Chrysler invented the minivan and Honda improved on it. But both companies need to be looking over their shoulders at a new contender – the Kia Sedona.
When Kia first entered the U.S. market, the product was largely sneered at for poor quality and lack of power. However, when Hyundai acquired Kia several years ago and started sharing engineering that improved the entire Kia lineup.
The Sedona was revamped in 2006, including a diet that trimmed some 400 pounds of weight and a trip to the gym, increasing horsepower by 50 with the inclusion of a 3.8-liter, V6 with 244 horsepower that is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel mileage is average at 16 in the city and 23 on the highway.
The suspension was revised as well for a lighter feel on the road without being sloppy.
Kia’s have always been bargain-priced, but until recently you got what you paid for. Today, the Sedona comes with a long list of standard features for thousands less than the competition.
Our test model was the top-of-the-line EX with luxury and premium entertainment packages. Even with those upgrades the bottom line was $32,220.
The standard features include a host of safety features including front and side air bags and full curtain airbags, plus traction control, stability control and tire pressure monitor. And don’t forget the 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The interior is clean and simple with plenty of storage areas. Two cupholders are readily available for the front passengers plus two more for the rear that are mounted on the center console that slides backward for easier access in the second row.
The driver’s seat has eight-way electric adjustments and the passenger seat adjusts four different ways. Captain’s chairs are standard in the center and removable. The third row seats fold flat.
The Luxury Package adds leather and heated seats, memory for the driver’s seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals, a sunroof, steering wheel audio controls and tri-zone climate control. A power package is available that provides power sliding doors and rear tailgate. And what minivan would be complete without a DVD system, complete with surround sound audio?
For families looking for a minivan and may be on a budget, the Sedona is certainly worth a look.

Ryan’s Ride –
There’s a lot to like about the Sedona. Years ago, I was among the skeptics who didn’t think much about Kia products. But in the past five years, that opinion has changed. While some of the interior materials aren’t as plush as some competitors, the Sedona doesn’t really disappoint with the interior materials.
The exterior is still bread-box ugly, but nearly every minivan on the market has the same problem.
For the price, the availability of power options for the doors and tailgate and front seating is a definite plus.
I do have to question why the audio controls on the steering wheel are so limited. You can adjust the volume, but can’t scroll through the pre-sets. Other Kia models offer both options.
Because the center console sits apart from the center dash, the seating controls are located on the front door panels. Not a bad position, just different.
There would be no problem hauling a family around in the Sedona, especially with the three rows of seating. The rear-most seats fold flat for excursions and cargo storage. The power liftgate is an added asset.
As noted earlier, there are other minivans on the market, but the Sedona should be able to elbow its way into the hearts and wallets of new buyers.

Marilyn’s Moment –
Obviously, Kia has families, especially mothers, in mind when they designed the Sedona.
The center row bucket seats are great. You can walk between them to reach the third row seats, where there is plenty of room. With the rear seats folded flat, it’s easy to access them from the outside as well. When the seats are upright, there’s a deep well available for groceries or other cargo.
I especially liked the high seating position as a driver. You have great visibility of the road and also in a parking lot.
When you’re in reverse, however, the side mirrors move downward, which isn’t a favorite of mine. I use my mirrors all the time and would rather see what’s farther behind me than right by the rear wheels.
The Sedona was very comfortable to drive. There was plenty of power and, again, visibility was great on the freeway when changing lanes.
I’m certainly not a “soccer mom” but if I were, this would be a good choice, especially for the price.