Description: Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $15,900 - $22,000
Invoice Price Range: $15,150 - $20,540
Where built: South Korea

The small-class SUV by Kia emerged with a new design last year as a crossover wagon built on the front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform of a car with the versatile cabin of a wagon but the smooth ride quality of a compact sedan. For 2006, Sportage repeats but with an air filtration system standard on all trims and a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on EX trim.

Kia equips all Sportage models with extensive safety features. And there are FWD and all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction options. Two tiers of trim apply -- base LX and deluxe EX, with two different powertrain choices.

A bargain-priced Sportage LX entry edition packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 140 hp with a manual five-speed shifter. Sportage LX V6 and upgraded EX V6 get a twin-cam 2.7-liter V6 worth 173 hp as linked to a four-speed automatic with Sportmatic manual shift mode.

Kia out of South Korea constructs value-priced vehicles in a diverse line extending from economical small cars like Rio to premium luxury sedans such as Amanti, plus multiple wagons including Sedona the minivan and sport-utility vehicles with Sorento and Sportage. Look for a new generation of designs for Rio and Sedona coming to Kia's 2006 collection.