It’s the most rugged Kia SUV.
The Sorento in the US and the Telluride are the two options for a Kia SUV capable of off-roading. Although they are different in size, the Telluride and Sorento have unibody constructions that don’t make them ideal for harsh environments. Body-on-frame SUVs remain the preferred choice for the more traditional crowd.
Did you know that Kia sold a body-on frame SUV in the US under the name Borrego? The vehicle was removed from the market in 2010, due to low sales. It has never been seen again. It survived in Korea as the 2023 Kia Mohave.
The Kia Mohave is now on its second facelift, based on the Masterpiece Concept of 2019, but it still uses the same platform as the Borrego’s. However, it has been extensively updated for modern times. This video by Asian Petrolhead shows us what the US has missed in this SUV.
The Kia Mohave is slightly larger than the Sorento, but smaller than Telluride. This explains the small cabin space and the explanation given by the presenter (6’2″) in the video. It is also taller than the Sorento, but this is normal because it rides on a ladder frame chassis.
We’re missing another feature, the Mohave’s turbodiesel engine V6. It’s capable of producing 253 horsepower (189 Kilowatts) as well as 413 pound-feet (560 Newton meters) of torque. The oil-burner has a new device that reduces emissions in Korea due to the regulations. A rear-biased, all wheel-drive system, coupled with terrain modes, is also an option for this oil-burner. This SUV is ready to handle different terrains, which off-roaders will appreciate.
The 2023 Kia Mohave is priced at $41,100 at current exchange rates, with ceilings reaching nearly $49,000 for Mohave Gravity.