2009 Kia Amanti: Upscale sedan at a reasonable price

It doesn't cost an arm and a leg to enjoy a luxurious, powerful sedan. Take a test-drive in a Kia Amanti to feel quality and performance.

Back in 2005, this midsize sedan earned the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Award. Since then, Kia has kept making improvements. The 2009 model now offers Sirius Satellite Radio and MP3 playback capability, plus a whole new audio system.

Although Kia hasn't as yet disclosed an exact price for the 2009 Amanti, it is expected to be about $26,500, which is a bargain considering what this sedan has to offer: spacious interior, luxurious appointments and a very exciting engine.

What was surprising to me about the Amanti was the V6 produces a good 264 horsepower and this front-wheel drive sedan accelerates quickly. The engine is linked to a five-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic transmission with overdrive. The Kia Amanti is rated to achieve 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway - using regular gasoline.

My tester featured the colors of dark red wine/black - one of eight choices - giving it a quality exterior appearance as it sat on 17-inch sparkling alloy wheels.

The Amanti has a massive grille with front projection fog lights and clear-lens halogen headlamps. It also has tinted windows and at the rear end it has a dual-exhaust system, plus a very large trunk. It also had the optional leather package, which included upscale appointments, such as two-position memory settings for both the driver's seat and outside mirrors.

As standard equipment the Amanti comes with an eight-way power driver's seat, (four-way power passenger's seat) and both seats can be heated. It also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, leather-covered steering wheel with cruise control and a keyless entry and alarm system. Even the three rear seats are spacious and comfortable.

Another elegant touch: one-touch up/down front windows. The 2009 model now has a 5.5-inch display screen, replacing the 4-inch monitor.

On the road the Amanti responded in the same manner as sedans costing nearly twice as much. I was able to take every bend in up- and down-hill curved back roads and accelerate through them with precision.

Kia engineers say the Amanti is built with a precise power rack-and-pinion steering system that will adapt to sudden driving changes. It also has a fully independent suspension, featuring gas-pressurized shocks, a double wishbone suspension and rear multilink setup, plus other attributes that are commonly associated with pricier luxury cars.

Regarding safety equipment, the Kia Amanti has more standard air bags than any other vehicle in its segment. The Amanti has side-impact air bags for the second row passengers. Most vehicles are offered with front row side-impact air bags only. The Amanti has dual front air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags. The list of standard safety features also includes antilock brakes, active front headrests, anti-pinch windows, front and rear three-point seatbelts and front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters.

The Amanti also has electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, which are part of the optional Electronic Stability Control package.

Kia comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited power-train warranty, plus a 24-hour roadside assistance plan.

Put all this together and compare the price to just about any other midsize car and it becomes quite evident that luxury, quality and performance doesn't have to cost and arm and a leg.

2009 Kia Amanti

Vehicle type: five-passenger FWD midsize sedan

Base price: est. $26,495

Engine type: V6 DOHC 24-valve with MPFI

Displacement: 3.8 liter

Horsepower: 264 (net) at 6000 rpm

Torque: 260 pound-feet at 4500 rpm

Transmission: five-speed Sportmatic with OD

Wheelbase: 102 inches

Track: 62/63 inches (front/rear)

Overall length: 197 inches

Overall width: 73 inches

Height: 58 inches

Turning circle: 38 feet (curb-to-curb)

Curb weight: 3,770 pounds

Fuel capacity: 18 gallons

EPA mileage rating: 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

Tom Keane
Motor Matters

Kia's Bargain Borrego

With gas prices dropping and the economy softening, there's never been a better time to buy a midsize, inexpensive SUV like the Kia Borrego

Up Front

There are some great deals around right now on midsize sport utility vehicles, with one of the best bargains being the new '09 Kia Borrego. The Korean company's timing isn't great bringing out a classic SUV in the midst of a financial crisis and continuing gasoline price jitters. But if you really need the seven-passenger capacity, available V8-power, and the four-wheel drive of an SUV, the new Borrego offers excellent value.

Almost exactly the same size as a Ford Explorer, the Borrego is the heaviest and most powerful vehicle Kia has ever sold in the U.S. It comes with a choice of two engines, a 3.8-liter, 276-horsepower V6 coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission or a powerful 4.6-liter, 337-horsepower V8 coupled with a six-speed automatic. With the bigger engine, the Borrego weighs 4,600 lb. and can tow as much as 7,500 lb., best in its class. Its 8.5-inch ground clearance even gives it limited off-road capability.

