If you are after great quality sound while riding your next Kia SUV, then you might want to look a little harder at this exciting feature that Kia Motors America plans to bring in 2010 - the HD radio technology. Joining the host of automakers which are already offering this technology like Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo, Kia also wishes to enhance its customer experience and move the brand forward with this new digital radio system.

But what really makes the HD radio technology a feature to look forward to? Here is a list of its advantages for your perusal:

• It offers higher quality AM and FM radio broadcasts
• It uses advanced technology to display digital information like song title, artist information, and traffic and weather updates
• It sends both analog and digital signals to the HD receiver
• It offers both AM and FM frequencies
• It enables AM station to sound as good as an FM station today

So, what do you think? Are these interesting enough for you? If yes, then watch out for the select Kia SUVs to offer HD radio technology!

Image from: blog.sounddomain.com

Topping the Kia Sorrento, the Kia Borrego is now considered the largest in the South Korean automaker’s SUV line, as it accommodates 7 passengers, with three rows of seats standard. At 192.1 inches long, it is very roomy, with really generous headroom and legroom among the rows which can also be adjusted as needed. And since it is built on a platform with an overall length of 192.1 inches, overall width of 75.4 inches, and a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, it would fall into the midsize SUV category in U.S. terms.

Although some would think that the Kia Borrego is simply a stretched Sorrento, it is actually not because it rides on a unique body-on-frame chassis with a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. It might also be mistaken for a Ford Explorer or a Nissan Pathfinder from a distance. But if you take a closer look, the Borrego exhibits some unique details and looks almost graceful, lighter, and less thick or massive than a Pathfinder.

Now, for the engine, here is the big news: the Borrego is the first Kia to have a V8 engine. The said optional 4.6-liter/337-hp V8 generates around 320 lb.-ft. of torque and can tow a whopping 7,500 pounds. But if you don’t need a V8, you can always choose the base Borrego which has a 278-hp 3.8-liter V6 with 267 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a five-speed automatic. However, it can only tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Inside, the Borrego offers plentiful features such as a sliding second row for easy access to the third row, an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity audio system, and a GPS navigation system with a color LCD touchscreen monitor. And in terms of safety, various add-ons and systems are included such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, optional driver’s knee airbag, brake assist system (BAS), four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). There is also a standard backup warning system and an optional rearview camera.

For this mid-size Kia SUV, two trim levels will be offered – the LX and EX, each available with either engine, and with rear- or four-wheel drive.