When the midsize Kia Sorento first appeared, it featured a traditional, trucklike body-on-frame design that provided a level of ruggedness not typically found on crossover SUVs. Blessed with above-average off-roading and towing abilities, the V6-powered first-generation Sorento won our respect for its practical nature. It also boasted impressive value, offering the dimensions of a midsize SUV at a compact-crossover price point.

But the original Sorento was clearly out of sync with the crossover craze. Most consumers want carlike unibody construction in their SUVs these days, so Kia decided to provide precisely that with the current, second-generation Sorento. The present model also offers a usable third-row seat, standard four-cylinder power with a V6 option, and Kia's extensive warranty package. Even more so than its predecessor, the current Sorento offers midsize functionality and refinement at an extraordinarily reasonable price.

• Current Kia Sorento
• Used Kia Sorento Models