2011 Kia Sedona: First Look

• Competes with: 2011 Honda Odyssey, 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan and 2011 Toyota Sienna 
• Looks like: Yep, that’s a new grille 
• Drivetrain: 271-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission 
• Hits dealerships: On sale now 

For the 2011 model year, Kia refreshed its Sedona minivan by slightly updating its exterior, adding some new content, introducing a new powertrain and discontinuing the short-wheelbase base trim.

The big news here is the new powertrain. All Sedonas now get a new 271-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that’s 27 more ponies than last year’s 3.8-liter. To top it off, all Sedonas are mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission, one more cog than the automatic in the 2010 model. All of this improves the Sedona’s once-mediocre fuel economy ratings. The 2011 Sedona is rated at 18/25 mpg city/highway (up from 17/23 mpg in 2010), which is better than the Toyota Sienna with a V-6 (18/24 mpg), but still worse than the Honda Odyssey (18/27 mpg).

On the outside, the 2011 Sedona sports a new grille, standard LED turn signals in the side mirrors, and new wheel designs. Inside, all Sedonas get Bluetooth connectivity standard.

The 2011 Sedona comes in LX and EX trims. Since the short-wheelbase model has been dropped, the most affordable Sedona starts at $24,595, excluding a $795 destination fee. That’s $2,400 less than the base 2010 model, but only $400 less than the LX long-wheelbase trim from last year. The EX trim, at $29,195, is $500 more than last year’s model. Because of these the price hikes, the Sedona is no longer the most affordable minivan on the market, a crown now bestowed upon the 2011 Sienna. But since the base Sienna comes with a four-cylinder engine, the Sedona remains the least expensive minivan with a V-6.

The LX Sedona comes standard with electronic stability control, 16-inch steel wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, backup warning system, USB input, satellite radio, power front- and second-row windows, power locks and mirrors, and second-row captain’s chairs. The EX adds fog lamps, power seats for the driver and front passenger, heated and power-operated side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear quarter glass, trip computer, roof rack and a backup camera.

Leather upholstery, automatic climate control, heated seats and a navigation system are optional. A fully loaded Sedona comes in at $33,195, which is several thousand less expensive than a comparable Odyssey or Sienna.

The 2011 Kia Sedona is on sale now.

2011|Kia|Sedona