• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Kia Borrego - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Kia Borrego ranks 16 out of 27 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 26 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Borrego, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Introduced in 2009, the eight-passenger Kia Borrego stands out from the crossover SUV pack by offering true off-road performance. It offers good value and surprising interior quality, but its fuel economy and handling can't match its class competitors.

Named after a California state park and meaning "bighorned sheep," the Borrego is Kia's largest SUV yet. It's a great option for those who want a rugged SUV with enough room to haul large families or cargo. Plus, its roughly $26,000 base price makes it an affordable choice within its class and it comes with Kia's class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

However, if you don't plan on using your SUV for off-road activities, there are more efficient choices that will likely be better suited to your needs. "Borrego compares favorably with established truck-type SUV competitors such as Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango," says Consumer Guide. "That said, in an age of higher fuel prices, vehicles of this type are an anachronism."

For the ultimate in fuel efficiency, consider the Toyota Venza. It costs $500 less than the Kia, and its 19/26 mpg city/highway fuel economy easily bests the Borrego's 17/21 mpg rating. Great fuel economy in a vehicle that seats eight is hard to come by, but the Chevrolet Traverse manages it. Although its city fuel efficiency is the same as the Borrego's, it costs only a few thousand dollars more and achieves a higher 24 mpg highway fuel economy.

Buyers should know that a few sources have reported the Borrego may not be returning for 2010 due to poor sales -- and that it could even be discontinued altogether. The only expected addition for the 2010 model was optional heated and ventilated front seats. So it may make more sense to buy a 2009 model. You may be able to snag a discount, especially if the Borrego isn't returning.

The Borrego comes in three trims, the base LX, EX and Limited. Both two- and four-wheel drive are available.

• "From the flats of the lush valleys to the climb up some nifty, twisty roads to reach a beautiful lake for some fishing -- this is a tough job -- I was pleased and a little awed by the luxury Kia has been able to inject into this vehicle. It's impressive, damn impressive in and out." -- The Auto Channel
• "Though the construction seems out of date, the Borrego follows the Kia playbook, offering modern features, amenities and interior quality along with a generous warranty -- all at a low price." -- Cars.com.
• "I found few areas of this seven-passenger SUV worth of any consideration. It's a brand new model but it's already out date." -- Detroit News
• "The Borrego has a good list of the things midsize-SUV buyers want at a good price, plus the ridiculously long warranty: 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain plus other coverage standard on all Kias." -- AutoWeek
• "The new Borrego features a combination of premium power and fuel efficiency combined with luxury appointments that are not typical for a mid-priced, mid-sized ride from any manufacturer, much less from Kia." -- Left Lane News
• "Kia's new SUV is a darn fine one. While corporate cousin Hyundai went the unibodied crossover route with the Veracruz, Kia wanted something different, with real off-road capability, an optional V-8, and some towing capacity." -- Truck Trend

Borrego Performance - 7.7 (Good)

Some reviewers commend the truck-based Borrego for offering a surprisingly smooth ride. Other testers, however, can't get past its stiff suspension and bouncy ride compared to its car-based crossover rivals. "In Borrego's favor is that it feels tauter and crisper than most truck products," says USA Today, adding, "Not as refined as a well-done crossover, but commendable nonetheless." A weakness is the Borrego's fuel economy, which is particularly poor when equipped with the V8 engine. Read More

Borrego Exterior - NA

Most reviewers say the Kia Borrego looks like most other boxy SUVs -- which isn't necessarily a bad thing. "Overall, a nice design, typical of Korean production vehicles, that neither shocks with originality nor bores with blandness," comments About.com. "Borrego will not set hearts racing, nor stomachs churning, with its exterior." Read More

Borrego Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)

Reviewers offer lots of praise for the 2010 Kia Borrego's high-quality materials and stylish design. "The overall design and materials quality of this cabin sets a new standard for the Kia lineup," says Edmunds. "Grain patterns are painstakingly matched from dash to door panels to seats, and the red-and-white instrumentation looks slick." The Borrego's eight-passenger interior is spacious, but the third row may not be suitable for adults. Read More

Borrego Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Kia Borrego comes with an impressive number of high-end safety features for its class. These include a standard Back-Up Warning System and Hill Assist Control. The Borrego also receives excellent crash test scores from the federal government. Read More

Borrego Reliability - NA

The Kia Borrego comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Read More