Kia released the body-on-frame Borrego SUV in late 2008 as a 2009 model right when the economy started to go in the crapper. To make matters worse the summer of 2008 saw some of the highest gas prices on record, so buyers were still shying away from large SUVs. After only being on the market one year the sales of the Borrego have failed to meet expectations and Kia has announced that there will not be a Borrego for the 2010 model year.
Kia originally hoped to sell 20,000 units per year, but through the end of November, Kia has only sold 9,510 Borregos. Although there is no Borrego for 2010, Kia hasn't announced if the model is being completely killed.
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Comments (7)
They should. It was late to the game for starters and it isn't that appealing looking.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | December 30, 2009 4:20 PM
Posted on December 30, 2009 16:20
This car is boring. I have not seen one around, ever. Did they manage to sell any of them at all?
Posted by DuDe | December 30, 2009 5:18 PM
Posted on December 30, 2009 17:18
Boring and unapealing to some, useful to others. It might be difficult for citiots to imagine that people might actually need to fit 6 or 7 people in a vehicle that can also tow a travel trailer or haul a boat, and go offroad at times, or make it through crazy winter storms. That's why it's a utility vehicle.
My wife and I test drove one, and other vehicles and Kia did a great job for the SUV market, at a good price. Even though it was bad timing due to the fuel prices and the economy, I might still buy one to replace my smaller SUV. I'm also going to replace my large car with a small commuter car.
It's just too bad they didn't bring a 3L V6 turbo diesel to North America, that would have made a difference.
Posted by realist | January 1, 2010 6:51 AM
Posted on January 1, 2010 06:51
comment5,
Posted by name | January 1, 2010 7:54 AM
Posted on January 1, 2010 07:54
i think its not so much that it was a bad looking car, it is a little different, but people usually dont think Kia when they want a new nice family vehicle. They make pretty good cars these days, but they advertised this as luxury, and i dont think that was the way to go for a Kia SUV.
Posted by Phil | January 1, 2010 12:45 PM
Posted on January 1, 2010 12:45
This is a classic case of bringing a competent vehicle to an almost non-existent market. Yes , there will be a market for a utility vehicle that can cart 6-7 people and tow , but the casual buyer has shunned large SUVs.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 5, 2010 1:29 PM
Posted on January 5, 2010 13:29
I test drove one of these SUVs. Very impressive ride. Quite a package of technolgy to match the ride as well! Smooth power and transmission. Handling was excellent. Besides typical heavy SUV mpg, there is no problem with this rig. It's quite excellent actually. Luxury & Premium packages make sense, but the lack of a 2010 model, and the probability of the Borrego's cancelation (?) make you wonder where after-market parts will materialize from (if ever)? Not that you should be concerned with that though, with KIA's 100,000 mile warranty; but there's then.
Posted by Tim Grimes | February 21, 2010 7:04 PM
Posted on February 21, 2010 19:04