Launched in 2005, the current Kia Sportage shares nothing with the previous generation. Based on an entirely new unibody platform, the newest Sportage is more agile and more powerful. Now under Hyundai's ownership, Kia has improved its production quality and packaging in recent years. And that's evident with the Sportage. You can get a well-stocked Sportage with DOHC power and 4WD for thousands less than its competition, making it one of the best values in the small-SUV category.

Available in two trim levels, EX and NOVUS, the Kia Sportage offers the kind of performance and refinement usually associated with the small SUVs from Japanese automakers. Both trims are equipped with a healthy list of standard amenities, such as alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, full power accessories and tinted glass.

The Kia Sportage may not look too big from the outside, but the interior has plenty of headroom and legroom, both in the front and the back. The rear seats split and fold flat for a level cargo floor and a maximum of 67 cubic feet of storage. Fit and finish is impressive, and the Sportage provides a surprising number of safety features for its class. There are a total of six standard airbags, including front- and side-impact airbags for driver and passenger, and side curtain airbags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Traction control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all trims.

Kia Sportage is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 140 horsepower. It comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmision with H-MATIC. Sportages with this engine are front-wheel drive.

In road tests and reviews, our editors have found the Kia Sportage to be a competent SUV overall. It has earned high marks for its long list of standard safety gear, impressive warranty, comfortable interior, sporty handling and strong value. The main drawback to the Sportage is its powertrain. Even with the DOHC, acceleration is no more than adequate.