Autopartswarehouse Review: 2009 Kia Borrego

Kia is known for their mini cars and sedans. But they recently introduced their new midsize truck-type SUV, the 2009 Borrego. Borrego is a seven-passenger SUV with three-row seating that uses body-on-frame construction. And you have the choices if you want a two- or all-wheel drive and select either from V6 and V8 engine.

This model faces quickly changing market realities that are different when SUV started like body-on-frame constructions and 8-cylinder engines because consumers have changed their preference into smaller engines and car-based crossovers. The company is quick to acknowledge the challenges Borrego faces, but at Borrego's press preview, company executives detailed why they still think the truck can succeed.

Kia identifies Borrego's main competitors as Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. These models have suffered market sales declines too and this is the situation that Borrego's facing when it was introduced in the market.

Tom Loveless, Kia's Vice President of Sales, says Borrego is incremental business for the company and that, in spite of rising gas prices, consumers will "buy what they need." He talks about the Borrego attracting "affluent suburbia" consumers that Kia does not currently reach. He identifies these shoppers as 35 to 45 years old, married with $85,000 in household income, and repeat SUV buyers. Loveless also talks about Borrego's best-in-class fuel economy of 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

This model is the first one to be introduced in the market, some LX trim, as well as upmarket EX. By the end of 2008, the company will introduce a top-of-the-line Limited model.

LX models powered by the standard V6 engine are available with rear- or all-wheel drive, but the optional V8 is only available with AWD. The only option for the LX is a Convenience Package that includes a power driver seat and leather seat trim.

The upcoming Limited is available with rear- or all-wheel drive, but the V8 is the sole engine offering. The Limited will only be available with a black-painted exterior. All of Borrego's optional equipment will be standard on the Limited, and unique features including Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, push button start with smart key, and power adjustable pedals will be added.

Borrego's unique frame uses hydro-formed side rails, and Kia says high-strength steel is used for 64 percent of the chassis. A double wishbone suspension is found up front, while a multi-link unit holds up the rear.

Borrego's full-time four-wheel-drive system is supplied by BorgWarner, and the company says it is not the same system used on the smaller Sorento. The four-wheel-drive setup allows the driver to select 4Hi, 4Low, or Auto settings depending on driving conditions.

This features and this model makes me crave more for SUV's. I love this kind of  of vehicles. The bulky and  spacious ones.  Borrego has a lot to share and prove to the market. That's why some reviewers are already excited to try this ride.