The Koreans are now officially hot on the heels of the Japanese and American car manufacturers when Kia Motors North America unveiled the all-new Borrego sport utility vehicle (SUV). Inspired by Kia’s “less is more” design philosophy, Borrego was intended to convey a pure and functional look. It joins Kia’s versatile and stylish line of cars and SUVs for those who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles. Set to go on sale later this year (in North America at least), the Borrego houses Kia’s first-ever V8 engine—making it the most powerful Kia vehicle to date.
Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown in Detroit in 2005, Borrego’s body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on a fully independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, which provide an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road. Flared back headlamps, an upright grille and chiseled hood project a strong presence, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels offer increased off-road capabilities.
Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 2895 mm and an overall width of 1915 mm, the Borrego offers a roomy interior with standard seating for 7 on its three rows of seats.
Inside, Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity® audio system to entertain its seven passengers. Complementing the powerful audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB/iPod capabilities and is the first Kia vehicle to be SIRIUS Satellite Radio enabled with three months of complimentary service. The new midsize SUV also offers power-adjustable pedals and Kia’s first DVD navigation system as options, as well as a back-up warning system with a rear camera display.
Depending on passenger or driver needs, Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy ingress and egress to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimize cargo space.
As Kia’s most powerful vehicle, Borrego is offered with a 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia’s first 4.6-liter V8 DOHC engine, the latter producing more than 300-horsepower. Also unique to Borrego and new to Kia is the six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine. Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, with class-leading towing of 7,500 pounds when partnered to the V8, 5,000 pounds with the V6, the midsize SUV offers unmatched capabilities for a weekend of camping and off-roading, just as much as a sophisticated night on the town.
Borrego continues to offer the same unprecedented level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, with features such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward. Both functions are new to Kia.
Though the Borrego does not offer anything new to the market segment, like all other Kia models, it’s set apart by its comprehensive warranty program that offers unprecedented consumer protection. At the moment, warranty may not be the best way to sell vehicles, but in the Borrego’s case, it may be the crucial first step to make people enter Kia showrooms to discover that less is truly more.
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