seat, but the middle seats do slide up pretty far. Handles very well!!

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  Great Value - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By draymun - July 5 - 7:50 pm

  Bought this car for my wife. She now has a little over 3k miles on it since purchase. We are pretty happy with the purchase and the value vs. price. Traded in an X5 and Expedition for this vehicle and so far no regrets. Interior is a bit bland and simple but nevertheless is not unappealing. The only complaint we have is that the air conditioning is not as strong as we are use to but does cool the car adequately after a short period of time. If you are planning to use the rear seat, the rear AC would probably be a good option to get.

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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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  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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  Stopped Looking! - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By drew - March 19 - 7:00 am

  This 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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  Good SUV for the value - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Gokuldas Hegde - September 9 - 1:49 pm

  front 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.

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  Bang For Your Buck - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Francie - June 22 - 1:06 pm

  Just purchased and so far love it. Never thought that I would own a vehicle without an American emblem on the front- felt a little guilty! I have had 3 Explorers in a row. However, a few days of driving it through a foot of snow up and down our mountainous driveway took care of that. I live in the mountains of WV(some people still need a real 4-wheel drive) Has good pick-up, smooth ride, and oh so roomy. I did not choose it for the gas mileage,as I am 2 miles from work. Tried to buy a Traverse- way out of line on pricing, for what you get-did not compare to the amenities that I got on the Borrego-esp.leather seat pkg.

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  Angry.... - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By luvpaj02 - April 5 - 11:13 pm

  I have owned my Borrego for two weeks exactly. Right off the bat, I had to have the radio replaced because the Sirius Satellite Radio portion of the radio did not work. Thats fine. Minor glitch. Unfortunately, when the dealership replaced it, they damaged the trim and interior of my vehicle. So now that has to be repaired. Very frustrating, but bearable. However, today, I got into my vehicle and my radio will not even turn on. I am so incredibly frustrated. It is an 80 mile round trip for me to go to the dealership and I resent that this is the FOURTH trip I will have had to make since purchasing the vehicle. I hope that I will have a more positive update in the future.