 Traded a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V8 for a 2WD Sportage back in 2005.  We already owned a Kia Sedona minivan, and have short commutes, so were not put off by Kia's less than stellar mileage. I use it to carry a load of sailboard equipment on the roof and it drives well under that load.  This SUV is reliable and very safe.  Unfortunately, it has been in three crashes, but is built like a tank and appears to be very repairable.  Not a single issue with either car except Hankook tires, which are just serviceable.  I recommend an upgrade to a good truck tire.  (We also have a Honda CR-V)