2009 Kia Borrego

Kia caters to K9 lovers with the big Borrego

Sun, Nov 23rd 2008

When the Kia folks rolled out their new, mid-sized sport utility vehicle called the Borrego to the media this past summer, gas prices were at an all-time high and continuing to climb.

So they opened the press launch by addressing, what they termed, “The elephant in the room.”

“Why would we launch an SUV at a time when the market is looking for small, economical cars?” said Tom Loveless, vice president of Sales for Kia. “Because this, in fact, is a story about value. Everyone needs a cargo hauler, but they also need to spend their dollar wisely. The Borrego is everything you’d want, at a price and fuel economy that beats all others.”

He’s got a point. If we’re insisting on taking multiple dogs and their gear with us (which we certainly are), we’re going to be looking for a decently sized vehicle that offers the best fuel economy t the lowest price.

The Borrego gets an EPA estimated average of 22 / 15 mpg, which is best in class for a non-hybrid, mid-size SUV. And it’s base price is $26,995, far under the other rigs.

But what about our pups? How does the Borrego handle our DogCar needs? Quite well.

The second and third row seats fold flat to reveal a hard surface that is easily cleaned of paw mud and chicken feed. To prevent slippage, there’s a fabric cover that is designed to fit perfectly over the floor of the cargo area.

Air vents (16 in all) are spread throughout the rear of the Borrego’s airy interior, and ceiling lights make it easy to work in the crate area at night. There are tie-downs and seatbelt hooks in the back and even a 120-watt outlet inside the rear hatch.

Driving the Borrego is a joy because while the V-8 engine has plenty of power, it doesn’t overpower you. You drive with a sense of confidence, not wastefulness. The ride is high enough to provide good road visibility, yet the rear is fairly low to help our aging and height-challenged crew.

While the launch timing of Kia’s first SUV is unfortunate, the may be one to something. If you’re going to need an off-road capable hauler for your hounds, you might as well go for the most economical value you can find.

Thus, the Borrego is born.

-- Keith Turner

Carguy Comments: The new Kia Borrego offers a choice of V-6 (276 horsepower getting 21/17 mpg) and V-8 (337 horsepower for 22/15 mpg) and either four-wheel-drive or two. The interior measures 34 inches in height, 47.5 inches at it narrowest and 80 inches from tail to front seats.

Barking Lot Banter: Kia has decided to roll the dice by launching its first mid-size SUV at a time when cost-conscious consumers a thinking small. But multiple-dog families may be intrigued by the value and many amenities of the Borrego.