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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  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

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  Great value!!!! - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By BILLY C - July 17 - 3:33 pm

  I 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 am

  This 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 am

  After 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 pm

  We 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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  Wonderful!!! - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By asiel1 - January 31 - 6:00 pm

  This 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 pm

  We 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 am

  I 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.