Borrego traverses rough terrain

The 2009 Kia Borrego is the one of several large-vehicle launches that are on the horizon for 2009. Also on the agenda, we have vehicles like the Hummer H3T, the Dodge Ram and the Ford F-150. I don't know what you're thinking, but the question on my mind is: What are they thinking?

Easier asked than answered, I suppose. But part of the answer is the planning. Five years ago when these vehicles were just ink blots on a sketchpad, the national average for gasoline was in the $1.75 per gallon range. Who could have imaged that prices at the pump would more than double by the time these gas-hungry vehicles became a reality?

So, given the current economic climate, it was with a fair share of skepticism that I attended the Kia Borrego press preview. Luckily, this seven-passenger, midsize SUV has a great story to tell.

So, we'll jump right in with the most pressing issue: Fuel economy.

The Borrego isn't a miracle SUV that will get city and highway economy topping 30 mpg. But, it pretty much beats Kia's key competitors in the midsize SUV segment, namely the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner.

The Borrego offers two engine options and two drivetrains. So, on one end of the scale, we have the two-wheel drive V-6 model that gets 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. On the other end of the scale, there's the four-wheel drive V-8 model that gets 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

While V-6 mileage numbers show overlap with its competitors, the V-8 Borrego blows the competition out of the water. The 2WD Borrego with the V-8 gets city/highway mileage of 15/22 mpg. Compare that to the Grand Cherokee (13/19 mpg), the 4Runner (15/19 mpg), the Explorer (13/20 mpg) and the Pathfinder (13/18 mpg). The Pilot doesn't currently offer a V-8 model.

In this rough climate, higher mileage estimates are a huge selling point in a segment that has plummeting sales numbers.

As Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, pointed out, Kia doesn't currently have a vehicle in the midsize SUV segment, so there's a lot of opportunity for the brand to expand their offerings and attract new customers. It doesn't hurt that their product will beat out many of their competitors in terms of not only fuel economy but also luxury amenities.

"It helps to be the best or among the best in the segment," Loveless said.

The best value, the best fuel economy, the best equipment, the best overall package. That's the argument Kia makes for the Borrego.

In fact, throughout the press conference, we were bombarded with a message brimming with optimism. And, I suppose, if any automaker is in a position to be optimistic, it would be Kia. They are, after all, breaking sales records in an automotive market that's struggling.

Tim Chaney, director of marketing, said that he thinks the content and quality of the Borrego will offset the SUV concerns.

I do still have to insert that healthy dose of skepticism here, but after spending some quality time in the vehicle, I have to say that Chaney just might be right.

I was actually stunned by the number of "luxury" amenities that are standard on the base Kia Borrego. You'll find that their new ad campaigns really capitalize on this, coining a new tagline for Kia: A new kind of luxury SUV.

While the LED turn signals on the side mirrors, integrated towing hitch, third row and three-row side-curtain airbags are a nice additions to the standard list, there are three other standard items that are particularly surprising: rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control.

The Borrego, in addition to being a value proposition, is a proving ground of Kia firsts. In an effort to move its way up the food chain, Kia is now offering features like navigation, a rear backup camera, smart key access and Bluetooth connectivity. This is also the first time Kia is offering a V-8 engine in one of their vehicles.

The up-level 4.6-liter V-8 is the same Tau engine offered in the new Hyundai Genesis, and it delivers 337 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. With this engine, the towing capacity is a class-leading 7,500 pounds. Yet another "best" for the Borrego.

The base engine is a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that delivers 276 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This model can tow up to 5,000 pounds and comes equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. The V-8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which happens to be the same six-speed in the BMW X5.

I had the opportunity to drive both the V-6 and the V-8 models during the preview. My first time in the driver's seat was a brief stint on the highway behind the wheel of the V-6. The vehicle was comfortable and quiet. Road noise was minimal, and cruising speeds were easily achieved. I did notice a little sluggishness during hard acceleration, but it was nothing out of the ordinary for a V-6 engine, and it wasn't off-putting.

The V-8 model, however, was more responsive during aggressive acceleration, and it was easier to pass and merge with highway traffic.

I spent an equal amount of time in the driver's seat and the front passenger seat, and I found both positions to be comfortable. For a larger vehicle, the Borrego's controls and gauges were easy to see and reach. I particularly appreciated the fact that the mirror adjustments were located on the driver's door. I didn't have to lean forward or stretch to adjust my side mirrors, which means I got the position correct the first time.

