In most other respects, however, the redesigned 2005 Kia Sportage is a huge improvement. True, it's no longer a Billy goat off-road, but it works better than ever as a daily driver. Take, for example, how easy it is to use the tailgate. It's hinged from the top rather than the side, the spare tire is stowed under the cargo floor rather than hung awkwardly off the tailgate, and there's a flip-up rear window for added convenience. Inside, a handy Drop & Fold seating system creates a flat load floor and 66.6 cubic feet of cargo space in seconds. The front passenger's seat even folds in half to carry longer items with the rear hatch closed. There's lots of storage space inside, too, with bins in all four doors, a large glovebox, overhead sunglasses storage, and a center console bin with a height-adjustable armrest.

Pricing was not announced when the 2005 Kia Sportage was unveiled at the 2004 California Auto Show, but we would expect it to straddle the $20,000 mark depending on equipment. With an impressive load of standard safety features, a long powertrain warranty, and low prices, the new-and-improved Kia Sportage is better than ever.

--Photos Courtesy of Kia Motors America