2007 Kia Sedona: What's New

Vehicle Overview
For 2007, Kia becomes one of a handful of carmakers to offer a minivan in two sizes. The short-wheelbase Sedona is new, while the long-wheelbase Sedona is essentially the one that was offered last year. Both cars offer a standard 3.8-liter V-6, whose output has increased to 250 horsepower from 244 hp last year.

Following the first generation’s four-year run, Kia introduced a redesigned Sedona for 2006. Like other minivans, it offers a split, folding third-row seat. A passel of safety features includes side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags in all three rows, active front head restraints, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. Power-adjustable pedals and a backup warning system are optional.

The long-wheelbase Sedona comes in two trim levels: standard LX and upscale EX. The short-wheelbase Sedona is available in a single base trim level. The Sedona’s primary competitors include the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, but Kia invariably promises lower prices and greater value than its rivals. The Hyundai Entourage, introduced for 2007, is closely related to the Sedona.

Exterior
At 189.4 inches long, the short-wheelbase Sedona is more than a foot shorter than the long-wheelbase version. Both minivans have identical height and width.

Depending on the model, 16-inch tires on steel wheels or 17-inch tires on alloy wheels are available. Power windows in the sliding doors are standard, and power-operated sliding doors are optional. The EX includes fog lamps, a chrome grille and a roof rack.

A power sunroof is optional, as is a powered liftgate. Sedonas have a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front, a multilink setup in the rear, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The front brake discs have been enlarged.

Interior
Third-row headroom in the short-wheelbase Sedona drops 1.9 inches, and shoulder room falls 3.3 inches. Second-row occupants lose 3.9 inches of legroom, as well. Cargo capacity behind the third row drops considerably, from 32.2 cubic feet to just 12.9 cubic feet.

The Sedona’s seven-occupant interior features one-touch flip-and-fold seats in the second row for easier access to the rear. Long-wheelbase models have a standard 60/40-split third-row seat that can fold into the floor to create a flat cargo floor. In the short-wheelbase Sedona, the rear seat folds down, but not into the floor.

Tri-zone air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control, second-row captain’s chairs and keyless entry with an alarm are standard in the LX. The EX adds power front seats, heated power mirrors, an auto-dimming inside mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, powered rear-quarter glass and a compass.

The Sedona’s options list includes leather seats with heated front seats, memory for the driver’s seat and mirror, and an 11-speaker DVD entertainment system.

Under the Hood
The Sedona’s 3.8-liter V-6 develops 250 hp and 253 pounds-feet of torque, a 6-hp increase over the 2006 Sienna’s engine. A five-speed automatic transmission includes a manual-shift mode — something few minivans offer, and a feature even fewer owners are likely to use.

Safety
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that protect outboard occupants in all three rows of seats are standard. All-disc antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution. Active front head restraints are standard. An electronic stability system and traction control with brake assist are also standard.