2013 2012 CAR AND MOTO REVIEWS: New 2009 KA Borrego Review and Specification

It is everything people search for in heavy SUV iron: three rows of seats on a tall platform, high ground clearance with available four-wheel drive, and an optional 337-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic supplying a 7500-pound tow rating.
A 276-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic is the base boiler and affords 5000 pounds of towing capacity at a starting price of about $26,000. The V-8 model, using the same dual-overhead-cam, 32-valve V-8 as found in the new Hyundai Genesis luxury car, should begin at $30,000 when Kia announces prices closer to launch.

Steel control arms and links give the rear suspension independence, a must-have for handling — the Borrego doesn't howl at on-ramps — ride comfort, and interior packaging. The result is an airy cabin, even on a full frame that jacks up the floor height. The middle bench has adjustable recline and slides forward to create more space for the tail gunners, so adult-size head and leg room can be found even in the third row. Roof vents blast icy air into all faces, and both back-seat rows split and fold flat. Convenient, but nothing new.
Any benefit of independent rear suspension to the ride is negated by the

Borrego's viciously stiff damping. It bobbled heads on the freeway and actually made a baby cry. Hell hath no fury like a parent with a headache, so Kia better soften the truck's choppy ride before launch.

Performance data:C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 7.1 secZero to 100 mph: 18.3 secStreet start, 5-60 mph: 7.4 secStanding ¼-mile: 15.5 sec @ 92 mphTop speed (governor limited): 120 mphBraking, 70-0 mph: 194 ftRoadholding, 200-ft-dia skidpad: 0.76 g
FUEL ECONOMY:EPA city driving: 15 mpgC/D observed: 16 mpg

2009 Kia Borrego Competitors
Buick EnclaveChrysler Aspen
Ford Taurus X
Hyundai Veracruz
Mercury Mountaineer