2008 Kia Sedona: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Kia is one of a handful of carmakers to offer a minivan in both short- and long-wheelbase versions. Both offer a standard 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 250 horsepower. The Sedona competes with other minivans, including the Honda Odyssey and Dodge Grand Caravan. Several minor exterior and interior changes differentiate 2008 models from the 2007 version.

There’s a split, folding third-row seat and a passel of safety features, including front seat 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 Hyundai Entourage is closely related to the Sedona.

Exterior
At 189.4 inches long, the short-wheelbase Sedona is about 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-operated sliding doors are optional. The EX includes fog lamps.

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.

For 2008, the lower grille in the bumper is black instead of body-colored, and the upper grille in front of the radiator has a metal-finish look instead of being black.

Interior
Third-row headroom in the short-wheelbase Sedona drops 1.9 inches compared to the long-wheelbase version, 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. 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.

Changes for 2008 include the addition of an auxiliary input jack for the stereo and the removal of the cassette player and second-row coat hooks. The Kia logo is now embossed on the steering wheel cover, and long-wheelbase models get a redesigned shift knob.

Under the Hood
The Sedona’s 3.8-liter V-6 develops 250 hp and 253 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission includes a manual-shift mode — something few minivans offer and 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.