It's hard to beat the Borrego's price. The model starts out at $26,995 for a two-wheel-drive, V6-powered LX, rising to $33,745 for a fancy EX with four-wheel-drive and a V8 engine.

However, rival SUVs are being heavily discounted (a $2,000 Borrego rebate ended Dec. 1). Through Jan. 5, Ford (F) is offering rebates of up to $4,000 and $2,000 on the '08 and '09 Explorer, respectively. General Motors' (GM) rebates total more than $4,000 on the '08 Saturn Outlook for some customers, and more than $3,000 on the '09, also through Jan. 5.

Considering the amount of standard equipment it comes with, however, the Borrego is highly competitive. Even the most basic LX comes with full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilting and telescoping steering-wheel, a backup alarm, a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, and a USB port, an integrated trailer hitch, electronic brake-force distribution, side-mirror turn signal indicators, hill-start assist, and an automatic downhill braking control system. The EX adds power adjustable front seats, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lights, and heated outside mirrors. Four-wheel-drive versions also have a windshield de-icer.

The main option on the entry-level LX is a $1,200 convenience package that adds leather seat trim and an eight-way power driver's seat. However, you can jazz up the EX with all sorts of add-ons: The $1,800 premium package adds a sunroof, a backup camera, a premium sound system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and running boards, while the $1,500 luxury package adds leather heated seats, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and memory for driver's seat settings. Navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems cost an extra $1,500 apiece, chrome wheels another $750, and Bluetooth capability $350.

Belying its size, the Borrego's fuel economy is better than average for this class of vehicle. With rear-wheel drive, the V6 version of the Borrego is rated to get 17 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway. Rated mileage drops to 15 city and 20 highway for the V8-powered four-wheel-drive version. In 185 miles of mixed driving in a V6-powered Borrego, I got 17.2 mpg.

The Borrego earned the top Five-Star crash test rating in frontal and side collisions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It comes standard with front, side, and head-protecting side curtain airbags, as well as antilock brakes and stability and traction control. There's even an airbag to protect the driver's knees in the V8 models. Kia's excellent warranty includes comprehensive five-year/60,000 mile coverage with free roadside assistance

However, not surprisingly given the state of the auto industry, the Borrego is off to a slow start. Kia posted record U.S. sales as recently as July, but the company drove off a cliff this fall, along with the rest of the auto industry, right as the Borrego was hitting the market. As a result, Kia only sold 1,440 Borregos in the model's first three months on the market.

Behind the Wheel

Kia has made a quantum leap in recent years, New models such as Optima midsize sedan and the Rondo small SUV have excellent fit and finish and come packed with features you wouldn't expect from a budget brand. The same holds for the Borrego.

For starters, this new Kia is surprisingly quick for such a heavy vehicle. I clocked my V6-powered test vehicle at 7.5 seconds in accelerating from 0 to 60, and the V8 engine, the most powerful in its class, undoubtably provides even faster acceleration. Both transmissions have a manual mode for those who want to do the shifting themselves. The Borrego's suspension may be too stiff for some people, but it's about right for those (like me) who don't like a boaty ride.

There's nothing exceptional about the Borrego's bland exterior styling. But the vehicle's interior is remarkably well designed. Fit and finish is uniform, with tight gaps in the dashboard and door sections. The glove box closes with a solid thunk, and everything inside the car seems well-made.

What sets the interior apart is how roomy the rear seating area is. The Borrego's middle seats are adjustable—the seatbacks can be tilted back at different angles and slide back and forth. If you take the time to adjust the second row seats, there's plenty of space for adults to be comfortable in the third row. That contrasts with most midsize SUVs, where the third-row seats are suitable mainly for kids.

With all three rows of seats in use, the Borrego only has 12.4 cu. ft. of luggage space in back, considerably less than the larger Saturn Outlook and slightly less than the '09 Explorer. However, both rows of rear seats fold down in a split pattern, providing an enormous amount of cargo capacity when you need it. There's also an under-floor compartment in back for storing valuables.

My main gripe is that the Borrego isn't as responsive at cruising speeds as I would have liked. The transmission is geared to maximize fuel economy, so it switches into the higher gears relatively quickly and seems to run out forever in each one. You really have to punch the gas hard to get it to gear down for passing other vehicles on the highway.

