Small & midsized SUVs

Updates and redesigns improve two South Korean makes

The redesigned Kia Sorento (available to subscribers) now ranks among the better SUVs we’ve tested. The EX V6 model outscored all others in this month’s test and is behind only the Subaru Forester 2.5XT and the Toyota RAV4 V6 in our Ratings (available to subscribers). The Sorento LX (available to subscribers), with a four-cylinder engine, scored lower than the V6 version but well ahead of most competing models. Our testers found the Sorentos to be competent vehicles that strike a good balance of size, passenger room, and price. An available third-row seat adds to their appeal.

Small and midsized car-based SUVs have become popular with families as sedan replacements. Models such as the Sorento, Chevrolet Equinox, and Hyundai Santa Fe (available to subscribers) straddle the two classes in size and price. Our Ratings chart (available to subscribers) shows that there are plenty of good choices in this competitive category, with the best models combining a roomy interior, nimble handling, and decent fuel economy. A model with two-wheel drive will get slightly better fuel economy than the same model with all-wheel drive, but it won’t provide as much traction in slippery conditions.

For this test, we also bought two versions of the freshened Hyundai Santa Fe, one with a V6 and the other with a four-cylinder engine that’s newly available for 2010. Those engines are now coupled with a new six-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the Santa Fe remains a competitive choice in this category, with each version scoring only slightly below its Sorento counterpart.

Prices ranged from $25,730 for the four-cylinder Santa Fe to $32,390 for the Sorento EX V6. While the Santa Fe is recommended, the Sorento is too new for us to have reliability data, so it’s not recommended.

Other models that consumers should consider in this category are the Subaru Forester, which combines commendable ride handling with good fuel economy and reliability, and the Volkswagen Tiguan, which has a quieter, more upscale interior than many competitors.

Coming soon

A couple of SUVs that will soon hit the market are the redesigned Kia Sportage, a sibling of the Hyundai Tucson, and at the high end, the Audi Q5 hybrid. They are expected to go on sale this fall.

Used-car alternatives

Buying used can save you money or let you move up to a more upscale model. These have proven reliable and have scored well in our testing.