In a time when unstable gas prices have most commuters pinching pennies just to fill their tanks, will the all-new Kia Borrego become a hit or miss for the average consumer?

Kia stepped in the new market of full-size SUVs when it introduced the seven-passenger Borrego at the 2008 North American International Auto Show back in January.
 
The Explorer-size vehicle features a 375-hp, 4.6L V-8 (standard engine should be a 242-hp, 3.3L 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 lb, Kia says.

Base price will be in the mid-$20s, but a top-trim model with navigation system, backup camera, and the V-8 will breach $30,000.

Will this full-size sport/utility be welcomed by consumers or will it be one of the last big ‘utes in this slowly dying breed of vehicles?  

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