I recently drove the much-improved 2007 version of the Sorento, and was every bit as impressed as I was back in 2003.

The attractively priced Sorento offers many of the best features and amenities of midsize SUVs, but its size, power and ruggedness give it an edge in its own market segment while still knocking heads with many midsize sport utes.

The Sorento, the largest SUV built by the South Korean automaker, is aimed directly at the compact SUV segment — Ford Escape, Toyota RAV 4, Honda CRV, Jeep Liberty, etc. However, physically, it is about the same size as some smaller midsize SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Highlander, but not the larger ones such as the Ford Explorer, Chevy TrailBlazer or Toyota 4Runner.

The big advantage the Sorento offers is price — thousands less than many midsize SUVs — plus a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Those two factors get a lot of people’s attention. And the low pricing doesn’t mean low levels of standard equipment with a laundry list of expensive options either. Even the base Sorento LX comes with a strong V6, automatic transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD, cruise control, heated mirrors and power windows and door locks. Most of its competitors’ base models only offer an underpowered 4-banger and manual transmission as standard and make a 6-cylinder engine with an automatic a spendy option.

The Sorento’s top-of-the-line EX adds upscale options such as a power sunroof, upscale sound system, alloy wheels, power driver’s seat, remote keyless entry, and auto-dimming mirror. Our fully-loaded, EX 4X4 test vehicle stickered at $29,195.

The Sorento should have a reasonably long life in part because of its rugged body-on-frame truck-style construction — typical of larger, costlier midsize sport utilities instead of the less substantial car-based unibody construction of most of its crossover competitors.

Interior: Because of the price, the first thing you might expect is lots of cheap interior plastic. Not so. All the materials are surprisingly a cut above average and the interior is quieter than you would expect.

The Sorento features large controls that are simple and easily reached. Instrumentation can be read at a glance.

There’s plenty of room inside for four tall adults — or even five on short trips because of the spacious rear-seat area. There’s no third-row seat — a hot item for larger SUVs, but less of a consideration in this market segment. A third seat would simply consume too much cargo room. However, the entire rear seat, both seatbacks and cushions, fold forward to offer a significantly large cargo area — roomy even with the rear seat in its normal position.

The cargo opening is low and wide, and the spare tire is tucked out of the way below the frame.

The Sorento offers standard dual advanced front airbags, driver’s knee airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags for better side-impact protection.

Under The Hood: The Sorento features a DOHC, 24-valve, 3.8-liter, 262-horse V6, that’s coupled to a responsive 5-speed automatic transmission. Both are upgrades — and big improvements — over the 192-horse, 3.5-liter V6 and four-speed automatic the Sorento originally debuted with.

The Sorento offers two 4-wheel-drive systems. Both have low-range gearing for off-road driving, which is made easier thanks to its rugged construction and short body overhangs. One of those systems is for use only on dry roads, but the full-time automatic Torque-on-Demand system can be left engaged on dry roads.

However, the full-time system is offered only for the EX and comes as part of a Luxury Package that includes leather upholstery, simulated wood interior trim, heated front seats, automatic climate control and an AM/FM/CD sound system with an in-dash CD player. That same Luxury Package costs less for the 2-wheel rear-drive EX, but doesn’t contain the Torque-On-Demand system.

Behind The Wheel: I found the V6 to be a bit noisy when pushed, but delivering respectable acceleration and passing power. A double-wishbone front suspension and long 106.7-inch wheelbase combine to provide a smooth ride that’s only occasionally bouncy. Steering is fairly quick and positive.

Even though the Sorento feels and drives lighter than its heavy 4,083 to 4,646 pounds (depending on drivetrain configuration and options), fuel economy is mediocre — even when compared to mid-size SUVs. It delivers an estimated 17/city and 23/highway with 2-wheel drive and 17 and 22 as a 4X4. However, only regular fuel is required.

Whines: Tall drivers with long legs may wish that the seat moved back a few more inches. Fuel economy is marginal for this class but acceptable for one this physical size.

Bottom Line: Hyundai-owned Kia was once considered the automaker of last resort, perceived to offer only marginal quality, basic transportation. Not any more. Four years after its debut, the Kia Sorento is demonstrating long-term durability — the question mark that originally depressed its resale value and was the trade-off for its relatively low price.

This vehicle is just fun to drive, and has a solid feel, with no shakes or rattles. The natural inclination is to automatically compare the Sorento to larger, mid-size SUVs because of its size and amenities — and it looks very good at the lower end of that spectrum, but not the upper end — in spite of its many unexpected touches.

The Sorento has proven itself a surprisingly good value, and a capable, generally appealing SUV that blows away its own class, and compares extremely well against some mid-size offerings.