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Kia’s Sportage was one of the earliest compact SUVs when it was introduced to this country in 1995.

The South Korean company’s little SUV was a harbinger of similar vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Ford and Mitsubishi. The second-generation Sportage was introduced last week at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim. The crossover SUV, built on a car chassis, was designed to be more comfortable in urban environments. It’s more like an all-wheel-drive station wagon than a small truck. It goes on sale in January. Prices have not been announced.

Kia has a reputation for packing a lot of car into a small sticker price, and the Sportage takes that tradition a step further. All controls are within easy reach of the driver; for both manual and automatic transmissions, the gear lever is located within easy reach on the center console. Power outlets are located both in the center console and in the luggage area. The driver’s seat is equipped with dual-height adjustment, and electric heated seats are an option.

The new Sportage has a longer wheelbase and wider stance than the previous-generation vehicle, providing a bigger interior and better aerodynamics for quieter highway cruising. Key competitors are the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Subaru Forester.

The entry-level LX has antilock brakes, traction control, vehicle stability control, six airbags, power windows, power mirrors, roof rack, cruise control and AM/FM/CD stereo.

The EX adds a V-6 engine with automatic transmission, power sunroof, fog lights, heated outside mirrors, a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, illuminated ignition, remote keyless entry system, a cargo cover and upgraded seat fabric.

The EX can also be equipped with heated leather seats, automatic headlamps, an electrochromatic interior mirror and an upgraded stereo system with subwoofer and external amplifier. The leather seats and trim are also available as a stand-alone option.

Kia said the Sportage was designed for young, value-conscious customers. It is available in front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive, and with two engines. The base engine is a 2.0-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder with continuously variable valve timing and 140 horsepower. The optional V-6 is a 2.7-liter, all-aluminum dual-overhead-cam unit that has 173 horses. The transmission is a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

The Sportage has a 103.5-inch wheelbase. It is 171.3 inches long, 70.9 inches wide and 66.7 inches tall. Ground clearance is 7.7 inches. The chassis and powertrains are shared with Hyundai’s Tucson.

The full-time four-wheel-drive system detects front wheel slip and then sends up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. Under 20 miles per hour, the driver can lock the center differential to divide power evenly between the front and rear wheels.

The Sportage has a top-hinged tailgate for access to the cargo area. The Sportage has 66.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. The spare tire is stored under the floor, which gives a flat load space when the rear seat is folded forward. The front passenger seat’s backrest also folds forward to accommodate especially long items.

In addition to the flexible rear cargo space, the Sportage has a variety of storage areas, including a large height-adjustable center console with two-stage tray top, large lockable glove box, overhead sunglasses holder, map and cup holders in all four doors, rear-seat central armrest and floor-console dual cup holders.

The Sportage styling echoes that of the Kia Sorento. Its rounded front end has clear-lens headlamps and air intakes sculpted into the front bumper. Sixteen-inch wheels and tall tires give a smoother ride. Front and rear overhangs are short for better agility and stability.

Kia said it has paid increased attention to reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The five-door body has been reinforced to reduce the resonation of sound. Special insulation pads also work to attenuate noise. Kia said the Sportage sets a new level for lack of noise.

Kia said its engineers, utilizing the latest computer-aided design technologies, gave the body shell maximum stiffness and strength, which translates directly to durability, low NVH levels, an optimum ride/handling combination and additional occupant protection.

A major transverse bulkhead at the front of the passenger cabin is shaped to resist side impacts. Four structural rings, one at each pillar, have been included to help protect occupants. Each door is fitted with a crash bar to provide additional protection against side impacts.

The Sportage will have Kia’s five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

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Engine: 2.0-liter, 140-hp 4-cyl.

2.7-liter, 173-hp V-6

Transmission: manual or automatic

Front-wheel or all-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 103.5 inches

Curb weight: not avail.