Also, there's no trip computer on LX models. And you can't get a power lift-gate at all, even as an option. Buy it or Bag It?

The first question to ask before buying a Borrego: Do you really need such a large vehicle? If not, the much smaller Kia Rondo offers seven-passenger capacity at a much lower price (about $18,000) and gets better mileage (19 mpg in the city/26 on the highway).

The midsize Borrego is far roomier but sells for an average of $29,133, according to the Power Information Network (PIN). The '08 Ford Explorer ($27,136) and '08 Jeep Grand Cherokee ($28,095) are still available and sell for less, but also come with far less standard equipment than the Borrego.

If you want to spend a bit more for a slightly larger vehicle, the '09 Saturn Outlook ($33,103) and Honda's (HMC) '09 Pilot ($33,003) are both very classy and seat up to eight passengers. Toyota's (TM) '09 Highlander costs a lot more, with an average recent selling price of $39,821, according to PIN (which, like BusinessWeek, is a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies—MHP).

Midsize SUVs aren't exactly selling like hotcakes these days. But it's a great time to buy if you want one, and the Borrego is one of the best bargains in the category.

Editor's Rating: 4-Stars

The Good: Standard features, seven-passenger capacity, rebates

The Bad: Bland styling, SUV fuel economy

The Bottom Line: A classic midsize SUV at a bargain price

By Thane Peterson
Busniess Week

Check out the Kia Soul

Is Kia cool?

Maybe not, but it's got Soul, a funky new funmobile designed to establish some street cred among the young.

The Soul train starts next year when the South Korean carmaker sends the wagon out to compete with the boxy Nissan Cube, a co-star at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Already circling the block are Toyota Scion's Xb, Honda's Element, a couple of counter-intuitive crates that seem to have captured the fancy of fashion-resistant trend setters.

"The Soul is for those who love individuality but don't like to be categorized by finding the next best thing," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia Motors America. "Indicative of the new design direction of KMA, Soul is an attractive and customizable vehicle for those looking for something with a little more personality than other vehicles on the market today."

Cars like the Soul are sometimes called "multi-purpose vehicles" because they're not quite sport utilities and typically taller than the compact or subcompact wagons. They've also been called "urban crossovers." Members of the segment fit somewhere between the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Honda CRV.

Unveiled as a concept vehicle at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in 2006, Soul features an angled window line, rounded nose, large flared back headlamps and chrome grille. The large windshield and the tapered roofline seem to emphasize the forward view. The beltline from the front wheel arch creates a subtle wedge shape and continues under and around the rear side window.

The production version of the car, designed in Southern California and manufactured in South Korea, is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms in April.

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport, the five-door model will be priced "in the teens," according to Kia, so expect prices to be somewhere in the mid-teens so that teens will be able to afford it.

Two engines will be offered, both 4-cylinder versions. The base 1.6-liter engine produces a meager 122 horsepower, while the 2-liter version measures up to 142-horsepower. That can't be too overwhelming, but matches the Nissan Cube's power output at the base level.

The base transmission in the Soul is a five-speed stick, but you can upgrade to a four-speed automatic.

While the Soul won't blow anyone's doors off, fuel economy - not yet announced - should be much more encouraging. The comparable Nissan Cube is expected to get more than 30 miles per gallon with the stick shift.

The base model has black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored bumpers, rear wiper/washer and 15-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/65R15 tires.

The Soul+ adds keyless remote entry, solar glass, privacy glass on the rear side and rear windows body-color handles and power side mirrors along with 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires.

The Soul! adds power moonroof, fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires. Soul sport features side sills, rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear fascias, wholly personifying the sporty, urban look Soul embodies.

Soul's functional features include 14 storage zones, tall doors for easy access and a high seating position. Buyers can select interiors with different colors, fabrics and audio system packages.

Interior decoration is minimized by an uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and a floating center stack design.

The top audio system comes with Sirius Satellite Radio and three months complimentary service . Standard auxiliary and USB input jacks also can be found in the center console with full iPod controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls.

Additional standard interior features include a tilt steering column, power door locks, power windows with driver's side auto-down, map lamps and a rear wiper and washer. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.

Soul+ offers additional standard features including air conditioning, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, privacy glass and tweeter speakers. Available upgrades for the Soul+ trim include an audio upgrade package power moonroof and floor mats, which become standard on the Soul!. Advancing to the Soul! adds beige-black interior trim and cloth seats and metal-finish trim.

