Last week, Kia Motors America invited more than hundred journalists and automotive press reporters to the Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Washington, where the company has held an official presentation of the all new Borrego SUV to the U.S. media.

Less than a week has passed since then and first test drive reports are coming in sight. The reviews you can read so far are certainly very positive and highlight the Borrego in terms of refinement, looks and (towing) performance. They also praise Borrego for its combination of the premium power and fuel efficiency, combined with luxury appointments that are not typical for a mid-priced SUVs.

I have garnered some reviews that I find the most interesting. Not to violate the copyright rules, only quotes from test drives were posted in this post. If you want to read complete reviews just hit the link you see at the end of each quote and you’ll be redirected to chosen Borrego review. Each of the reviews posted below includes lots of high quality photos so make sure you hit the jump and continue your read.

Thecarconncetion:
One day in the not-too-distant future, Kia won’t have to beg for credibility. Their products will have spoken for the brand, and their rightful place as a serious manufacturer high-quality vehicles will be secured…Read more!

Autoblog
When the Borrego program was first started, Kia surely didn’t expect the price of gas to skyrocket as high as it has and quite so quickly. Regardless, it’s a credible contender to such SUV stalwarts as the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Grand Cherokee…Read more!

Inside-line
As much as we like the refinement of the new V8, a torque-rich yet fuel-efficient diesel engine is exactly what the Borrego needs. Equipped with a gasoline V6 or a V8, the 2009 Kia Borrego is merely a better Ford Explorer. With a diesel, though, it could end up a survivor in the shrinking SUV class…Read more!

Leftlane
Kia’s hope is that as full-sized SUVs are falling out of favor due to outlandish fuel prices, consumers will turn to the mid-sized market for needs such as seven-passenger seating and 7,500-pound towing capacity. And Kia just happens to have a vehicle that will fit those needs perfectly…Read more!

CanadianDriver
The interior design, like the exterior, is pleasant and functional. The red illumination of the instrument panel is easy to read during the day, and in my opinion is superior at night. Seating for the driver and passenger is comfortable and supportive; controls are neatly arranged and easy to operate….Read more!

Autonet
The Borrego is aimed squarely at Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner and Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot, but execs expect it may also take a bite out of the larger segment that includes Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition, which are considerably bigger but comparable, says Kia, in terms of equipment and powertrain…Read more!