2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Kia Borrego

• Competes with: Chevy TrailBlazer, Ford Explorer and other such endangered species
• Looks like: Unfrozen Dr. Evil came up with the product plan
• Drivetrain: 262-hp V-6 with five-speed automatic or 300-plus-hp 4.6-liter V-8 with six-speed automatic; 3.0-liter clean-diesel V-6 to come
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2008

I went to the Kia display at the Detroit auto show to see what had to be an outstanding all-new midsize truck-based SUV. It would have to be outstanding, I thought, because there could be no other explanation as to why an automaker would introduce a truck-based SUV in 2008. All I had to do was enter Detroit Hall, pass the Jaguar and Land Rover exhibits and travel back in time more than 10 years.

There I heard Kia Motors America president Len Hunt talk about catering to buyers with “active lifestyles” and celebrating the company’s first-ever V-8 engine and navigation system. The model in question was not, it turned out, a 1999. It was the 2009 Borrego, which on closer inspection turned out to be a perfectly serviceable seven-seat SUV — but possibly the worst product decision I’ve seen in years. Kia has made one smart move after another in the 21st century, even introducing a low-cost-alternative minivan that went toe-to-toe with the class leaders in most areas. Bringing a truck like this to market while the rest of the industry is scrambling to get out of it just doesn’t strike me as a good move.

It’s not all old-school, though. The Borrego offers power-adjustable pedals, a rear sonar system and backup camera, and a six-speed automatic transmission for use with the 300-plus-horsepower V-8. The base engine is a 3.8-liter V-6, and buyers have a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. The most modern thing about this model is the promise of a clean-diesel engine option. Asked when this engine would become available, Hunt said only that it would be in the model’s first generation. Off to the side of the display, a cutaway 3.0-liter V-6 diesel promised 247 hp and 398 pounds-feet of torque beginning in 2010. Towing capacities aren’t given yet for this engine, but the V-6 is claimed to pull 5,000 pounds and the V-8 is good for 7,500.

To be fair, the truck itself has a lot to recommend it. It’s not stunning to look at, but it has a relatively high-quality interior with roomy first- and second-row seats, plus a serviceable third row for kids. Safety features abound, including two-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, antilock disc brakes, an electronic stability system with traction control and offroad aids like downhill assist control and hill assist control. There’s also the generous Kia warranty.

It’s possible so many manufacturers will get out of the truck-based-SUV business that there will be a decent market for trucks like this one. Until such a time, the Borrego will make good use of its hill assist control; it’s going to be an uphill climb.