Segment:
Mid-size SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking a versatile and capable SUV with ample interior space and towing capacity.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe.
Body Style:
Body-on-frame SUV (rare for its class at the time, emphasizing robustness and towing capability).
Seating Capacity:
Available in 5-passenger and 7-passenger configurations.
Towing Capacity:
Significant towing capacity, especially with the V8 engine, distinguishing it from many unibody crossovers.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic), transfer case (if applicable for AWD), drive axles.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, horn, wipers, power accessories.
Comfort Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, interior lighting, seating adjustments, sun roof (if equipped).
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbag system (SRS), child restraint systems (LATCH), child safety locks, electronic stability control (ESC).
Maintenance Basic:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure check, wiper blade inspection, bulb replacement.
Maintenance Scheduled:
Oil change intervals, filter replacement schedules, fluid change recommendations, tire rotation, brake inspection intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting tips for common issues.
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, using the spare tire, emergency towing information.
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, providing clear instructions for routine maintenance, operation, and basic troubleshooting. Not intended for in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostics.
Engine Code:
G4HC (3.8L V6), G6DA (3.8L V6), G6DH (3.8L V6), H42B (2.7L V6 - specific to certain markets/early configurations, less common for 2011 US models), G4KE (3.5L V6 - if applicable for 2011).
Engine Description:
Lambda family V6 engines, known for their smooth operation and respectable power output.
Displacement Liter V6:
3.8 Liters
Displacement Liter V8:
3.8 Liters (common North American specification for the G4HC)
Horsepower V6:
Approximately 276 hp @ 6000 rpm (for 3.8L V6)
Torque V6:
Approximately 266 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for 3.8L V6)
Horsepower V8:
Approximately 300 hp @ 6000 rpm (for 3.8L V8)
Torque V8:
Approximately 350 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for 3.8L V8)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (check specific engine variant for any premium recommendations)
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm)
Width:
Approx. 75.4 inches (1915 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 114.2 inches (2900 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 12.4 cu ft (351 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 49.1 cu ft (1390 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 74.4 cu ft (2107 L)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 4,321 lbs (1960 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 4,562 lbs (2069 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with either engine (when properly equipped).
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Four-star rating (likely for 2WD and AWD variants, check specific test data).
IIHS Ratings:
Generally received good ratings in frontal and side impact tests for its time. Frontal Offset was a strong point.
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebs:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Downhill Brake Control:
Available on some AWD models for controlled descents.
Airbag System:
Advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags for all rows.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear outboard seats.
Child Safety Locks:
Rear door child safety locks.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio capability. Available premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity may be available on higher trims or as an option.
Navigation:
Optional navigation system available on select trims.
Backup Camera:
Available as an option, displayed on the navigation screen or rearview mirror.
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking assist sensors available on some trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require shorter intervals (e.g., 3,750 miles or 6 months).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Consult the manual for specific interval, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on driving conditions. Early checks are recommended.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter. Use specified coolant type.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API Service SM or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) for the 3.8L V6/V8 engines.
Transmission Fluid Type:
SP-IV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue color) - Ethylene Glycol based, OAT type.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering:
Some owners have reported early failure or leakage of power steering pumps/hoses.
Transfer Case AWD:
Occasional reports of issues with the AWD system's transfer case actuator or sensors.
Interior Trim:
Some minor interior trim rattles or squeaks can develop over time, typical for the segment.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, has grown from a motorcycle manufacturer to a global automotive brand known for value and improving quality.
Borrego Introduction:
The Kia Borrego was introduced for the 2009 model year as Kia's first body-on-frame SUV. It was designed to compete in the larger SUV segment, offering robust capabilities.
Borrego Development:
The Borrego shared its platform with the Hyundai Veracruz (unibody crossover) in some regions, but the Borrego itself was a distinct body-on-frame design, emphasizing truck-like durability and towing.
Production Years:
2009-2013 (North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea
Market Performance:
The Borrego faced stiff competition and relatively low sales volumes, leading to its discontinuation in North America after the 2013 model year. It was a niche product within Kia's SUV lineup.