2008 Kia Borrego Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Kia Borrego’s width is 1915 mm (75.4 inches). This relatively wide stance contributes to improved on-road stability and interior shoulder room, enhancing passenger comfort. However, its width may make parking in tight city spaces more challenging compared to smaller vehicles. Drivers should be mindful when navigating narrow streets or parking structures, but overall, its width is standard for SUVs in its class, balancing space efficiency with maneuverability.

The Kia Borrego stands at 1810 mm (71.3 inches) tall. This height offers elevated driving position advantages, providing better road visibility for the driver and a commanding view of the surroundings. Furthermore, the taller profile allows for increased headroom inside the cabin, contributing to passenger comfort, and facilitates off-road capabilities. However, this height means the SUV may face some limitations in parking garages with low clearance.

A standard residential garage typically measures about 2440 mm (8 feet) in width, 5180 mm (17 feet) in length, and approximately 2130 mm (7 feet) in height. Since the Kia Borrego’s length ranges from 4880 mm to 4935 mm (192.1 to 194.3 inches), width is 1915 mm (75.4 inches), and height is 1810 mm (71.3 inches), it generally fits within standard garages in terms of length and height. However, drivers should check the actual interior width of their garage, as the Borrego’s width is close to the standard garage width, leaving limited clearance on sides.

Although exact curb weight figures vary across trims, the Kia Borrego typically weighs around 2100 to 2300 kg (4629 to 5071 lbs). This moderate to heavy SUV mass contributes to a solid and stable feel on the road, beneficial for off-road performance and highway cruising. However, the weight impacts fuel economy, generally resulting in average fuel consumption typical of large SUVs of its era. Drivers may find trade-offs between vehicle heft and agility during city and off-road driving.

The Kia Borrego offers a spacious interior typical for a midsize SUV, accommodating up to seven passengers with three rows of seating. The passenger volume is designed to provide comfortable headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varies depending on seat configurations; with all seats up, it offers limited cargo space, but folding the rear seats down significantly expands cargo volume. This flexibility suits families and outdoor enthusiasts needing to transport gear alongside passengers.

The 2008 Kia Borrego was Kia’s first full-size SUV, meaning it did not have a direct predecessor model within Kia’s lineup. Prior to the Borrego, Kia primarily focused on smaller SUVs and crossovers. Therefore, the Borrego represented a significant upscaling in size and market segment for Kia, offering a larger, more rugged SUV option with three-row seating and advanced features for its time.

The Kia Borrego's length of about 4880 to 4935 mm and width of 1915 mm place it squarely in the midsize to full-size SUV category, comparable to competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Explorer. Its dimensions are slightly larger than typical midsize SUVs, providing extra interior room and cargo capacity. Compared to similarly sized competitors, the Borrego offers competitive interior space and exterior dimensions, making it a practical choice for buyers seeking a spacious SUV without moving into the full-size luxury segment.

The Kia Borrego was designed with some off-road ability in mind, featuring a ground clearance of approximately 210 mm (8.3 inches), which allows it to handle uneven terrain and obstacles better than typical crossovers. Paired with available four-wheel-drive systems, the Borrego is capable for light to moderate off-road use. While not as rugged as dedicated off-road vehicles, its grounding height and engineering make it suitable for outdoor adventures and rough road conditions.

The 2008-2016 Kia Borrego featured engine options including a 3.8-liter V6 and a more powerful 4.6-liter V8 gasoline engine. These engines provided a balance between performance and utility, suitable for both on-road driving and towing. The V8 variant delivered more robust power, appealing to buyers needing higher towing capacity. Fuel efficiency was typical for SUVs of this size and engine configuration, with the V6 offering slightly better mileage. No diesel options were offered, as this model was primarily targeted at the North American market.