The Kia Borrego first hit sales lots for the 2008 model year. This four-door mid-size SUV was originally debuted to the public at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. However, at the time, Kia referred to the model as the "Mesa." The production model which bore the Borrego name was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show to mixed reviews. The maker's prior poor reputation was still being upheld by some critics. They complained that the Borrego's quality was compromised and that the SUV had no definable attributes to set it apart from the overflowing crowd of mid-size SUVs. Nevertheless, Kia shrugged off the negative press, and the Borrego has become one of their best sellers.

The Borrego, badged as the Mohave in Korea, is available with two engine options, either a 3.8L V6 or a 4.6L V8. While criticism regarding the Borrego's poor fuel economy ran rampant, the maker has decided to implement a diesel engine in the 2010 model year. Nonetheless, naysayers claim it simply is not good enough and that the model should be available as a hybrid or discontinued altogether. One of the only new additions that the Borrego brings to the Kia lineup is the availability of an in-dash navigation unit, while Kia's other models do not feature the unit as an option.

Consumers' opinions regarding the Kia Borrego greatly vary. Some feel that the model has plagiarized features from other popular SUVs on the market, while others say that the Borrego is unique and innovative. With a base price of $26,995, the Borrego is sure to become a best seller for the maker and stay competitive. One of the most frequent comments from consumers is that if the Borrego is any indication of what is to come from Kia, then the maker has certainly dug itself out of the hole.

Though big changes will surely not take place for a few years to come for the Kia Borrego, the general consensus is that Kia has finally gotten something right. Not only that, with the model's impressive power and stylish exterior, the Borrego could quickly become real competition for the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer. With the release of the Kia Borrego, most consumers and critics alike have put aside their prior opinions of the maker and instead are starting to think positively about the future of the lineup.