2009 Kia Borrego EX 4WD Automatic

Model Highlights

The Borrego is offered in two different well-appointed trim levels, LX and EX, both of which are available with a V-6 or V-8 engine and rear- or four-wheel drive. Both engines are modern all-aluminum designs, smooth, and powerful; the 3.8-liter V-6 makes 276 horsepower, while the 4.6-liter V-8 produces 337 horsepower. V-6 models have a five-speed automatic transmission but V-8 models upgrade to a six-speed auto; both transmissions. Fuel economy ratings are quite close between the two engines, with highway ratings of 20 mpg and 21 mpg, respectively, for the V-8 and V-6. The Borrego performs well for the types of activities that people would purchase a rugged SUV for, such as off-roading to a camping spot or towing a heavy boat trailer. The 4WD system isn't completely averse to slippery roads though; the BorgWarner Torque-on-Demand system electronically sends torque to the wheels that have the best traction. It also includes a low range gearing for the toughest situations, along with two electronic aids, downhill brake control and hill assist control, to help maintain traction on steep, slippery slopes. When properly equipped, tow ratings range up to 5000 pounds with the V-6 and 7500 pounds with the V-8. Despite the serious truck capability, the Borrego has a ride that's quite well damped, albeit firm, thanks to a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension arrangement. Stabilizer bars help tighten up handling response around tight corners. Inside, the Borrego is refined and quiet for such a large, boxy SUV. Wind noise is well muted, and special rubber mounts for the body help cut vibrations and rattles. Three rows of seating are standard, to accommodate a total of seven. The rearmost row is quite cramped and only for children, as is the case for most vehicles this size, but the second row has plenty of headroom and legroom. It's a very comfortable, luxurious interior overall, with well bolstered front seats, perforated leather upholstery and a second-row that can slide fore and aft to aid access to the third row. Both of the rear rows fold flat to allow a long, continuous cargo space and 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space, although the loading floor is higher than most other modern car-based designs. Like nearly all SUVs nowadays, the Borrego comes standard with electronic stability control, which can help prevent the loss of control and possible rollover on slippery roads or evasive maneuvers. Side and curtain airbags are also standard. A back-up warning system, a feature not always available on utility vehicles, is standard on the Borrego, as are anti-lock brakes. LX trim is the lower-priced of the two, but it still comes well equipped, and includes air conditioning, power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry and a six-speaker CD/MP3 audio system. The EX trim adds more convenience and luxury items such as power front seats, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel audio controls, leather trim and a garage-door opener. A Limited Edition package also brings a smart key system, upgraded gauge cluster, power adjustable pedals, Bluetooth hands-free and chrome trim.