Ride Harshness

[westex122360]

I love my Borrego except, It rides like a log wagon. I just put new Michelin LTX M/S2 tires on. Still rides the same. Has anyone else had this experience?

Westex

[Rick2456]

I haven't changed my tires and I agree, at first the ride was fairly stiff, but after a couple of thousand miles, it seemed that the shocks got broken in a bit (if that is all possible) and the ride got a bit more comfortable. One thing I do like about the stiffer ride, is that the handling is that much better than those trucks that have a soft suspension. Compared to my old GMC Envoy clone (Isuzu Ascender), this truck handles like a race car. This truck is not perfect, but compared to every other truck I have owned or even driven, this truck handles far better.

Originally Posted by westex122360

I love my Borrego except, It rides like a log wagon. I just put new Michelin LTX M/S2 tires on. Still rides the same. Has anyone else had this experience?

Westex

[EXV8]

Its a TRUCK not a car. I have no problem with the truck like ride and don't find it harsh at all.

[kia_mohave_owner]

I agree with EXV8. You can't get a perfect ride, from a Body on frame SUV. It rides well enough. I am not annoyed with the ride. I think it rides amazingly well. If you want a Super silky ride, you need to look at a crossover like the 2010 Sorento.

[rob1679]

I agree with the slight harshness of the ride. I have a EX V8 4x4...owned for 2 weeks now, have 1,800 miles already put on it (salesman). I keep reading that it has an adjustable suspension system...what does that mean? Does that mean a mechanic can soften the stiff suspension or no? I understand that no company makes any aftermarket shock absorbers for the Borrego yet...but has anyone tried going to an off-road shop and seeing if they can be creative? I also agree...stock 18" Hankook tires not that good...feel like bricks...but with my driving and job...easily get 75,000 miles plus on tires, so don't want to change those yet by all means. But any KIA mechanics out there or other experts...comments/suggestions on trying to soften up the suspension and make the ride more cushy?

[EXV8]

Originally Posted by rob1679

I agree with the slight harshness of the ride. I have a EX V8 4x4...owned for 2 weeks now, have 1,800 miles already put on it (salesman). I keep reading that it has an adjustable suspension system...what does that mean? Does that mean a mechanic can soften the stiff suspension or no? I understand that no company makes any aftermarket shock absorbers for the Borrego yet...but has anyone tried going to an off-road shop and seeing if they can be creative? I also agree...stock 18" Hankook tires not that good...feel like bricks...but with my driving and job...easily get 75,000 miles plus on tires, so don't want to change those yet by all means. But any KIA mechanics out there or other experts...comments/suggestions on trying to soften up the suspension and make the ride more cushy?

I see a Buick in your future......

[westex122360]

I drove a 2008 Tahoe this morning. The ride is ten times smoother then the Borrego. The Tahoe is a body on frame type construction also.
Kia just missed the boat when it comes to ride smoothness.
I like the Borrego except for this charateristic. The way it's p****** me off I may trade it for a Tahoe.

[EXV8]

Originally Posted by westex122360

I drove a 2008 Tahoe this morning. The ride is ten times smoother then the Borrego. The Tahoe is a body on frame type construction also.
Kia just missed the boat when it comes to ride smoothness.
I like the Borrego except for this charateristic. The way it's p****** me off I may trade it for a Tahoe.

If you don't like the ride why did you buy it? You drove the wonderfully smooth Tahoe why didn't you skip the horrible Borrego if it was so harsh riding and belly up with $55K for the Tahoe then? Thats why you test drive vehicles before you buy them. I have owned both a Tahoe and now the Borrego I love my KIA. Just trade it in.

[grumpy66]

One of the biggest selling points of the Borrego was the value for dollar compared to the other SUV's we test drove. These included, Land Rover, Hyundai veracruz, Buick Rendavous (sorry about the spelling), Tahoe, VW Tiguan, Subaru Outback, Toyota Rav 4 and probably several others that were not memorable enough to put down here. Yes, the Borrego does not ride as smooth as the Tahoe or several other higher dollar vehicles, but the difference in price with comparable options was in excess of $20,000. Thats a lot of money to put out for a bit smoother ride. You could probably put new springs and shocks on the Borrego for less than $4,000. Not to mention that Kia has the best warranty in the business, bar none.
If you're not happy with your choice, you always have the option of buying another vehicle that suits your backside.
This is not meant to be a personal attack, just stating our reasons for buying a Borrego despite a few faults we can live with quite happily, at least for the next few years. At least until the DIESEL arrives.

[Rick2456]

Actually, I found out that Rancho makes replacement shocks for this vehicle. Check it out.

Discount Auto Shocks - Auto Shocks at Wholesale Prices - 2009 Kia Borrego EX 6 Cyl 3.8L Shock Absorbers

Originally Posted by rob1679

I agree with the slight harshness of the ride. I have a EX V8 4x4...owned for 2 weeks now, have 1,800 miles already put on it (salesman). I keep reading that it has an adjustable suspension system...what does that mean? Does that mean a mechanic can soften the stiff suspension or no? I understand that no company makes any aftermarket shock absorbers for the Borrego yet...but has anyone tried going to an off-road shop and seeing if they can be creative? I also agree...stock 18" Hankook tires not that good...feel like bricks...but with my driving and job...easily get 75,000 miles plus on tires, so don't want to change those yet by all means. But any KIA mechanics out there or other experts...comments/suggestions on trying to soften up the suspension and make the ride more cushy?