Safety features include front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. An antilock brake system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, and rear disc brakes are standard on Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport models.

Soul's warranty covers the power train for 10-years or 100,000 miles, while providing five-years or 60,000-mile coverage for the other parts.

Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service

All-new 2009 Kia Borrego: strong engine, ample towing

Kia has made some significant changes to the Borrego for 2009, making the three-row, seven-passenger SUV a solid contender in its market.

For the first time ever, Kia is using a V8 engine. The Borrego is featured with a V6, as well as the optional 32-valve, 4.6-liter V8. This was the power plant in my tester. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the V8 generates 337 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The engine's torque rating is exemplary. It produces 323 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm.

In my V8 tester, with a curb weight of 4,621 pounds, this powerful pulling force was felt immediately under throttle. The big and forceful Borrego is smooth running as it proceeds through its six automatic shift points. With all this force under the hood, the Borrego can tow 7,500 pounds of trailer weight.

My 4x4 tester had a base price of $32,995. Its official 2009 EPA fuel economy ratings are 15 miles per gallon city and 20 mpg highway. The Borrego runs on regular gasoline and has a fuel tank capacity of about 21 gallons.

The 4x2 Borrego starts at $26,245 and is standard equipped with the 3.8-liter V6. This engine is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission and has a horsepower rating of 276 at 6000 rpm and torque rating of 267 pound-feet at 4400 rpm. The V6 towing capacity is capped at 5,000 pounds. EPA estimates on this power plant come in at 21 mpg highway on both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions.

The Borrego is a true truck and competes with offerings from other top manufacturers. Kia's body-on-frame sport utility vehicle has a double wishbone front suspension with shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. The coil-over springs rear multi-link suspension incorporates a damper and stabilizer bar.

The Borrego is good for on-road towing and off-road adventures. This Kia SUV has a typical ground clearance of 8.5 inches. Drivers who will be doing off-roading should inquire with the dealer about skid plate protection.

The entry model Borrego has a high level of standard amenities, such as air conditioning; power windows, door locks and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control; and a six-speaker sound system with MP3.

The up-level tester came standard with dual-zone climate control, Sirius satellite, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power seats, sliding and reclining second row seats, a back-up warning system and active head restraints.

A high level of standard safety equipment is offered. It includes electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and six air bags. The V8 model has seven air bags with a driver's knee air bag.

2009 Kia Borrego EX

Vehicle type: seven-passenger 4WD SUV

Base price: $32,995 (as tested: $39,295)

Engine type: 32-valve DOHC V8 with SFI

Displacement: 4.6 liter

Horsepower: 337 net at 6000 rpm

Torque: 323 pound-feet at 3500 rpm

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 114 inches

Track: (front/rear) 64/64 inches

Overall length: 192 inches

Overall width: 75 inches

Height: 71 inches

Turning circle: (curb-to-curb) 36 feet

Curb weight: 4,621 pounds

Fuel capacity: 21 gallons

EPA mileage rating: 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway

Connie Keane
Motor Matters

2009 Kia Borrego: A new sport utility vehicle? Now? Kia is no stranger to swimming against the current

Kia's new multi-tasking wagon takes its name from the desert community of Borrego Springs, Calif. For Kia, no doubt, hope springs eternal that North Americans still have a healthy appetite for big rigs such as this seven-passenger sport utility vehicle, despite lagging sales in this once-dominant and almighty category.

To make matters even more interesting, Borrego takes aim at some of the biggest names in the off-roader world and is using its size and might to jostle its way into the midst of this crowd. According to Kia, in fact, the Borrego is more spacious than competitive stalwarts Honda Pilot, Jeep Commander, Hyundai Veracruz and Toyota's Highlander and 4Runner.

But size is only part of the equation. Borrego also looks the part with attractive sheetmetal that imparts a sense of muscular competency for whatever tasks its called upon to perform. In addition, the wide stance contained within none-too-subtle flared fender openings adds to the vehicle's strong-arm demeanor.

The athletic exterior contrasts with near luxury-class cabin that can be decked out to approximate any number of high-end off-roaders that are more than a couple of notches above the Borrego's station in life. Both rows of back seats are of the split-folding type with a sliding second row that enhances access to the rear-most bench. Whether both rear seats are completely or partially folded flat or left upright, the available cargo space is commensurate with the generously proportioned interior.

