Gone but not forgotten could have been the mantra for Kia's Sportage, one of the earliest compact SUVs that sprang onto the American scene during the mid-1990s. Tough, testy, with a genuine thirst for adventure, it served its Korean-based owners well in breaking into the American vehicle market. What a difference an absence makes. Missing from the scene for two years, Sportage returns for '05 with car-based unitized construction replacing its original off-road-ready truck underpinnings. It has far more refined road manners and comfort, plus an expected customer base ready for the next-generation model.

Slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, this front-drive, five-door is a ground-up replacement that aims squarely at other car-substitute vehicles geared for amenity-laden, on-pavement driving rather than sloshing in the trenches. A power boost was a must for this next gen-cute ute. The same inline 2.0-liter 4 and 2.7-liter 6 that power its new kissing cousin, Hyundai Tuscon, are mated to five-speed manual (only with the Inline 4) or four-speed "Sportmatic" auto with manual mode. Available full-time, four-wheel drive can lock in for low-speed travel.

Safety and stability systems are key in this redesign. But lush touches aren't forgotten. The upscale EX model sports fog lamps, heated outboard mirrors, keyless entry, one-touch power sunroof and optional luxury package heated leather seats. Along with many standard features on all models, Kia adds a standard, transferrable long-term warranty package. Ask Kia, and they'll say it was well worth the wait.