2009 Kia Borrego Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Kia Borrego:

Seating for seven, big towing capacity and grunt, solid fit and finish.

-- Car and Driver

While American SUV buyers avoid V-8s like the proverbial plague these days, the Borrego holds a new-to-the-brand innoculation: best-in-class fuel economy. Whereas the EPA rates a four wheel-drive Ford Explorer at 13/19 (with either the V-6 or the V-8), and most other midsize SUVs guzzle even more, the Borrego's V-6 manages 16/21, while the V-8 clocks-in at 15/20. Problem is, a thoroughly, utterly conventional midsize SUV with best-in-class fuel economy in today's market is like a beauty contest winner in a leper colony. Twenty-one on the highway only looks good compared to numbers in the high teens. GM's large crossovers with roomier, more versatile interiors and superior handling manage 23.

-- The Truth About Cars

What reviewers liked least about the Kia Borrego:

Head-tossing ride, 16 mpg, about a decade behind schedule.

-- Car and Driver

Handling can feel sloppy and disconnected, acceleration lags from slow upshifts and hesitant throttle, no power liftgate option.

-- Edmunds.com

The steering is lifeless, while the rear end isn't, never quite settling down except on glass-smooth pavement.

-- The Truth About Cars

Kia Borrego Comparisons:

Dimensionally, the Borrego is close to Ford's Explorer. Technically average adults will find sufficient legroom in all three rows. But, as in the Ford, you'll find the second row a bit low to the floor and the difficult-to-access third row pretty much on the floor.

-- The Truth About Cars

Best one-liner about the Kia Borrego:

About 10 years late, Kia introduces a V-8-powered body-on-frame SUV.

-- Car and Driver

One thing's for sure: even at $27k, the powerful Kia Borrego is heading nowhere fast.

-- The Truth About Cars