The 2009 Kia Borrego could certainly be described as an automotive anachronism. While it just arrived on the market, this vehicle belongs in a previous era. What I mean is that Kia could not have picked a worse time to introduce a full-size SUV.
As we speak, global auto sales are dwindling at a record pace and the vast majority of buyers are turning away from large 4x4s. Of course, gas prices have a lot to do with this situation, but with the recent financial crisis, consumers desperately want to avoid any kind of excess.
That being said, the Kia Borrego is a well-executed vehicle in terms of design. It fits in the purest tradition of American trucks. The many design cues that make up the bodywork are a tribute to various other brands, including premium ones. For instance, the front grille is similar to the one found on old Infinitis. The headlights and taillights are sharp and boldly styled; their complex internal structure is a sign of Kia's attention to detail.
The body is massive, especially in the back, which emphasizes the bulky look of the vehicle. The rear section is not what stands out the most yet I find it clean and purposeful. Build quality seems decent at first glance but, upon further review, it does not live up to similarly-priced competitors.
Inside, things are really disappointing. A lot of features are in dire need of improvements. First of all, the layout is dull and stern; it's all black and grey. Moreover, the dashboard design is plain and outdated. The interior is overly simplistic -- at least, no one will feel confused.
The materials are decent but, once again, they fail to live up to the competition. One thing's for sure: there are too many hard plastics. Besides, unpleasant noises kept coming from the cargo area throughout my entire road test. This is supposed to be a brand new vehicle, so I can hardly forgive Kia on that one.
Granted, the 2009 Borrego fulfills its primary mission by offering easy access to the interior and a generous amount of room for passengers and their luggage. The split-folding second- and third-row seats (the former also slide and recline) allow owners to reconfigure the interior so as to maximize cargo. Up front, the driving position is exemplary, as is forward visibility. On the other hand, the upswept beltline in the back (behind the C-pillars) impedes rear three-quarter visibility.
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| The design cues that make up the bodywork are a tribute to various other brands. |
As we speak, global auto sales are dwindling at a record pace and the vast majority of buyers are turning away from large 4x4s. Of course, gas prices have a lot to do with this situation, but with the recent financial crisis, consumers desperately want to avoid any kind of excess.
That being said, the Kia Borrego is a well-executed vehicle in terms of design. It fits in the purest tradition of American trucks. The many design cues that make up the bodywork are a tribute to various other brands, including premium ones. For instance, the front grille is similar to the one found on old Infinitis. The headlights and taillights are sharp and boldly styled; their complex internal structure is a sign of Kia's attention to detail.
The body is massive, especially in the back, which emphasizes the bulky look of the vehicle. The rear section is not what stands out the most yet I find it clean and purposeful. Build quality seems decent at first glance but, upon further review, it does not live up to similarly-priced competitors.
Inside, things are really disappointing. A lot of features are in dire need of improvements. First of all, the layout is dull and stern; it's all black and grey. Moreover, the dashboard design is plain and outdated. The interior is overly simplistic -- at least, no one will feel confused.
The materials are decent but, once again, they fail to live up to the competition. One thing's for sure: there are too many hard plastics. Besides, unpleasant noises kept coming from the cargo area throughout my entire road test. This is supposed to be a brand new vehicle, so I can hardly forgive Kia on that one.
Granted, the 2009 Borrego fulfills its primary mission by offering easy access to the interior and a generous amount of room for passengers and their luggage. The split-folding second- and third-row seats (the former also slide and recline) allow owners to reconfigure the interior so as to maximize cargo. Up front, the driving position is exemplary, as is forward visibility. On the other hand, the upswept beltline in the back (behind the C-pillars) impedes rear three-quarter visibility.
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| The dashboard design is plain and outdated. |