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This winter, the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) chose the Kia Borrego as its “Best-in-Class SUV ($25,000-$35,000)” as part of its annual Winter Vehicle Awards voting.

That Borrego was the six-cylinder version. It also appears to be the “combination of choice” in this model. We recently drove the V-8 version. It’s doubtful the voters would have treated this configuration so favorably in their balloting.

Yes, the V-8 had power aplenty, with 337 horsepower and 323 lb.-ft of torque. And the mileage (we averaged 18.7 miles per gallon) was good for a vehicle of this size and weight (4,621 pounds).

But there were trade-offs. For starters, the six-speed automatic transmission seemed to be “thinking” before downshifting. The gearing is set up for power off the line and economy in the top gears. It didn’t seem to fit our needs for more middle-range coasting, turning, and pickup. Handling was OK but a bit vague in the feel-of-the-road department.

But perhaps most jolting – literally – is the ride.

The Borrego is a body-on-frame design. That puts it on the truck-like side of things. And the V-8 version’s ride was rough enough to be disconcerting, even after trying lower tire pressures.

Our test vehicle started with a MSRP of $32,995. An $1,800 luxury package added sunroof, upgraded sound system with MP3 player, running boards, and rear air conditioning controls.

For another $1,500, the luxury package gave us heated leather seats, power telescoping steering wheel, and two-position memory seats and mirror settings. The navigation system – and it was a good one – added yet another $1,500. Want the rear-seat entertainment package? You’ll pay another $1,500. Our test vehicle didn’t have it but it’s a popular option. Chrome 18-inch wheels ($750), however, were on our tester for a total sticker price of $39,295.

I was not a fan of the running boards, fearing I’d slip if using them to alight from the vehicle but rubbing the back of my slacks on them when not using them. The Borrego has 8.5 inches of ground clearance so it’s a decent step up into the cabin.

Both second and third-row seats were easy to fold. While good-quality leather on one side, the seat backs are sturdy plastic and form a usable and enlarged cargo area. With all three seats up, however, there is precious little room for the luggage or gear for seven passengers. Access to the third row of seats is by folding forward a second-row seat. That’s best left to the young and agile ones.

The rear liftgate is a plus. It swings up high enough so even taller folks aren’t in danger of whacking their heads. And it’s balanced nicely for easy closing – with a nice grab handle – even though it isn’t motorized.

Another positive is the Kia warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain and a five-year/60,000 mile basic warranty.

The standard back-up warning system works well. Also standard are antilock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, electronic brake distribution, hill start assist, downhill brake control and tire pressure monitoring systems. That’s a state-of-the-art package that also includes a full array of airbags.

An auxiliary plug and USB connection are located next to the shifter on the center console. For a vehicle with so many electronics, controls are intuitive and well marked.

Borrego swims in a retail pond against the likes of the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Where it shines is the lower MSRP price point for the six-cylinder LX trim version ($26,245). I’d start there, and decide about adding the AWD system ($2,050) or moving up to the EX line for more options.