The Kia Borrego was a body-on-frame sport-utility vehicle, with rear- or four-wheel drive, offered in the U.S. for only the 2009 model year. The Borrego was added to the Kia lineup above the Sorento crossover, and took on more traditional SUV models like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and (from that era) Nissan Pathfinder. Whether you go fro the 276-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine or 337-hp, 4.6-liter V-8, you'll end up with a Borrego with plenty of power on reserve. V-6 models got a five-speed automatic, while V-8s added a gear. The Borrego did also feature a full-time Torque on Demand 4WD system that served it well either in bad-weather on-road conditions or tougher off-road environs. And towing was a strong point; it could tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The Kia Mohave, marketed in North America as the Kia Borrego, is a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) manufactured by the South Korean-based Kia Motors. The Borrego uses body-on-frame construction, with available adjustable air-suspension, hill-descent control and a high- and low-range automatic transmission. The Borrego has three standard rows of seats in the US. The Borrego will be fitted with either the 3.0 L VGT diesel V6 (in 2010), second-generation Lambda II 3.8 L V6 producing 276 horsepower (206 kW) or the recently developed 4.6 L V8 Hyundai Tau engine. The Tau V8 will be tuned to give less power but more torque than in the Hyundai Genesis sedan, and creates 361 horsepower (269 kW). The V8 has a towing capacity of 7,500 lb (3,400 kg), and the V6 is able to tow 5,000 lb (2,300 kg). It has a navigation system available as an option.
The 2017 Escape gets revised exterior styling, some minor interior improvements, a newly available 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a modified 2.0-liter engine with a bit more power. Models with Sync 3 also provide an ownership app (FordPass with Sync Connect) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety features now include lane departure prevention, a drowsy driver warning system, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert.
Pros Optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine accelerates quickly New tech interface features advanced voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Steering and handling feel more like that of a car than SUV More room for small stuff, and more power plugs
Cons New base engine lacks punch Dashboard design looks dated with many small, similar-looking buttons Base-model S trim available only with older, less efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
The 2017 Ford Escape ranks 4 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Ford Escape has a solid ranking in the top third of the very competitive compact SUV class. A well-balanced ride, an upscale interior, potent optional engines, and a long list of available features help the Escape outperform many rivals.
Pros Quality interior Lots of cool, user-friendly tech features Nimble handling Peppy and fuel-efficient turbocharged engine options
Cons Below-average fuel economy with base engine
Strategically updated for 2017, the Ford Escape becomes an even more attractive alternative in the popular compact-SUV segment that includes the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Toyota RAV4. Tasteful but effective exterior restyling enhances the Escape’s curb appeal while a comprehensive remake of its roomy, comfortable 5-passenger cabin elevates both visual sophistication and user-friendliness. Available in S/SE/Titanium trims and front- or all-wheel drive, the 2017 Escape also introduces a host of advanced tech touches including Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system with Sync Connect along with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This versatile Ford offers three engines -- including two new, more powerful and more efficient EcoBoost 4-cylinders -- that help the Escape retain its best-in-class tow ratings.
Pros Buyers in the market for a stylish compact SUV that’s roomy, comfortable and capable with state-of-the-art infotainment features and class-leading tow ratings will find an ideal travel mate in the 2017 Escape.
Cons Save for personal styling preferences, there’s not a great deal to ding in this latest iteration of the Escape. The Mazda CX-5 has more sporting character and the Honda CR-V offers marginally more cargo space, but Ford’s highly adaptable hauler makes an impressive case for itself on every functional front.