I like the looks and layout of the interior. The brushed silver trim is an elegant touch, and the leather seats included with the Convenience Package ($1,200) were firm yet supportive. The interior is certainly upscale for Kia, but Lexus, Jaguar and BMW it is not. I'm not trying to say the interior materials are cheap, but they're not going to be as plush as a luxury automaker's.

The standard third-row seat is surprisingly roomy if not entirely comfortable. Entry into the third-row is relatively easy with a quick slide of the second-row seat. However, settling into the seat was a little like sitting on the floor. With my feet planted flat on the floor, my backs of my knees were raised off the seat. And I'm only 4-foot, 11-inches. The upside: I didn't feel squashed because there's plenty of knee room.

During the preview, I also spent time fiddling with flattening the second- and third-row seats. The third-row seat goes down easily, and even with my petite height, I could bring the seat upright while standing at the back of the vehicle. That may not seem like much, but there are several vehicles with third-row seats that require me to climb into the vehicle to bring them back up. The second row also went down easily, but bringing it back upright was a little more of a struggle, and I really had to get my weight under the seat to push it back in place.

The exterior of the Borrego has a familiar shape, but the bold blocky headlights and angular lines help set it apart. While the exterior isn't stunningly original, it is attractive in its own right. I'm not a particular fan of the gray cladding, which creates a two-tone color effect when combined with a lighter paint color. But, if you choose a dark color (my favorite was the Midnite Blue), the cladding blends with the paint, and the overall effect is classic.

Inside and out, I think the Borrego is a nice vehicle that has the potential to beat the pants off its competitors in terms of amenities and fuel economy.

The one thing that's going to hurt the Borrego is the pricing. It's pretty well stocked at $26,995, but Kia is still building brand equity in the U.S. So, even with all the extra standard features, I think a base price of $27K going to be a hard sell. Especially since the all-new Pilot is only priced slightly higher at $27,595, and the Explorer is actually priced lower at $26,195.

The Borrego is just now hitting dealers and is currently available as base a LX ($26,995) and up-level EX ($28,745) models. Later this fall, top-of-the-line Limited model will be available.

If you are in the market for a midsize SUV, the new Kia Borrego should top your list of vehicles to test drive. It handles well and offers standard features that cost extra on other vehicles in this segment.

2009 Kia Borrego
Engine: 3.8-liter, V-6; 4.6-liter, V-8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic (V-6); 6-speed automatic (V-8)
Horsepower: 276 (V-6), 337 (V-8)
Torque: 267 lb-ft (V-6); 323 lb-ft (V-8)
Drivetrain: 2WD, 4WD
Wheelbase: 114 inches
Height: 71.3 inches
Length: 192.3 inches
Width: 75.4 inches
MPG (city/hwy): 17/21 (V-6, 2WD); 16/21 (V-6, 4WD); 15/22 (V-8, 2WD); 15/20 (V-8, 4WD)
Base price: $26,995 (V-6, 2WD); $29,045 (V-6, 4WD); $31,745 (V-8, 2WD); $31,745 (V-8, 4WD)

July 24, 2008
BY JILL CIMINILLO SearchChicago -- Autos Editor

Kia line fueling gas savings

Getting the best mileage possible out of your vehicle has never been more important.

And finding a new car that makes that goal possible has never been easier.

With gas prices easily topping $4-a-gallon, Kia Country is now offering two of their best-selling models - already thousands below comparable models carried by other manufacturers - with rebates and financing specials that when coupled with the 30-plus miles per gallon each car averages makes it a no-brainer for most motorists.

"People are paying a lot of money for gas today, and getting the most out of your car is important," said Kia Country Sales Manager Dan Espino. "With the Kia Spectra and the Kia Optima, you know you're getting the best mileage possible with the best warranty you'll find anywhere."

Currently both the Spectra and the Optima are being offered with rebates up to $3,000 and financing as low as zero-percent for approved buyers - enhance their appeal to buyers across the board looking to stretch their dollar and find the best buy.

