"Kia Brings On 2009 Borrego: Its All-New Midsized SUV" Edmunds Daily

Kia Brings On 2009 Borrego: Its All-New Midsized SUV

"Let's get right into it," said Tom Loveless, VP of Sales for Kia Motors, at the 2009 Kia Borrego introduction in Cle Elum, Washington, that I attended this week. The Kia Borrego is the company's all-new, midsized, seven-passenger SUV.

"The market is down considerably year after year. The truck-based segment is down and is creating angst in the industry. The reality is, six months into the year and our business is up. In April and May we set all kinds of records. It has been an all-time record quarter."

I'm thinking (as is everyone else in the room). "Four dollars a gallon for gas and the introduction of an oversized truck. What is going on here?"

Apparently this. Kia is bringing the "value story" to a segment where they've never been and aiming at affluent suburbia.

The V8 at 15/22 is "best in class" for highway fuel economy. The cost: from under $27,000 (V6) to $38,000 (V8 decked out).

And although they couldn't tell us how many Borrego's they will be producing (that's fair if you consider the quickly changing automotive market), the company is planning to open a plant in Georgia in 2009 with room for 3,000 jobs, plus more for suppliers. They quoted 10,000 in all.

There looks to be promise for more interesting vehicles. For sure, the Soul, an adorably small, box-like car geared to Gen X, is set for sale next year.

But back to the Borrego. Kia is putting their money into an advertising campaign that includes an NBA sponsorship. Now, that's not small potatoes. And neither is the Borrego.

To follow, more on the Borrego with some of my impressions:

Outside: The Borrego has a strong front end with lots of chrome. It's large looking but has a nice balance of hefty curves and soft edges. Kia managed to create a very different looking vehicle with plenty of style.

Inside: There's plenty of useable space for cups, phones, ipods and kid stuff. The touch screen/voice control Nav system was fabulous. Seriously. It never got us lost even with a series of wrong turns.

The interior is very light and large looking with a clever use of materials and textures. My V8 sported a dash decorated with brushed "stainless steel", flat black and shiny "aluminum" that felt good to the touch. There are 16 air vents in all (in my world, this is as important as cupholders!) with temperature and fan speed controls in the rear. A 3 ½ inch rear camera display located in the rear view mirror is coming to market sometime soon.

Power: The Borrego comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and the manufacturer's first-ever DOHC 4.6-liter V8 engine, with a 337 horsepower. The V8 Borrego will tow 7,500 pounds. Although the V8 feels large, it had plenty of power for climbing hills at altitude and accelerated quickly on the straightaways.

Fuel wise: The Borrego runs on regular unleaded and achieves fuel economy of 15/22 city/highway for its V8 with two-wheel drive, and 15/20 city/highway for the four-wheel drive.

Comfort zone: At 156.8 cubic-feet, the Borrego claims more interior room than the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the all-new Honda Pilot.

In other words, there is plenty of room in the Borrego. The seats were big, comfortable and cushy. A nice touch is a 2nd row that reclines 33 degrees.

It was easy for me to tuck, tumble and shift the rear seats--sometimes with one hand. The cargo area has an automatic locking tailgate, lights and an outlet. Plus, the step up is a good height for smaller women.

Suspension: The body-on-frame architecture has 8 rubber mounts on the frame to soak up bumps and the four-wheel independent suspension keep this 7-person SUV from feeling truck-like. The ride was very quiet and fairly smooth.

Braking: Let's just say that they're not ceramic. They do the trick but were not as smooth as I like. However, the DBC (downhill brake control) and the Brake Assist System really kicked in on those mountains descents.

Visibility: All around excellent with sumptuous side mirrors and no head rests in the way!

Ease: Steady steering with a turning circle worthy of a sedan. The telescoping wheel button was well-placed and easy to adjust for a comfortable position.

Equipped with: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary input jack, back up warning, automatic locking tailgate, power adjust pedals and telescoping wheel. This is also the first Kia to offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months of complimentary service.

To come: A more buff Kia Borrego LTD in one color- Black Monotone with 2nd row heated seats.