2008 North American International Auto Show

2009 Kia Borrego

Kia is branching into a new segment with its body-on-frame, seven-passenger Borrego sport/utility. The Explorer-size vehicle features a 375-horse, 4.6-liter V-8 (standard engine should be a 242-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6), with a clean-diesel six to follow a year after launch. It rides on an independent rear suspension and comes with a choice of four-wheel-drive systems: standard electronically switched part-time with low range or optional Torque-On-Demand full-time, also with low range. Transmissions are a six-speed automatic with the V-8, five-speed automatic with the V-6. Borrego will tow 7500 pounds, Kia says.

Base price will be in the mid-$20s when the Borrego hits showrooms in late July or August, but a top-trim model with navigation system, backup camera, and the V-8 will breach $30,000. And Kia's on-again, off-again plans for a pickup based on the Borrego's platform are off again.

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