Kia Sportage

Don't expect sophistication from this small SUV. It's nowhere near as pleasant to drive as the best in this class, the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. The Sportage's old-school, trucklike body-on-frame construction contributes to the uncomfortable ride and clumsy handling. A crude, slow, and noisy powertrain doesn't help. The interior feels cheap, and the rear gate is a nuisance to open. A shorter-wheelbase two-door soft-top model is also available. The Sportage offers only part-time four-wheel drive.