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Kis'a Tau V8 took the world by surprise when Kia's parent company, Hyundai, first began discussing the high-tech motor in regards to its Genesis luxury sedan. In the Genesis the Tau-class V8 was tuned to produce 375 horsepower and 333 foot pounds of torque, but the Kia Borrego receives a detuned Tau that produces an ample 337 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a tree-stump pulling 323 foot pounds of torque at a lowly 3500 rpm. Part of the reason for the change in output lies with the reduced octane requirement for the fuel, but also for reasons relating to marketing; the Kia Borrego is an SUV with upscale intentions, but it is not intended to be a rival to premium luxury SUVs.

The 4627 cc DOHC Tau V8 features a 92 mm bore and 87 mm stroke, which makes it relatively quick revving for a V8. The addition of continuously variable valve timing produces a svelte power curve that balances economy and fuel consumption rather well. The lack of direct injection may hold the current Tau back, but its multi-port fuel injection system is reliable and serviceable. Another area of some concern is the lack of a continuously variable induction system. The multi-stage induction system of Kia's Tau is still quite useful, but does leave some room for improvement. The aluminum cylinder heads and pressure-cast aluminum block make the Tau V8 in the Borrego lighter than many comparable engines, and that helps make up for the lack of fuel injection.

Being lightweight has other benefits as well, namely the price. Shipping and material costs tend to be lower when weight is reduced, and this in turn helps keep Kia's costs down on the Borrego. This in turn translates into more sales opportunities and a greener vehicle despite its hefty overall size.

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