The body structure sits on a ladder-type frame that, for the most part, is still the industry standard for tackling the toughest rough- or off-road assignments as well as towing heavy loads (up to 7,500 pounds).

The business end begins with a 276-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission. Those requiring more guts can select the optional 337-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 that operates with a six-speed automatic. In this class, only the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder offer V8 power in their lineups. Rear-wheel-drive (no matter the engine) is standard while four-wheel-drive is optional.

For the moment, Borrego is available in two versions. Base LX models feature the usual air/cruise/tilt trio plus power windows/locks/mirrors and a six-speaker audio system. A back-up warning system, hill start assist (that keeps the vehicle from rolling backward when moving forward from a full stop on a hill) and downhill brake control (that holds the vehicle at a controlled speed while descending) are included on the standard-equipment list.

Spring for the EX and you'll get power-adjustable driver's and front passenger's seats are included, along with climate control, heated outside mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Additionally there are a couple of stand-alone options and packages that provide heated front leather seats, power sunroof, separately controlled rear air conditioning, premium entertainment and navigation gear, backup camera and power tilt/telescopic steering wheel as well as fancier wheels.

A Limited edition arrives later in the model year that features special trim, push-button start, power adjustable pedals and other fancy fittings.

Given the lagging sales in the mid- and full-size sport utility vehicles, launching the Borrego is no doubt a gamble. However, Kia appears fearless in the face of this uncertainty and seems bent on scooping up buyers wanting a high-value sport ute - and there are still plenty of them out there - with room and performance to spare plus the kind of styling that gets them noticed in Borrego Springs, Calif., or anywhere else for that matter.

What you should know: 2009 Kia Borrego

Type: Four-door, mid-sized rear- /four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle

Engines: 3.8-liter DOHC V6 (276 hp); 4.6-liter DOHC V8 (337 hp)

Transmissions: Five-speed automatic (std. on V6); six-speed automatic (std. on V8)

Market position: With the sport utility vehicle market receding, largely due to high gas prices, it could be tough sledding for the Borrego to establish a beachhead.

Points: Rugged, handsome, outdoorsy and athletic good looks; Two powerful engine choices broaden appeal; Fuel-economy rating only average; Lengthy standard features list and warranty will help lure buyers; Body-on-frame construction adds to off-road competency, towing ability; According to Kia, exceptional interior space tops that of many competitors.

Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; driver's knee airbag (opt.); anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.

The numbers: MPG (city/hwy): 17/21 (V6, 4x2); Base price: $27,000 (including destination)

By comparison

Ford Explorer

Base price: $26,500

Once-popular SUV hampered by high fuel costs.

Mazda CX-9

Base price: $30,000

Great looks, fun to drive with lots of passenger/storage space.

Nissan Pathfinder

Base price: $26,500

A rugged performer that specializes in off-road maneuvers.

By Malcolm Gunn | Wheelbase Communications

Kia's Sorento offers a few surprises

Has Kia become cool?

It sure looks like it.

The company has a neat looking little car coming out soon called the Soul, which already is getting good reviews as a competitor for the youthful Scion products from Toyota.

And Kia's Sorento SUV has been named one of five cars "for the next four years" by Edmunds.com.

Although it's not a trend-setter, the Sorento is a pleasant, well-built, capable SUV that embodies Kia's new slogan: "The Power To Surprise."

Our test model was a 2008 Kia Sorento EX 4x4 painted Spicy Red with a gray interior. Base price was $26,195, with standard features such as a 262-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic, full-length side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, air conditioning, cruise control, power equipment and a dual center console.

Options included alloy wheels, leather, sunroof, dual zone climate control, automatic headlamps, chrome outside door handles, a rear spoiler and full-time torque on demand four-wheel drive. That brought the final price to $30,095.

Driving an SUV isn't always a pleasurable experience for me because I usually dislike the typical high driving position, ponderous handling and slow acceleration.

But for the most part, the Sorento was free of those characteristics. It is one of the easiest to handle SUVs I've driven. It's modest in size, so parking is not a big issue. And though the Sorento has body-on-frame construction that usually makes for rattles and a feeling of looseness, none of that was an issue with this SUV.

Though I did not get a chance to test it off-road, I'm told by sources I trust that the Sorento does quite well. With the engine combination the test model had, there's a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds.

The nice thing about the interior of the Sorento is that everything is so logically laid out, with buttons and controls falling easily to hand -- no stretching or reaching needed. Dials are large and legible, too. The interior itself was even handsome, with fabrics and materials blending together nicely with no rough spots. The only demerit was a bit too much hard plastic here and there.

