Best SUV under $40,000

The Kia Sportage is a solid, all-round package that is not only competitively priced, generously equipped and extremely competent, but also affordable to own and operate.

A five-year unlimited kilometer warranty is included, plus capped price servicing for five years and a free 24/7 roadside assistance program.

Sportage is comfortable, relatively space efficient and easy to live with. The cabin has an invitingly modern presentation with all the switches and controls laid out in a logical fashion, while the instrumentation is clear and simple to read at a glance.

The steering column features reach as well as tilt adjustment and the SLi driver’s seat has plenty of adjustments, including lumbar support.

The 2.4-litre petrol engine, which produces a handy 130 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 227 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, is coupled to a smooth-changing, six-speed automatic and delivers good performance.

Kia has put a lot of work into refining the suspension for Australian conditions, and has done a good job with the ride. The handling is ideally set up for city and suburban use, which is where most Sportages will spend the majority of their time.