CLE ELUM, Washington — As the official 2009 EPA ratings begin to trickle in, Kia can brag that its newcomer 2009 Borrego SUV with a 4.6-liter V8 squeaks past a similarly equipped 2008 Ford Explorer. The EPA said a 4WD Borrego with the V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission returns 15 miles per gallon in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway.
A similarly equipped 2008 Ford Explorer 4WD with a 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission returns 13 mpg in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway, said the EPA. The EPA has not yet posted fuel economy numbers for the 2009 Ford Explorer.
At the launch of the Borrego here last week, Kia confirmed that the top-of-the-line Borrego will debut in the fall. It will be available only in a black-on-black color scheme and feature power-adjustable pedals, chrome exterior accents, heated second-row seats and push-button keyless start.
The Borrego may make an appearance at the 2008 SEMA show, but Kia officials say it is unlikely that any tuning products will be offered in the future. Ralph Tjoa, Kia's product strategy manager, told Inside Line that because of the Borrego's 4WD system and V8, it isn't practical to beef up the suspension or bolt on a new intake for a few more horses. He also said it is unlikely that any tuning products will be offered in the future.
What this means to you: If every penny counts at the pump, the Borrego looks a bit better than the Explorer, according to new government fuel economy numbers. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
A similarly equipped 2008 Ford Explorer 4WD with a 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission returns 13 mpg in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway, said the EPA. The EPA has not yet posted fuel economy numbers for the 2009 Ford Explorer.
At the launch of the Borrego here last week, Kia confirmed that the top-of-the-line Borrego will debut in the fall. It will be available only in a black-on-black color scheme and feature power-adjustable pedals, chrome exterior accents, heated second-row seats and push-button keyless start.
The Borrego may make an appearance at the 2008 SEMA show, but Kia officials say it is unlikely that any tuning products will be offered in the future. Ralph Tjoa, Kia's product strategy manager, told Inside Line that because of the Borrego's 4WD system and V8, it isn't practical to beef up the suspension or bolt on a new intake for a few more horses. He also said it is unlikely that any tuning products will be offered in the future.
What this means to you: If every penny counts at the pump, the Borrego looks a bit better than the Explorer, according to new government fuel economy numbers. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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