The segment the new Sportage competes in is tough. The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Liberty, Mercury Mariner, Chevy Equinox, and many others are all begging for a date. However, the one that can keep you smiling while providing comfort, security, versatility, and strength usually stands out from the crowd. Being frugal (not cheap) is also a virtue of which I think highly, and when something can offer a lot for a little, it’s hard to walk on by without at least giving him—uh, it—a test drive. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the Sportage won’t be high maintenance or need to hang out with the boys at the bar every night. And it won’t even complain when you take it to visit your mother. B. J. Killeen
