Positioning:
The Kia Borrego was positioned as a rugged, body-on-frame SUV aimed at competing with established players in the mid-size SUV segment, offering significant towing capacity and optional V8 power.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Trailblazer/Envo, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango
Highlight Features:
Body-on-frame construction, powerful engine options (V6 and V8), available AWD, good towing capability, spacious interior, optional third-row seating (though less common).
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive Troubleshooting
Engine Repair:
Engine Service/Repair (all styles covered)
Transmission Repair:
Transmission Service/Repair
Chassis Systems:
Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Axle, Differential/Drive
Electrical Systems:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagram, Engine Control System
Body And Interior:
Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior
Climate Control:
Heater/Air Conditioner
Fuel And Emissions:
Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System
Cooling System:
Cooling System
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages
Type:
Complete Official Full Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Digital Features:
Searchable text, Printable pages
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows and Mac
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free online)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Fuel System, Cooling System, Emission System, Engine Control System
Chassis:
Brake System, Suspension System, Steering System, Axle Assemblies, Differential Assemblies, Drivetrain Components
Electrical And Electronics:
Complete Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Powertrain Control Modules, Body Control Modules, Lighting Systems, Audio Systems
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Power Accessories, Keyless Entry Systems
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and Filter Changes, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotation and Pressure Adjustments, Belt and Hose Inspections, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-based Diagnosis, Fault Code Interpretation, Component Testing
Engine Repair:
Engine Disassembly and Reassembly, Cylinder Head Service, Piston and Connecting Rod Installation, Crankshaft Service, Timing Belt/Chain Replacement, Component Replacement (Alternator, Starter, Water Pump, Fuel Injectors)
Transmission Repair:
Transmission Fluid and Filter Service, Transmission Disassembly and Reassembly, Clutch Service (if applicable to manual variants), Torque Converter Service, Transmission Control Module Diagnostics
Brake Service:
Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Brake Caliper Service, Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed, Parking Brake Adjustment, ABS System Diagnostics
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut and Shock Absorber Replacement, Control Arm and Ball Joint Service, Tie Rod End Replacement, Power Steering Pump and Rack and Pinion Service, Wheel Alignment Procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Circuit Testing, Component Testing (Sensors, Actuators), Wiring Harness Repair, Fuse and Relay Identification and Testing, Battery and Charging System Service
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel Replacement, Trim Piece Installation and Removal, Door Mechanism Repair, Glass Replacement
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant Charging, Component Replacement (Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator), Blower Motor Service, Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with hundreds of photos and illustrations for each service and repair procedure, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics.
Engine Option 1:
3.8L Lambda V6
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
3778 cc
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
276 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Option 1 Torque:
392 Nm (289 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Engine Option 2:
4.6L Tau V8
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
4627 cc
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
337 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
436 Nm (321 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Emissions Compliance:
Meets Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards
Length:
4875 mm (191.9 in)
Height:
1765 mm (69.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2800 mm (110.2 in)
Curb Weight V6 Rwd:
Approx. 2040 kg (4500 lbs)
Curb Weight V8 AWD:
Approx. 2180 kg (4800 lbs)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Not Applicable (Typically 5-seater or optional 7-seater without a dedicated cargo space behind the 3rd row due to its layout)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 1257 liters (44.4 cu ft)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) when properly equipped
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Crash Front Driver:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Crash Front Passenger:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Driver:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Passenger:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags:
Front, Side Curtain (all rows), Seat-mounted Side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months. Inspect more frequently under dusty conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months. Inspect more frequently.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months for regular use; more frequent for severe use (towing, stop-and-go). Consult manual for specific transmission fluid type (e.g., SPIII or equivalent).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil (API SM or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters)
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, long-life type (e.g., G05 or equivalent specification, typically pink or red).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type, typically an ATF-compatible fluid.
Common Complaints:
Some owners have reported issues with the HVAC system (e.g., blower motor failures), minor electrical gremlins, and potential for premature wear on certain suspension components due to the vehicle's weight and design. The V8 engine can also be thirsty. The fuel door actuator sometimes fails.