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.