With fuel averages that can reach as high as 38 miles per gallon, the Spectra has long been a favorite with commuters and first-time buyers that are looking for a reliable vehicle that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

The surprisingly spacious Spectra sedan - that boasts the most interior space of any vehicle in its class - also includes standard features that you won't find anywhere else like a six-speaker audio system with a dual-band radio and an in-dash CD player and an auxiliary input jack for your favorite MP3 player.

Equipped with a sporty 2.0-liter engine that puts out 138-horsepower, the Spectra holds the edge over the Toyota's base-model Corolla when it came to output.

The Optima offers everything that you'd expect to find in the Spectra in a larger package that has been equally successful at attracting buyers thanks to its value and appeal.

While some might think that stretching your dollar means sacrificing some of the features that you find in a car, the Optima helps change that mentality in one of the most important and often looked-over regions of the automotive marketplace.

When tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Optima garnered the highest possible rating - five stars - in front and side-impact crash tests as well as the best marks in the front and rear-impact class when tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Throw-in a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty that includes a 5-year, 60,000-mile roadside assistance plan on every new Kia and you've got a package that can't be passed up. Jason Campbell
Manteca Bulletin

TCC Drives: 2009 Kia Borrego

We've just driven the all-new 2009 Kia Borrego. During our press-only activities, Kia attempted to convince us that their new body-on-frame mid-size SUV is a player against luxury SUVs.

It's not.

But here's what it is: a handsome, competently engineered, well-executed sport ute with loads of features offered at a typically low Kia price. See if you agree, as the Borrego officially goes on sale at the end of July.

While some may question the wisdom of introducing a non-crossover SUV with an available 337-horsepower V-8 as gasoline closes in on $5 per gallon, realistically, truck-based SUVs are not going to disappear. Experts who prognosticate about such things expect that mid-size SUVs will continue to sell over 1 million units per year for the next several years. This represents a big target for nimble Kia.

In addition to competing for mid-size ute shoppers alongside Jeep, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, Kia sees an opportunity with the mid-size Borrego as buyers flee full-size SUVs. Today, mid-size is the new full-size, and this ute's V-8 economy of 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway (two-wheel drive) looks better than what some drivers have been living with.

As for our impressions of the 2009 Borrego, we spent most of our time in the V-8-powered top-of-the-line EX model shown above. Its exterior is attractive and totally free of anything controversial. The base LX models looks much the same.

Inside, our EX's leather-lined interior gains fame not so much for its luxurious fitments but for its ample room (more than a Ford Explorer), high level of equipment, and thoughtful layout of its controls. Three rows of seats are standard, and the third row is not a penalty box as it is on some SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander.

Regarding performance, our experience in a 276-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 Borrego EX proved the powertrain to be completely adequate. But fitted with the 4.6-liter V-8 (based on the V-8 developed for the Hyundai Genesis sedan) and a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic, our EX performed with refined gusto. The quiet V-8 smoothly powered our Borrego to well past 100 mph, and the four-wheel disc brakes hauled it back down again with genuine alacrity.

The chassis handled well, even over broken pavement. Thanks to the body-on-frame construction and available V-8 power, the Borrego can be outfitted to tow up to 7,500 pounds. ABS and electronic stability control are standard.

As we have come to expect from all Kia vehicles, the company loads up its vehicles with standard safety features. Six airbags are standard, including a side curtain system that extends back to protect all three rows of seating.

One day in the not-too-distant future, Kia won't have to beg for credibility. Its products will have spoken for the brand, and its rightful place as a serious manufacturer of high-quality vehicles will be secured.

By Marty Padgett July 21st, 2008
The Car Connection

2009 Kia Borrego Test Drive: SUV Delivers 337 Ponies, but Too Late to the Party?

CLE ELUM, Wash. - Kia probably wishes they had a time machine. Five years ago, the Kia Borrego would have made Detroit very nervous. Here's a seven-passenger SUV with a 337-hp V8 that can tow 7,500 pounds. It has an independent suspension at each corner and a nicer interior than most in the class. Explorer? Trailblazer? No thanks. I'll take this Borrego.

But it's not 2003. Cheap gas prices and the bullish SUV market that went along with them are, well, history. And with Ford expecting to make a key shift today from trucks to small cars, the bigger-is-better trends may be officially headed for the graveyard. And despite the rise of the crossover, Kia says there's still a portion of the market that wants SUVs for its hauling and trailer towing capability. We tend to agree. After all, not every American has Ebay'd his fishing boat, horse trailer or SCCA track car just because gas prices have gone up.

