Kia Borrego

Since SUVs seem to be going the way of the California bighorn sheep, it's a little ironic that Kia decided to name its new mid-sized V8 after the endangered species. The Kia Borrego is the automaker's first SUV to offer a V8 engine, the same 4.6 Tau seen in the recently debuted Hyundai Genesis. With only 13/20 mpg, it's a risky move, but Kia promises a more efficient clean diesel engine within a year. Also on hand is a 3.8-liter V6 that gets 15/21 mpg.

The Borrego features three rows for up to seven passengers, with fold-flat capability and a full array of safety equipment, including multi-stage airbags, ABS brakes, and optional hill assist control. It will also be offered in either front-wheel or four-wheel drive, with the ability to be taken off-road, emphasizing its versatility and ruggedness. The body-on-frame architecture and independent suspension with coil-over springs are old-school SUV, but early looks at the interior show that the Borrego is on the cutting edge of technology. Towing capacity will range from 5000 to 7500 pounds.

Though offered with Kia's superior warranty and at an affordable price point, continually rising gas prices and a growing focus on environmentally-friendly cars may present an obstacle too big for this muscular SUV to overcome.