[7] The vehicle was originally shown as a concept car under the Kia Mesa name at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in Korea as the Mohave prior to its release in the United States.

[10] The Borrego utilized body-on-frame construction, with adjustable air-suspension, hill-descent control and a high- and low-range automatic transmission.

The Borrego is fitted with either the 3.0 L VGT diesel V6 (in 2010), second-generation Lambda II 3.8 L V6 producing 206 kW (276 hp) or the 4.6 L V8 Hyundai Tau engine.

2011 introduced an upgraded engine and powertrain package, featuring an updated S-Line 3.0 L V6 CRDi (now named S-II) paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission from Hyundai Powertech (shared with Hyundai-Kia's full-size rear-drive luxury sedans).

It included such features as: cloth upholstery, keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and USB/iPod and auxiliary audio input jacks and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, six speakers, single-zone climate control, 17" alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Assist, lower Argent body cladding, and a 3.8 L V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC transmission.

Features such as 4WD, leather seats, heated dual front bucket seats, power sunroof, chrome 18" wheels, dual-zone climate control, touchscreen GPS navigation system with Bluetooth hands-free/streaming and voice recognition, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, power adjustable pedals, and a 4.6 L Tau V8 engine with a 6-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC transmission were optional.

The Limited was the ultimate top-of-the-line version of the Borrego, had a $37,995 MSRP base price, and added premium features to the EX such as: a standard 4.6 L Tau V8 engine, exclusive "Limited" badges on both front doors, air ride suspension, power adjustable pedals, black perforated leather seating surfaces, power dual front bucket seats, power sunroof, chrome 18" alloy wheels, heated dual front bucket and 2nd row seats (heated 2nd row seats were nearly unheard of in a Midsize class SUV,) Infinity premium touchscreen GPS navigation system with Bluetooth hands-free/streaming, SIRIUS, and voice recognition, 3D TFT instrument cluster display with electronic temperature gauge and red accents, push-button starter with keyless touch entry, and a Homelink transmitter.

The Borrego's body-on-frame design would also be severely derided, due to the fact that it drove "like a full-size pickup truck," despite the fully independent suspension setup.

The S-Line V6 received a minor update, incorporating an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction System) in order to meet with stringent EURO6 diesel emissions standards.

[15] Previewed during the 2019 Seoul Motor Show as the Masterpiece Concept, the second generation Mohave was released in September 2019 for the 2020 model year.

Retaining the original body-on-frame chassis plus an improved S-II engine and powertrain package from the previous model, the latest iteration benefits from features such as: a fully redesigned interior, heads-up display, full-LED headlights and LED taillights, electric tailgate, premium Lexicon-equipped sound system, and the ability to select up to six driving modes (Snow, Mud, Sand, Sport, Eco and Comfort).