The timing of the 2009 Kia Borrego's introduction may be off, but there's still plenty to like about this capable, roomy sport utility vehicle. -Ben Stewart

The Specs
Think the Borrego is simply a stretched Sorrento? Not so, says Kia. The longer new Borrego rides on a unique body-on-frame chassis with a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. The frame rails are hydroformed to increase rigidity and shed a few pounds, too. And 64 percent of the steel in this chassis is of the high strength variety, according to Kia. The Borrego looks nearly identical to the Mesa concept vehicle that Kia debuted in 2005. And with a wheelbase of 114 in., a length of 192.3 in. and a width of 75.4 in., the Borrego lies slightly larger than a Trailblazer, Grand Cherokee or a 4Runner. Yet it's slightly narrower--and about 4 in. shorter--than a Dodge Durango.

The big news? The Borrego is the first Kia to get a V8 engine. The Borrego's optional 337-hp, 4.6-liter "Tau" V8 generates 320 lb.-ft. of torque. This is a detuned version of the same V8 that comes in Hyundai's Genesis luxury sedan. Here it comes paired to a ZF six-speed automatic and, on 4WD models, joins forces with a revised version of Borg Warner's capable Torque On Demand (TOD) four-wheel-drive system with a 2.48:1 low range. With that V8, Kia says the Borrego can tow a whopping 7,500 pounds. Don't need the V8? The base Borrego is equipped with a 278-hp 3.8-liter V6 with 267 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a five-speed automatic. That model can tow 5,000 pounds. All Borregos get 12.9-in. front and 12.8-in. rear discs backed by ABS, traction control and stability control.

Inside, the Borrego offers standard seven-passenger seating and has 156.8 cu-ft. of total interior volume. The 12.4 cu-ft. of cargo space behind the third row of seats is less than some large crossovers like the Mazda CX-9 (17.2 cu.-ft.) and the new Honda Pilot (at 18 cu.-ft.). So that big beach cooler might not fit with all seven seats deployed. But with every seat (except the front ones) folded flat, the Borrego can swallow an impressive 97.6 cu.-ft. of gear.

The Drive
We spent the majority of our drive behind the wheel of the full-time 4WD V8 Borrego model. We had expected the 300-hp-plus V8 to have serious off-the-line thrust. But instead, the power builds slowly off idle, until the engine winds out to 3,000 or 4,000 rpm. It feels more like a high-revving car engine than a torque-rich truck V8. But once that V8 starts making the power, acceleration is quite brisk. If drag-race chops are what you're after, the 2WD V8 model is the pick--it was noticeably quicker. In either case, this is a very quiet, smooth and refined motor.

Opting for the V8 doesn't mean you have to pay a huge fuel-economy penalty either. Six-cylinder 4WD models deliver 16 mpg city and 21 mpg on the highway, while V8 4WD models return 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. We saw about 16 mpg throughout our drive in the 4WD V8 trucks, comprised mostly of hard driving on two-lane switchbacks. That's not great if you're comparing the Borrego to a four-cylinder family sedan, but it's on par with most V8 entries in this class.

Hustle the Borrego through a mountain pass, and it feels not unlike a better damped and more refined Ford Explorer. The handling certainly won't embarrass a crossover, but it takes more speed and tighter twisties than we thought it might to finally activate that stability control system. And the steering is actually quite precise for an SUV. On rougher roads, however, the Borrego's truckish chassis shows its roots. The suspension is bouncy over rough terrain and doesn't have the crossover smoothness of, say, a Hyundai Veracruz.

From behind the wheel, the Kia's tall seating position and relatively low dashboard provide excellent visibility. And speaking of the dash, the materials used in this cabin-no matter the trim level-are better than most domestic SUVs, and the best we've seen in any Kia product thus far. Next to the console shifter is a small, flip-open door for USB ports-a nice touch. Pack the Kia with seven people, and each is likely to find comfort. The rear seats provide enough legroom for a six-footer without crowding the driver. And that reclining second row is certainly not a bad place to spend time. We particularly liked the intuitive controls for the optional rear air-conditioning system and the nicely padded center armrest. We folded ourselves into the third row, too. But to gain proper knee clearance, we needed to click the second row seatback forward by one notch.

