In case you haven’t been paying attention, there’s a new major player developing in the automotive world from across the Pacific.
Kia and Hyundai, which are controlled by the same company, have expanded their lineups recently, but more importantly, have greatly improved their products.
Kia has introduced its first true truck with its first V8 engine. There are several other firsts in the Borrego SUV as well such as a navigation system, downhill descent, rear parking warning system and adjustable pedals.
The Borrego offers three rows of seating with a sliding second row. The third row splits and folds 50/50 with an under-floor storage system.
The Borrego is a rugged SUV built to handle almost any kind of road conditions. It features a body-on-frame construction, meaning the body is bolted onto a ladder frame much like a Nissan Pathfinder or Ford Explorer. Most luxury SUV’s offer welded, unibody construction.
Kia offers a small SUV, the Sorrento but the Borrego is not just a stretched version of that vehicle. The Borrego is a unique SUV in many ways.
About the same size as a Toyota Highlander, the Borrego is the largest vehicle ever offered by Kia. Despite its bulk, the Borrego drives and handles very well. With full-time all-wheel drive, the Borrego can handle tough back roads.
A 337-horsepower V8 is available under the hood. A V6 with 276 horsepower is standard. The V8 offers around 20 miles per gallon fuel economy, the V6 slightly better. Word is that an engine using clean diesel is in the near future, which may make the Borrego a better bargain given today’s gasoline prices.
The big V8 can tow up to 7,500 pounds, which should handle most trailers or boats.
Inside, the workmanship is excellent with nice textures and color combinations. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable six ways, the passenger seat four ways. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes and offers audio and cruise controls. If you’re lazy, you can press a button on the left side of the wheel and Kia offers voice command adjustments.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the V8 and several optional packages including the navigation system, leather seating, sunroof, rear AC controls and running boards. The bottom line was $39,285, including about $5,000 in optional packages. Sirius satellite radio is standard with the first three months’ subscription included.
The Borrego is a nice size. It’s not hulking like a Suburban or Sequoia but still offers plenty of room for passengers in all three rows of seating.
While a V8 and full-size SUV isn’t the perfect vehicle right now, if Kia can push its diesel engine to the forefront, the Borrego just might find a niche in the marketplace.

Ryan’s Ride –
I had read about the Borrego months ago when it was introduced on the auto show circuit, so it was nice to finally get one in our driveway.
After a few days behind the wheel, I became very impressed by the SUV. The V8 didn’t disappoint me in the power department. Response was excellent off the line or passing.
There are a couple of options not normally seen on a vehicle in this price range. The voice command and downhill descent features are nice to have, although maybe no necessary. However, if you do venture off the paved road, downhill descent is a terrific feature on added control on slippery, downhill roads.
The interior is very nice with easy to use controls and gauges that offer plenty of feedback, rather than idiot lights. The optional running boards are nice but you can get in and out without them because the Borrego doesn’t sit that high off the ground.
As noted above, the Borrego is a worthy competitor to offerings from Toyota and Nissan.

Marilyn’s Moment –
When the Borrego arrived, I was skeptical at first because it looks so big. However, after driving it, I found the SUV very comfortable and easy to handle. The visibility is good all around and there’s plenty of power under the hood.
I liked the running boards because they made it much easier to get in an out of the vehicle.
The rear tailgate opens easily to reveal lots of storage space behind the rear seats.
There are plenty of cupholders and storage areas in the front cabin, which is always welcome.
The seats and steering wheel can be adjusted several different ways for driver comfort.
Our test vehicle was fully loaded with an excellent sound system and satellite radio. The leather seats are perforated for the heating system. The second row slides forward easily for access to the third row and both rear seats can be folded flat for additional cargo space.
Sometimes, first impressions can be wrong and I was wrong about thinking the Borrego was just another big SUV.
After driving it a few days, I was very impressed, if not surprised by how easy it was to drive and park.
This may not be the perfect SUV for today’s market, but the Borrego should find plenty of families who need an SUV this size.