STRENGTHS:
Car-like handling with SUV-like practicality; excellent warranty
VALUE:
Kia's small utility vehicle is comparable to a Honda CR-V, but is priced about $5000 less. The EPA rates the Sportage as high as 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, and it comes with Kia's stellar 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
WHAT'S NEW:
Since the Sportage got a facelift for 2009, there weren't very many changes to make for 2010. It has an EcoMinder in the dash to tell drivers when their habits are helping with fuel efficiency. An optional back-up warning system is now available as well.