The Borrego can be had with a long list of optional equipment, from a rear-seat entertainment package to a rear-camera display and nav system. And we like that a backup warning system comes standard--a solid safety feature for those with kids. But our inner tech geek wonders why Bluetooth is merely an option. More and more states are requiring hands-free devices for on-road cellphone conversations. Shouldn't Bluetooth be standard?

The Bottom Line
Base 2WD Borregos will start at $26,245. But add the V8, 4WD and check every option box, and that pricetag can swell to more than $38,000. The Kia Borrego may, indeed, be late to the truck party. But it does offer a compelling case for those considering one of the traditional midsize SUV nameplates. The towing capacity, seven passenger seating and V8 power makes this a good choice for those wanting to move out of their full-size SUV and into a more manageable package.

Source: Popular Mechanics

First Drive: 2009 Kia Borrego

Could there be an any worse time to debut a brand new body-on-frame SUV like Kia has done with the new 2009 Borrego? Gas prices have most every new car shopper running from SUVs into small cars with four-cylinder engines. In fact, many SUV early adopters are now driving much smaller sedans like those models that make up Kia's bread-and-butter line. Enough new Korean vehicles were sold in America so far this year that the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group managed to outpace mighty Honda in total sales as it roared into the number five worldwide automaker spot. Therefore, our immediate thought is that Kia must be crazy to go ahead and introduce the new Borrego in the American market... but Kia would have you believe otherwise.

As Kia's sales team sees it, since the Korean automaker currently offers no contenders in the true midsize SUV category, any slice of the dwindling market is a win. Is the Borrego good enough to win over any remaining SUV buyers? Read on.

The new Borrego breaks no new ground in terms of styling. The blocky 'ute features corners just smoothed-over enough to eschew the current box-it-came-in trend, though the upswept side sightline, also currently en vogue, is present and accounted for. A large chrome grille dominates the front view, while dual rhombus-shaped headlights flank that massive mug. Pronounced wheel arches bring the current Acura line to mind -- perhaps not the wisest choice of automakers to copy. Standard light gray body cladding and bumpers are also featured all around the vehicle as is common on vehicles of the genre. It seems that Kia managed to locate and include all of the common sport utility vehicle trappings. While the look is a bit played out, the Kia manages to remain anonymous enough that it's not likely to turn off many prospective buyers based on looks alone.

Inside, the look is fairly upscale. In fact, Kia sees its new vehicle as a bargain-priced option when compared with the current entry-level luxury utility vehicles, going so far as to include the Lexus RX330 on some promotional slides shown to us during our early-morning press briefing. While it would be hard-pressed to live up to that early billing, the fit and finish of the interior was considerably better than expected and reminded us again how far Hyundai and Kia have come in initial quality. Panel gaps were tight and the graining on the soft-touch plastic was agreeable enough.

There were a few sour points, though, including the actual instrument cluster and the shiny plastic covering in which it was festooned. An oversized speedometer looms large front and center in the binnacle, flanked by a tach on the left along with temperature and fuel gages on the right side. Individual gauges those other bits of info would be more fitting in an upscale interior. Still, everything was easy to see in both daylight and at night. A totally different cluster will be standard on Limited models, which are expected to appear later in the year.

At the price point the Borrego is able to hit -- starting around $26 grand and hitting $40,000 after all the boxes are checked -- and especially since Kia intends to position it as a luxury offering, there are some expected features that are either not standard or not available. For instance, keyless starting is nowhere to be found, and Bluetooth is only available as a non-factory installed accessory. Controls for the rear air conditioning and heat are optional, though the ducting out back is well designed and part of the standard equipment. Heated seats are also optional both front and rear along with a power sunroof. A high-end Infinity sound system is optional, as is voice-activated Navigation.

We found the Borrego very easy to enter and exit, and the second row of seats fold neatly away for entry into the standard 50/50 split third row. Of course, leg, hip and shoulder room is a bit lacking back there, but it was certainly on par with what is available elsewhere. Our test vehicles were equipped with a leather interior that seemed more durable than plush and very ready to stand up to the day-to-day grind. Ten cup-holders are also available for the morning trip to Starbucks. One feature that we really appreciated was the console-mounted axillary audio jack and USB slot. Mounted just to the right of the shifter and covered by a nice and sturdy plastic door, cables can be kept free of the important buttons and levers filling up the center of the dash.

