Run, run, run away from Kia.
I am currently researching new cars because my Kia Sedona minivan needs to go. I have ranted and raved about how much I hate it many times on the Dis. I've had tons of stupid things go wrong with it. Now the current batch of problems includes a bad catalytic converter ($$$$). Now at around 97K miles the mechanic recommends that I trade it in and get rid of it. The car is not even 5 years old and has been well maintained (even though it didn't do me any good).
Anyway, I too am looking at small SUVs or crossovers. I am only considering things that pretty much have Excellent reviews across the board on Consumer Reports and that I can get in for under $25K. I narrowed it down to 3 choices. Subaru Forrester, Nissan Rogue (crossover) and Honda CRV. After driving the Forrester and Rogue, I much preferred the Rogue. The Forrester felt cheaper in the interior, had more road noise, had awful audio system and we just preferred comfort and ride of the Rogue. We were able to test drive both at the same dealership. I have looked at the CRVs but not driven them yet. So far, I like what I see, if they test drive well, this might be the direction I go.
I didn't like the Subaru Outback because the front end was sooo long.
Hope this helps a bit.
I also have been surprised that several vehicles that I thought were more expensive I can get them in the low $20s. Don't settle for Kia. Shop around if you can.
ETA: One more thing my full coverage insurance on the new Rogue is about $50 less per year than the comparable insurance on my 5 year old Kia. The new CRV about $50 more. Sad that a 5 year old car is as much to insure as new vehicles.