The Sorento seats six, so if you want more room in a Kia model your best bet will be the larger Borrego, another attractive option.

Among the few problems I had with the Sorento was that the second seat doesn't fold as flat as I would like for easy loading and unloading. A good number of the Sorento's competitors have that.

I also found that the Sorento needs more braking power in emergency situations. It was fine during normal driving, but stopping doesn't come either firmly or quickly enough when you slam on the brakes to avoid a mishap.

Fuel mileage also is likely to be a concern for many people -- it's rated at 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. There are competitors that do better than that.

Safety ratings, however, are a strong point with the Sorento -- five stars for driver and passenger frontal crash ratings and five stars for front and rear seat protection in a side crash rollover tests netted a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Don Hammonds
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Kia goes truckin' with V-8 Borrego

Another in the growing list of nameplates offering three rows of seats to hold Dad and Mom, their kids plus someone else's.

But the Kia Borrego appears at a time when truck-based SUVs powered by thirsty V-8s have lost their luster. And though gas has fallen nearly $2 a gallon since Borrego arrived in August, a hybrid crossover probably would have been more welcome.

Borrego is offered in base LX or uplevel EX trim with a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive and V-6 or V-8. We tested the EX 4WD. The V-6 is a 3.8-liter, 276-horsepower unit whose mileage is only slightly better--16 m.p.g. city/21 m.p.g. highway-- than the with V-8--15/20. With 2WD it's 17/21 V-6, 15/22 V-8.

The V-8 is quick and quiet. No trouble scooting ahead of traffic and no commotion when you kick the pedal. But the fuel needle gets up and goes just as quickly and quietly. Not as irritating at $2.39 a gallon as at $4.39 a gallon, but how long before prices take off again? And how high?

At first glance, those three rows of seats packed inside would seem to put capacity ahead of comfort be the trip short or long. But the cabin is surprisingly roomy. Second row offers more than ample head and knee room. And those in Row Three--adults or kids--can wiggle melon or legs. Second-row seats slide forward for to give those in back a smidge more room.

But though room is ample, we'd never want to travel any distance there. Third-row seats are directly over the rear axle. Talk about a butt battering.

Second-row seat backs lean forward and bottoms slide against the front seats to create a small aisle to row three. It's a tight squeeze though because the rear wheel wells bulge so much.

The test vehicle came with optional running boards as part of a $1,800 premium package. Getting into Row Two or having the momentum to squeeze into three would be a trick without them.

Not much room for gear or groceries behind the third row and space under the rear cargo floor hides only small items.

But those third-row seat backs may be the quickest and easiest folding in the industry. Pull a lever on the backs and either or both fold flat like that to hold vacation luggage or the week's vittles. Second-row backs also fold flat.

Ride is relatively smooth in the two front rows. No bang or bounce. The suspension minimizes body lean in corners and keeps the radials from scrubbing the pavement in turns. The test vehicle came with on-demand 4WD that goes to work when detecting slippage. A dial to the left of the steering wheel offers high or low settings for snow or off-roading, but skip the boulders. Stability control with traction control is standard, along with side-curtain air bags.

Nice touches include easy-to-see-and-use controls, a pair of drawers in the dash above the center console to store cell phones, iPods or the like, a tray in the console to keep items from bouncing around, power plugs in the dash and under the center armrest and USB/iPod/auxiliary plugs in the console.

There also are two cup- holders in the center console, two in the second-row pull-down armrest, one on each side wall in the third row and one in each of the four doors or 10 for seven people.

The navi should be programmed for rest stops.

A gripe, other than mileage, is the voice-activated controls. Our "radio off" command made the radio switch from AM to FM. Either the radio or this scribe needs to be rewired. And the front seat headrests are so large and lean so far forward to protect from whiplash they feel as if resting your neck against a football.

With Borrego, Kia sticks to its market formula: emphasizing the same features and amenities as the big names but for less money. Still a high-mileage hybrid or diesel would attract more attention.

Borrego starts about $26,000 for a base 2WD LX with V-6 up to $30,000 for a 4WD LX with V-8. The 2WD EX V-6 starts at about $28,000, the 4WD EX V-8 we tested starts at $32,995. With options it runs about $35,000, still about $5,000 less than a comparable Toyota 4Runner.

Jim Mateja