Driving the Borrego again proved that Kia has studied the segment carefully. While current trends dictate a car-like ride and handling compromise, Kia left those adjectives to its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Veracruz. As is befitting a large full-frame SUV, the Borrego rides firm and feels substantial. For those looking to haul lots of people along with their stuff, the Borrego feels ready for the job. Towing also proved a strong point, as the Borrego comes equipped with a hitch as standard equipment. Powered by either a 3.8L DOHC V6 with 276 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque or Kia's first-ever V8 engine that displaces 4.6L and offers 337 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, the Borrego can tug between 5,000 and 7,500 pounds. A five-speed auto is hooked to the six while the V8 comes with a ZF-supplied six-speed automatic.

Both the V6 and V8 engines had plenty of power for around-town driving, though we preferred the six-speed tranny from the V8 in all circumstances. Fuel mileage stands at 17 city and 21 highway for the 2WD V6 model, which drops one mile per gallon in the city when 4WD is added. Somewhat surprisingly, the V8 is able to achieve 15 city and 22 highway in 2WD -- one better on the super slab than the six -- while highway mileage stoops to 20 mpg with 4WD. Surely, the bigger V8 engine is working less hard in situations where the driver calls up some extra forward thrust, especially as it's equipped with an extra gear, but the V6 expected to make up the bulk of sales will prove perfectly adequate in all but the most demanding of situations.

When the Borrego program was first started, Kia surely didn't expect the price of gas to skyrocket as high as it has and quite so quickly. Regardless, it's a credible contender to such SUV stalwarts as the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Considering that none of these models has exactly been setting the world on fire when it comes to sales, nor have they have been substantially updated in years, Kia will likely be happy if it can just eke out enough sales to break even on the project. The Borrego is certainly good enough that midsize SUV shoppers should take a good look at it before making any buying decisions.

Souce: AutoBlog.com

Kia Sedona offers more power, space

With a stronger engine, more features than ever and a roomier interior, today's Kia Sedona is a much-improved minivan compared with its first-generation model.

So, why isn't the second-generation Sedona -- with pleasing ride, attractive styling, comfortable seating for seven and top safety ratings -- selling as well as its predecessor?

Chalk it up to pricing changes, less than stellar reliability and quality ratings, consumer obsession with gasoline mileage and, of course, the lackluster image that all minivans bear as "mom-mobiles."

When the seven-passenger Sedona originally debuted in the 2002 model year, it had the lowest starting price of any V-6-powered minivan on the U.S. market.

Today, while the 2008 Sedona is offered in a downsized version with short wheelbase that starts at $21,420, the Sedona models that are sized and equipped on a par with major minivan competitors have a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $24,320.

This is $1,850 more than the base, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with starting retail price of $22,470, and it's a tad more than the Chrysler Town and Country with starting retail price of $24,185. In addition, the starting price tag for a 2008 Sedona long-wheelbase model is just $805 shy of the starting MSRP, including destination charge, for a 2008 Toyota Sienna CE.

Kia has had its quality issues, too -- never rising in recent years much above average in the annual J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. And the 2008 Sedona has a "worse than average" predicted reliability rating from noted Consumer Reports magazine.

The newest challenge for the Sedona and other minivans comes as U.S. car buyers seek high-mileage, smaller vehicles. With a federal government rating of only 16 miles per gallon in city driving, the Sedona doesn't look, on first blush, all that fuel efficient.

Of course, that's before a shopper takes into account that the Sedona can carry seven people with ease, with wide side doors for entry into the back seats. So on a per-passenger basis, the Sedona's fuel economy is great -- except that there's no guarantee that every time the Sedona travels, it will have a full load of passengers.

By the way, the highway mileage rating for the Sedona is 23 mpg, but during the test drive, the test top-of-the-line Sedona EX recorded a combined city/highway mileage of 18.5 mpg.

There's plenty of cargo room inside, including a deep well behind the third-row seats that capably handles tall items. When need be, this carpeted well serves as a storage spot for the fold-down third-row seats instead.

