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 MU-X may look and feel a bit more basic than the Everest or Fortuner, but its tough Isuzu truck underpinnings is this SUV’s secret weapon. Isuzu also builds big commercial engines, designed to be reliable and robust, and that DNA is this engine.
Pros Great new engine Capable off-roader Decent third row
Cons Cabin is starting to age Boot is smaller than some rivals No advanced safety equipment
Like the D-MAX ute on which it's based, the evolution of Isuzu UTE's MU-X seven-seat SUV has remained relatively slow, its latest update headlined by extra torque from its 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (now 130kW and 430Nm, up from 380Nm) and a new six-speed automatic transmission (previously five).
Pros Rugged and practical Very comfy ride Drop-down rear video unit
Cons Lacking some new safety tech Turbo lag from a standing start Rather basic cab trim
