2010 Kia Borrego is Kaput?

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Rumor Mill: 2010 Kia Borrego is Kaput

Posted: Dec. 31, 2009

A few sources are reporting that Kia’s Borrego SUV may not be returning for 2010 – and possibly forever. This is surprising considering that the Borrego was introduced just over a year ago.

However, considering that the Borrego is a truck-based, off-road vehicle with less-than-stellar fuel economy, it’s no surprise that sales have been low. According to The Car Connection, which is the major source reporting this story, “Kia had hoped to sell up to 20,000 Borregos each year,” but sold only 9,510 of the SUVs for 2009 through the end of November.

Autoblog comments on the Borrego’s poor timing: “When compared directly to its intended competition, the big, boxy, body-on-frame SUV is both attractive and fully class competitive, as we learned the first time we got any significant time in its driver seat. That said, there's no doubt that the Borrego's model launch was an object lesson in horrible timing.”

It’s unclear whether the Borrego will simply skip the 2010 model year or be discontinued altogether. But Kia’s loss could be a gain for anyone interested in a Borrego. Dealers are usually eager to move soon-to-be-discontinued models off their lots.

Kia isn’t advertising any national Borrego offers on its website. However, Autoblog reports several incentives: “Kia is presently offering $3,000 in cash back on all trim levels, plus the availability of numerous other incentives. The rundown: $1,500 for trading in a competitor's vehicle (everything from the Buick Enclave to the Pontiac Aztek and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited qualifies); $1,500 for owner loyalty, $400 for recent college grads, $500 for military service.”

LINK:Rumor Mill: 2010 Kia Borrego is Kaput - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews