Kia Mohave (Borrego derived)
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Kia Mohave (Borrego derived)
Kia reveals images of updated ’Mohave the Master’ SUV
Rugged, all-wheel-drive SUV carries on the Borrego lineage
Kia on Wednesday released the first images of a heavily refreshed full-size SUV, calling it the “Mohave the Master.” It’s heavily based on the Mohave Masterpiece Concept that Kia rolled out at the Seoul Motor Show in March, and reports suggest the company plans to launch the SUV in Korea in September.
The Mohave is the overseas brethren of the short-lived Borrego, a body-on-frame, offroad-capable SUV that was sold in the U.S. and pulled after two model years and negligible sales.
As was the case in March, there’s no information about the new vehicle beyond photos, leaving us to speculate. But the Master carries on most of the Masterpiece Concept’s styling, if somewhat toned down, with its boxy design, raised profile and upright body. The Master features the same matching head- and taillight design as the concept, plus the illuminated Mohave nameplate on the tailgate. The stacked LED headlights and fog lamps also carry over from the concept, although much of the chrome trim appears to have been cut from production plans. Also similar: There’s no Kia badge anywhere to be seen, which is interesting. Skid plates at front and rear, along with the 4WD logo on the tailgate, add to the suggestions that this SUV is capable of being taken offroad.
Kia eventually replaced the Borrego in the U.S. with the Sorento family hauler, but it lived on in Korea and other markets. The Borrego had the misfortune of being released in 2008 as a gas-guzzling ‘ute with the Great Recession raging and gas prices hovering around $4 per gallon, pushing consumers toward smaller, more fuel-efficient options. It also won no plaudits for its looks. Our 2009 review noted, “The new Borrego breaks no new ground in terms of styling” and added that, given the unforeseen spike in gas prices at that time and its effect on SUV sales, “Kia will likely be happy if it can just eke out enough sales to break even on the project.”
The new Mohave is undoubtedly more handsome and sculpted than the bland Borrego, looking like a beefier, more imposing version of the Telluride. Rumors have swirled that the Mohave will eventually return to the U.S. If that's true, we’ll have to wait to see whether it’s with this version or a future update.
The Mohave is the overseas brethren of the short-lived Borrego, a body-on-frame, offroad-capable SUV that was sold in the U.S. and pulled after two model years and negligible sales.
As was the case in March, there’s no information about the new vehicle beyond photos, leaving us to speculate. But the Master carries on most of the Masterpiece Concept’s styling, if somewhat toned down, with its boxy design, raised profile and upright body. The Master features the same matching head- and taillight design as the concept, plus the illuminated Mohave nameplate on the tailgate. The stacked LED headlights and fog lamps also carry over from the concept, although much of the chrome trim appears to have been cut from production plans. Also similar: There’s no Kia badge anywhere to be seen, which is interesting. Skid plates at front and rear, along with the 4WD logo on the tailgate, add to the suggestions that this SUV is capable of being taken offroad.
Kia eventually replaced the Borrego in the U.S. with the Sorento family hauler, but it lived on in Korea and other markets. The Borrego had the misfortune of being released in 2008 as a gas-guzzling ‘ute with the Great Recession raging and gas prices hovering around $4 per gallon, pushing consumers toward smaller, more fuel-efficient options. It also won no plaudits for its looks. Our 2009 review noted, “The new Borrego breaks no new ground in terms of styling” and added that, given the unforeseen spike in gas prices at that time and its effect on SUV sales, “Kia will likely be happy if it can just eke out enough sales to break even on the project.”
The new Mohave is undoubtedly more handsome and sculpted than the bland Borrego, looking like a beefier, more imposing version of the Telluride. Rumors have swirled that the Mohave will eventually return to the U.S. If that's true, we’ll have to wait to see whether it’s with this version or a future update.
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According to motorauthority, (probably) yes, though that has not been totally verified.
BTW, Kia has always used the Mohave name outside of the U.S. Borrego was simply a term for the American market.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...ego-coming-too
Kia on Wednesday revealed a redesigned Mohave, a mid-size SUV whose predecessor was briefly sold in the United States late last decade as the Borrego.
There isn't any indication that the redesigned Mohave is destined for local sale, but given the consumer trend toward crossovers and SUVs we wouldn't be surprised if the vehicle ends up here as a little brother to the Telluride.
The six-lug wheel design suggests more ruggedness and off-road capability than your typical Kia, something which could set this SUV apart from the family-oriented Telluride. There are also chunky fog lights and fixed running boards, which once again suggest a vehicle for active lifestyles.
Underpinning the redesigned Mohave is thought to be an updated version of the body-on-frame platform found in the outgoing model. It enables rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations.
A “V6 3.0” badge on the tailgate suggests the vehicle will be offered with the 3.0-liter diesel fitted to the outgoing model. The outgoing model's 3.8-liter V-6 will also likely be offered, though don't count on its 4.6-liter V-8 being offered too.
Unfortunately, Kia hasn't released any information on its redesigned Mohave. We'll bring you an update as soon as more is known.
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In some ways, I liked the old Borrego....it was built like a tank, and, by today's standards, had sheet metal and doors that shut like bank vaults.
Just a preliminary opinion (not necessarily fact), but my guess is that, if the new Mohave is indeed a traditional BOF SUV, Kia might (?) be waiting to see how the new Ford Bronco does after it is introduced. It might end up being a good Bronco competitor.
Here's a display-video with some exterior close-ups.
Originally Posted by article
There isn't any indication that the redesigned Mohave is destined for local sale,
Here's a display-video with some exterior close-ups.
Last edited by mmarshall; Aug 14, 2019 at 04:50 PM.
I’d put the chance of this mojave coming to the u.s. at right about.... zero.
the old borrego was a direct rip of a 2 gen back explorer (like the ‘06 i had).
while it might be a ‘tank’ it would face brutal competition in the u.s. from jeep, ford, chevy, so unless it’s somehow very competitive or can be differentiated strongly, i don’t see why kia would bother.
the old borrego was a direct rip of a 2 gen back explorer (like the ‘06 i had).
while it might be a ‘tank’ it would face brutal competition in the u.s. from jeep, ford, chevy, so unless it’s somehow very competitive or can be differentiated strongly, i don’t see why kia would bother.
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the old borrego was a direct rip of a 2 gen back explorer (like the ‘06 i had).
while it might be a ‘tank’ it would face brutal competition in the u.s. from jeep, ford, chevy, so unless it’s somehow very competitive or can be differentiated strongly, i don’t see why kia would bother.
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As I said earlier, it will depend on how the new Bronco does. If the Bronco sells well (as I think it will), it will be difficult for Kia not to introduce a suitable competitor.
Yes and no. It had both similarities and differences. Even apart from that, one big difference, of course, was that the Explorer sold and the Borrego didn't. By 2006, the Explorer had been a household name for some 15 years, while the prevailing view of the Borrego was.....a Kia WHAT?
First, isn't competition the name of the game in the auto business? Second, the Chevy Blazer would not be what I call competition in this field. It is a completely different type of vehicle, and carrying the name of a traditional SUV, but certainly not one.
Yes and no. It had both similarities and differences. Even apart from that, one big difference, of course, was that the Explorer sold and the Borrego didn't. By 2006, the Explorer had been a household name for some 15 years, while the prevailing view of the Borrego was.....a Kia WHAT?
First, isn't competition the name of the game in the auto business? Second, the Chevy Blazer would not be what I call competition in this field. It is a completely different type of vehicle, and carrying the name of a traditional SUV, but certainly not one.
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It's not that it's unattractive... it is just dated. The greenhouse stampings date back to the mid-90's. Nothing modern, new, or special with the body design or trim. While Kia may be able to sell more SUV's in this hot market, I don't see this one pressing people's buttons.
Also the name is ridiculous. It's bad enough most people in California cannot pronounce the name "Mojave." This will just confuse more people and wreck the name further.
Also the name is ridiculous. It's bad enough most people in California cannot pronounce the name "Mojave." This will just confuse more people and wreck the name further.
Last edited by Fizzboy7; Aug 14, 2019 at 11:09 PM.
Yes and no. It had both similarities and differences.
Even apart from that, one big difference, of course, was that the Explorer sold and the Borrego didn't. By 2006, the Explorer had been a household name for some 15 years, while the prevailing view of the Borrego was.....a Kia WHAT?
First, isn't competition the name of the game in the auto business?
Second, the Chevy Blazer would not be what I call competition in this field. It is a completely different type of vehicle, and carrying the name of a traditional SUV, but certainly not one.
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Yes, I said it was a guess. Much of it depends on how well the Bronco sells..I am guessing (with at least some grounds for doing so) that the Bronco will pick up a fair number of potential buyers who are disgusted with the new Blazer.
With all due respect...disagree. This is not 2006 any more. Kia is now as much of a household word as the Explorer. And, even back then, Kia was showing signs of strong growth.
Not when the gun is out of ammunition.
Even if the Blazer does sell (and, so far, it has been a disappointment), that still won't make it into something is isn't. It simply is not a true replacement for past versions.
exactly why (imo) bringing this made over borrego / mojave back is a WASTE OF TIME.
Yes but bringing a knife to a gun fight is sure way to lose.
Most consumers don’t know... but we’ll see who’s right.
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Yes, I said it was a guess. Much of it depends on how well the Bronco sells..I am guessing (with at least some grounds for doing so) that the Bronco will pick up a fair number of potential buyers who are disgusted with the new Blazer.
With all due respect...disagree. This is not 2006 any more. Kia is now as much of a household word as the Explorer. And, even back then, Kia was showing signs of strong growth.
Not when the gun is out of ammunition.
Even if the Blazer does sell (and, so far, it has been a disappointment), that still won't make it into something is isn't. It simply is not a true replacement for past versions.
With all due respect...disagree. This is not 2006 any more. Kia is now as much of a household word as the Explorer. And, even back then, Kia was showing signs of strong growth.
Not when the gun is out of ammunition.
Even if the Blazer does sell (and, so far, it has been a disappointment), that still won't make it into something is isn't. It simply is not a true replacement for past versions.
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Blazer, I'll agree....irrelevant. But it could be a significant competitor to the Bronco if it turns out to be (in reference to your earlier question) a traditional BOF. But, if the Bronco flops (which I don't think it will, but is a possibility), then, no, we are not likely to see the Mojave here.
Partially true. The Telluride is geared more toward families and typical suburban driving/shopping. But, don't forget.....the Telluride will be facing competition from its own corporate brother, the Hyundai Palisade. That won't be the case with the Mohave, whose main competition will be outside the corporation, wth the Ford Bronco and possibly some Jeep models.
If they bring this stateside, they do it in low volume and as an enthusiast vehicle for this who really admire KIA. Otherwise it will conflict with their new Telluride sales. This model should just be a small limited model for this who really care about body on frame stuff.