2009 Kia Borrego Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Known as the Mowave in Korea, the Kia Borrego opts for a different desert name (after Anza-Borrego State Park) for its first-time entry...
Known as the Mowave in Korea, the Kia Borrego opts for a different desert name (after Anza-Borrego State Park) for its first-time entry into the body-on-frame midsize SUV market. The 2009 Kia Borrego will also be the Korean automaker's most powerful vehicle, thanks to its 4.6-liter Tau V8, borrowed from the upcoming Genesis. Although numbers have yet to be released, the V8 should deliver 300-plus horsepower and be matched to a 6-speed automatic. A 3.8-liter V6 will also be offered, with a horsepower rating somewhere between 250 and 270, paired with a 5-speed automatic. A clean diesel engine is in the works.
Borrego means bighorn sheep, and the 2009 Kia Borrego takes its name seriously, with flared wheel wells mimicking the rounded horns, and a muscular profile with chrome grille and lower body cladding signaling its rugged performance capability both on and off road. Two trims, LX and EX, will be available, each with front-wheel or four-wheel drive. The on-demand 4WD will have low-range gearing for off-road use. The 2009 Borrego seats seven people in three rows, with both second and third rows folding flat to expand cargo space. The second row also slides forward for easier third-row access. All trims will feature ABS brakes, dual front multi-stage airbags and side curtain bags for all three rows, and traction and stability control. Options such as a rearview camera, hill assist, an air suspension, and Kia's first-ever navigation system improve safety.
Interior features include a 6-CD player with iPod compatibility and three months of satellite radio. Utility is not forgotten in this SUV, as the V8 engine will be able to tow around 7,500 pounds (5,000 with the V6). As always, Kia's 100,000-mile/10-year warranty will be offered. Early reviews praise the safety features and upscale interior materials of the 2009 Borrego, but say the third row is cramped. There are questions as to whether introducing an SUV at a time when crossovers are becoming the preferred family vehicle is wise. Expected fuel economy for the Borrego will fall in the mid-teens.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers find the 2009 Kia Borrego to be a solid SUV with good power and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Many enjoy the robust V8 engine and towing capacity, while appreciating its reliability and warranty. However, some drivers report difficulties in finding parts and have raised concerns about certain design quirks, such as the oil filter placement. Despite these issues, most agree it's a great value for families and outdoor enthusiasts."
The truck is built rock solid. Super quiet ride. Plenty of power from the V8, spacious cabin. Better than a pathfinder, tundra or Lexus GX470
September 10, 2023great SUV. Have a ton of space for cargo or people. Has seats 7 w/ seat belts, third row seating, duel climate control, dual power seats, towing package, AWD, V6, etc. Overall this is perfect car for a family that like to either travel or the outdoors a lot.
April 30, 2012This car stronger than my tahoe and it feels like it is a better ride than the tahoe. The kia is chaper to buy parts and it seems like it is more fuel effiecent. I love to drive this car
January 4, 2010What owners say
The truck is built rock solid. Super quiet ride. Plenty of power from the V8, spacious cabin. Better than a pathfinder, tundra or Lexus GX470
September 10, 2023great SUV. Have a ton of space for cargo or people. Has seats 7 w/ seat belts, third row seating, duel climate control, dual power seats, towing package, AWD, V6, etc. Overall this is perfect car for a family that like to either travel or the outdoors a lot.
April 30, 2012This car stronger than my tahoe and it feels like it is a better ride than the tahoe. The kia is chaper to buy parts and it seems like it is more fuel effiecent. I love to drive this car
January 4, 2010I test drove and examined the Borego. The 4.6L is a rocket. The Borego is a full frame SUV and it scoots better than the Suburban, Expedition, or any other 7 passenger SUV that I know of. This thing is built mostly by robots like any other Kia or Hyundai so build quality is not even an issue. The Borego will turn heads but is still very classy. Fuel mileage is supurb for a 12,000 GVW capacity vehicle and stops on a dime. The only thing I am going to change is putting it on Eibach springs to bring it down about 2 inches.
October 6, 2008I was waiting to find a slightly used V8 model for a while. I finally got one and love it. The turning radius is amazing on it. The power for acceleration is great, I have towed up to the 7,000 pound limit with no problems. The quality is great. As expected gas mileage is not great but it is comparable or better than most V8's in it's class. The tires that come with it are horrible, they are for a much lighter vehicle and not for trucks. The size is rare so a bit more of a hassle to find and there is no room for a slightly larger standard size tire. Smaller rims will not fit because of the large brakes on the front. After the warranty period, I will be looking at upgrading the suspension and wheel wells to fit much better tires. Otherwise, this is the only 7 seater vehicle that can tow 7,000 pounds that looked good, had a 5 year warranty, decent price and performed well.
August 22, 2011Great car, love the look and styling. Runs great. No complaints in the 8 months that I've owned it. Performance is good, gets up and goes when I need it to. Kia has a great warranty, so the cost of maintenance is really low. And the gas mileage is pretty average.
May 23, 2011No matter if you buy the bottom line or top of the line they include safety features equally ( except knee air bag on Borrego EX). Clean lines,not just flashy to sacrafice visibility, better fuel economy then others in same category along with better towing by a substantial margin.
December 5, 2009A great value for the money, lots of room and good power, I am an auto tech and I have driven many vehicles and after owning this one for fibe years now I havent replaced any thing mayor on it, when bought from previous owner came with new brakes, they are still on the car. All I done to it is oil changes and a fuel pump (after troubleshooting ordered a new one, when I got it removed the original one and it was a broken wire on the pump module, installed the new one but fixed the OEM one and kept as a spare). If you want or need a good size suv that is inexpensive to buy and maintenance friendly look no more.
July 9, 2023Has check engine light on which reads internal mechanical issues. Do mot recommend
October 20, 2020I like the car's look, the ride is nice and handles on the road great Would recommend to anyone who needs a 4x4 suv. The only bad thing is it is hard to find parts for. oil filter, fuel filter the small stuff is hard to get.
January 25, 2014Trims & specs
Base MSRP $39,995 | Seating 7 |
Engine 4.6L 337 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $37,995 | Seating 7 |
Engine 4.6L 337 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $30,995 | Seating 7 |
Engine 4.6L 337 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $32,995 | Seating 7 |
Engine 4.6L 337 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $30,995 | Seating 7 |
Engine 4.6L 337 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $26,245 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 276 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $28,295 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 276 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $27,995 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 276 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $29,995 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 276 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
