The Kia Borrego is a whole new model for 2008 and onward. The seven-passenger SUV features the company's first ever V8 engine -- the same V8 that powers the 2009 Genesis from parent company Hyundai.

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Borrego's body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on fully independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs. Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, an overall length of 192.1 inches and overall width of 75.4 inches, Borrego would fall into the midsize SUV category in U.S. terms. In typical Kia fashion, entry-level LX and up-level EX trims will be offered, each available with either engine, and with rear- or four-wheel drive.

Two of the three Genesis engines are offered with the Borrego. The optional V8 is rated at 337hp along with 323 lb-ft of twist, down from the Genesis' 375 ponies. Kia rates highway fuel economy for the bigger engine at an impressive (for the class anyhow) 22mpg, likely thanks largely to the six-speed automatic. Maximum towing for the V8-powered Borrego is 7,500lbs. Borregos motivated by the 3.8-liter V6 engine, which is rated at 276hp along with 267lb/ft of torque, make do with a five-speed auto, and can tow a maximum of 5,000lbs. Ironically, the V6's highway fuel economy, at 21mpg, is worse than the V8's.

Inside, Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity audio system. Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy access to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimize cargo space.

Safety features include: advanced two-stage airbags, optional driver's knee airbag, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward.

Another Kia first is the optionally available GPS navigation system with a color LCD touchscreen monitor that also displays images from the rearview camera.