When the design of the redesigned Kia Sportage was unveiled in 2017, not everyone was onboard. A bold front grille, bulbous headlights, and ice cube foglights didn't fit into the pool of same-old-SUV styling that people were pre-owned to. After a year, and some minor tweaks, the Sportage's unique design is now seen as one of its most endearing qualities. If you want a crossover that doesn't look like others on the road, the Sportage is exactly what you need.

When you choose the Sportage, you're choosing the total package--a crossover SUV with the list of features you want, better-than-average SUV fuel economy, and a price tag that will keep the budget happy. The LX with front-wheel drive is rated at 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg combined, though all-wheel drive will lower those numbers slightly.

One reason? The standard features. While many crossovers come with a sparse base model, leaving you the option of choosing a more expensive model or living without some of the features that you want, the 2018 Kia Sorento has actually expanded their list of standard features. For example, the base LX models come standard with a six-speaker audio system with a five-inch touch-screen, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, USB/auxiliary inputs, power features, remote keyless entry, air conditioning and more. If you decide to upgrade to the EX, you'll add Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a larger seven-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety features such as blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.

The second reason you should choose the Sportage? The price and the warranty. The base model LX has a starting MSRP around $24K, which offers some steep competition to other crossovers in this class (especially with the features it offers!). Kia also offer a substantial warranty package, which includes the standard 5 year/60,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10 year/100,000 powertrain warranty.

Your definition of a "good" car will be different than your neighbors or ours. Kias offer outstanding value to buyers who are looking for the best vehicle for their money, and Kia stands behind their products with a 10-year/100,000 powertrain warranty. That should speak to the confidence that Kia has in the long-term reliability of its vehicles. If you're looking for the best value for the money, the 2018 Sportage offers more active safety features and standard features than many of its competitors for a lower price.

Depending on the trim, the answer may be yes. But the good news is that Kia offers the AWD option for anyone to add for an extra $1500, which means you won't have to buy into a trim you don't want just for the added traction in bad weather. Adding all-wheel drive definitely gives you a leg up in tougher weather conditions, including the snow and ice that comes our way every winter.