Kia Borrego Named 'Best Kept Secret' in 2009 Editors’ Choice Awards
Autobytel.com and MyRide.com editors have selected the 2009 Kia Borrego as their 'Best Kept Secret', highlighting its strong V6 and V8 options, safety credentials and value.
The 2009 Kia Borrego has been chosen as the 'Best Kept Secret' in the Autobytel.com and MyRide.com Editors’ Choice Awards, following its launch in the US market. The midsize SUV was recognised for its combination of performance, safety and value, standing out among new and revised vehicles available for sale during 2008.
Autobytel.com and MyRide.com editors selected the Borrego after reviewing every new or substantially revised vehicle in its category, with each editor voting for the model they would most recommend. The Borrego’s win reflects its ability to offer more power, safety and equipment than many direct competitors in the segment.
Engines and performance
Kia offered the Borrego with two engines: a 3.8-litre DOHC V6 producing 276hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, and the marque’s first DOHC 4.6-litre V8, delivering 337hp at 6,000rpm and 323 lb-ft at 3,500rpm. Both engines are all-aluminium. The V8 in particular marked a step up for Kia, outpowering rivals such as the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer at launch.
Kia also highlighted the Borrego’s fuel economy, with the V8 two-wheel drive version achieving 15mpg city and 22mpg highway according to US EPA figures. The four-wheel drive V8 managed 15mpg city and 20mpg highway. Both engines were paired with automatic transmissions and aimed at buyers seeking a traditional SUV layout with modern efficiency.
Safety and equipment
The Borrego received a five-star crash safety rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all seating positions in both frontal and side impact tests. This result placed it among the safest midsize SUVs in its year. Standard equipment included stability control, multiple airbags and a range of comfort features intended to appeal to families and value-focused buyers.
Market context and recognition
The Editors’ Choice Awards considered vehicles on segment, price and availability, with the Borrego’s selection reflecting its ability to compete against established names in the American SUV market. Kia’s decision to introduce a V8-powered SUV at a time of rising fuel prices in the US was a bold move, but the Borrego’s combination of power, safety and equipment earned it positive attention from both media and buyers.
The Borrego’s recognition in the Editors’ Choice Awards followed other positive safety results and marked a high point for Kia’s ambitions in the North American SUV segment. The model’s mix of strong engines, safety ratings and value helped it stand out in a crowded field of midsize SUVs.
