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.
SsangYongs have been on sale in the UK since the ’90s – the company usually offers big SUVs for less than the majority of their competitors. Sadly, most of their models have proved to be lacklustre alternatives to the likes of the Kia Sportage, Suzuki Vitara and Nissan Qashqai. To drive, the Korando isn’t much fun, but most people buy one because they need an SUV either for tackling rough terrain or towing – two roles the SsangYong is perfectly suited to.
Pros Lots of space Relatively economical Generous standard kit
Cons Fast depreciation Dull styling Cheap feeling interior
The SsangYong Korando gives you a lot of car for your money – but nowhere near as much as a Dacia Duster.The SsangYong Korando is the brand’s mid-size SUV, pitched as a low-cost rival to the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. On the move, the Korando isn’t as stable as a lot of its rivals, either – it tends to wallow about when going around corners and has an uncomfortable ride.
Pros Good value for money Spacious interior Low emissions
Cons Noisy diesel engine Poor-quality plastics Uncomfortable suspension
Not only was it a handsome addition to the compact crossover market, it was also the firm’s very first monocoque model – meaning it delivered a far better approximation of a car’s handling characteristics than any of the body-on-frame SUVs that continue to fill out the firm’s modest lineup. On the plus side, the Korando gets large storage bins, reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and generous equipment levels on higher-spec models. It is also competitive on interior space; offering decent leg and headroom for rear passengers, and acceptable luggage space. The interior is slightly less forgettable, but only because it comes partly clad in the kind of cheap plastic which cannot otherwise find a home in this class. The redesigned dashboard makes ergonomic sense, although it hasn’t lost any of its brittleness.
