It was easy to recommend a Kia Sportage to a young family I know, but it was a terrific surprise to find out it’s even better than I’d remembered.

That was obvious as soon as the crossover utility vehicle turned into the driveway. The 2011 model is redesigned to give it a dramatic look, thanks to new, swept-back headlamps, a tabbed grille and a lower fascia treatment. Those features, combined with the more sculpted hood, offer a clean, contemporary look. Not that the previous models weren’t handsome, but the 2011 version takes the sophistication up a notch.