The mid-sized 2008 Kia Sorento SUV seats five and is available in two trim levels, the LX and EX at an MSRP range of $20,995 to $26,195. The LX is outfitted with a 3.3-liter V6 producing 242 hp (new for this model year) while the EX has a 3.8-liter V6 at 262 hp. The five speed manual transmission has been discontinued on the Sorento in favor of an automatic with a sequential shift mode. All trims are real-wheel drive standard, but four-wheel drive is available with a choice of two systems.

The Sorento comes standard with an impressive complement of safety features including airbags in the knee and side curtain positions, disc antilock brakes on all wheels, active head restraints in the front, and an electronic stability system. (The Sorento also has a five-star NHTSA crash rating.)

Physically, the Sorento compares to the Kia Sportage, a smaller SUV. Both have air dams that are narrow with big headlights bordered in orange sitting on either side of a grille with multiple slats. Sixteen inch wheels are standard with seventeen inch available. Fog lights are standard on the EX and drivers who pop for the EX Luxury Package pick up chrome door handles.

Inside the Sorento offers roominess on par with the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. For 2008 all the controls for climate and audio have been updated. Go to the top of the line with the EX Luxury and look for automatic climate control over two zones, a moonroof, and upholstery done in leather. The backseats are configured on the standard 60/40 split. (Cargo volume measures 31.7 cubic feet.)

The days of telling bad jokes about the Korean automaker have long since passed. The Kia Sorento stacks up favorably in its class with a nice range of standard and optional amenities, excellent safety ratings, and more than competitive pricing. This one is worth a test drive if you're in the market for a smaller SUV with outstanding interior space.