Toyota Rav4

FOR
Smart looking, well built car that's one of the very best in its class to drive. Pseudo-GTi performance and handling meets MPV-like versatility in an impressive package.

AGAINST
The side-opening tailgate does not swing out far enough. Road rumble can be intrusive at cruising speeds. The three-door is cramped in the back.

ON THE ROAD	OWNERSHIP	IN THE CABIN
Performance An effective cross between 4x4 and GTi	Buying & owning A good all-round buying proposition	Behind the wheel Comfortable driving position and smart cabin
Ride & handling One of the best of its breed	Quality & reliability Reliability should be excellent	Space & practicality Five-door models have almost MPV-like versatility
Refinement Good in town; some noise at speed	Safety & security High level of protection across the range	Equipment Generous across the range

Ssangyong Rexton

FOR
Buyers get a large, spacious 4x4 for the price of a much smaller one, along with genuine off-road ability.

AGAINST
The Rexton suffers from stodgy handling, numb steering and an unsettled ride, while the interior is plain. The turbodiesel engine needs more grunt. Running costs will be high.

ON THE ROAD	OWNERSHIP	IN THE CABIN
Performance Turbodiesel engine lacks top-end grunt	Buying & owning Lots of metal for the money, but not cheap to run	Behind the wheel Clear layout but driving position could be better
Ride & handling Feels every inch a big, old-fashioned 4x4	Quality & reliability Mechanicals are proven, but interior looks cheap	Space & practicality Decent space for five and their luggage
Refinement Diesel engine is gruff, but otherwise fine	Safety & security A reasonable showing on both counts	Equipment Decent kit on all models

Kia Sorento

FOR
The Sorento has plenty of mud-extricating apparatus to enable it to tow or tackle the type of terrain which would leave most 'soft-roaders' struggling. Lots of kit and competitive prices make it good value for money.

AGAINST
On-road manners aren't as encouraging as its off-road ability. The ride is particularly firm, so much so that even minor undulations and depressions can be felt in the cabin.

ON THE ROAD	OWNERSHIP	IN THE CABIN
Performance Turbodiesel engine has plenty of go	Buying & owning Competitively priced, but questionable residuals	Behind the wheel Good all-round visibility; dash is not so pretty
Ride & handling Off-road strengths, but poor on-road manners	Quality & reliability Decent materials are well screwed together	Space & practicality Plenty of space for five plus luggage
Refinement Some road noise, but smooth diesel engine	Safety & security Six airbags and anti-lock brakes standard	Equipment All models are extremely well specified

(Source: whatcar.com)