2009 Kia Borrego Official Launch

With large cars languishing on dealer lots, and fuel prices a hot topic, Kia officially launches the Borrego, a large SUV with an available V-8. As reported in TopSpeed back in January, Kia is gambling that its usual combination of low price, high standard features and large warranty, will keep families in the big car market. The seven passenger SUV is expected to start in the mid-$20,000 and be available in LX, EX and Limited trim packages.

Engines for the Borrego include a 3.8-liter V-6 making 276 horsepower, and the 4.6-liter V-8 borrowed from Hyundai’s Genesis with 337 horsepower. As far as fuel economy, Kia states that in two-wheel drive form, the V6 gets 17/21 city/highway and 15/22 city/highway for the V8. It is not class leading, but it is in line with the competition.

The big question that remains is the Borrego a product of unfortunate timing, or will the low price and average fuel economy be enough to keep buyers in large cars?