The most memorable feature of the 2008 Sedona is the good power that comes from the 3.8-liter, double overhead cam V-6. This engine is larger than the 3.3-liter unit that was in the original Sedona, and the punch from its 253 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm is satisfying, especially since the more than 4,360-pound Sedona is a substantial, weighty van.

In fact, the test Sedona EX moved sprightly in all kinds of traffic conditions, and more times than not, I found myself pulling my foot back from the accelerator pedal to return to speed limit territory.

Horsepower from the V-6 tops out at 250, which is a bit better than the 244 horses in the Honda Odyssey.

The Sedona's torque is more than the 245 foot-pounds at 4,700 rpm in Toyota's Sienna. But both the Sienna and the Odyssey have slightly higher fuel mileage ratings than does the Sedona.

The Sedona's V-6 also is used in the Hyundai Azera up-level sedan. Hyundai is the parent company of Kia, and both brands are based in South Korea, which is also where the Sedona is built.

The Sedona uses an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission that shifted smoothly in the test van.

It is one of the few mainstream vehicles to include a shift-it-yourself mode that lets the driver move the shifter through various drive gears without having a clutch pedal. This can help modulate speed and reduce the need to use the brakes on steep downhills, for example.

The ride in the front-wheel-drive Sedona is what you'd expect in a minivan -- compliant and forgiving on most road bumps. Passengers feel some body lean in turns and curves, and there's a sense of the tall, 5.8-foot height that gives passengers good views out.

Steering is mainstream, neither sporty nor isolated.

The 17-inch tires on the test Sedona EX didn't transmit much road noise, and wind noise on the highway was minimal.

All safety items come standard, including curtain air bags, traction control, brake assist, electronic stability control and anti-whiplash head restraints for the front seats.

SPECS

THE VEHICLE: 2008 Kia Sedona EX, a front-engine, front-wheel drive, seven-passenger minivan

BASE PRICE: $20,695 for base van; $23,595 for LX; $26,195 for EX

DESTINATION CHARGE: $725

PRICE AS TESTED: $32,220

ENGINE: 3.8-liter, double overhead cam, 60-degree V-6 producing 250 horsepower

TRANSMISSION: Five-speed automatic

EPA MILEAGE: 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway

LENGTH: 202 inches

WHEELBASE: 118.9 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 4,646 pounds

BUILT IN: South Korea

Associated Press

Kia Borrego takes on Pathfinder, 4-Runner

7-passenger comfort, reliability with Kia value

Kia is raising the bar.

Just last week, Manteca's Kia Country received their first shipment of the Borrego - the seven-passenger SUV expected to rival larger models like the Nissan Pathfinder and the Toyota 4-Runner in the full-size import SUV market.

While value and reliability have always been associated with the Kia name, now rolling out a massive V8 model to to take on its biggest competitors seems like the next logical step - especially as the season where off-roading becomes a necessity to reach the highest elevations of the Sierra to take advantage of the snow pack.

"We just got this in, and we've already had customers coming up to us asking when they're going to be available," said Kia County Sales Manager Dan Espino. "People are looking for the seven-seaters so that they can pile their entire family in, and they know that they're getting the reliability that only Kia can offer them."

Ever since they first emerged on the American auto market, Kia has been famous for their 100,000-mile, 10-year limited warranty on all new cars that are sold through dealerships.

The addition of a 5-year, 60-000-mile roadside service package only aids in comforting drivers that they'd be taken care of if the unexpected happens.

And while Kia models are routinely thousands less than similarly equipped in-class models, the manufacturer doesn't cut any corners when it comes to preserving the safety of those inside.

The combination of electronic stability control (ESC) and a traction control system (TSC) helps keep the Borrego safe even during uneven conditions.

A special blend of braking assist mechanisms also help ensure adequate slowdown times without losing control, while an advanced airbag system projects almost every inch of the interior of the vehicle if it were to unfortunately be involved in an accident.

There aren't a whole lot of places where you're going to find safety with the price tag that you're going to find on the Borrego.

If it's performance that you're looking for to exacerbate the luxurious comfort - which includes optional in-dash navigation and stitched leather seats - then the Borrego will give you all you need with a 337-horsepower 4.6-liter V8.

"You throw all of that together in a package and you realize that it's a great buy for a family looking for everything," Espino said. "You can't beat that warranty, and when you look at that car, you can't beat that style."

Jason Campbell