KansasCity.com's view

Kia’s Sedona minivan shows just how competitive South Korean automakers have become. It follows minivan orthodoxy to the letter front-wheel drive, V-6 engine, dual sliding doors Ð but it knocks conventional wisdom in the creek with prices that start at $18,995 for the LX and $20,995 for the EX. Plus, it has a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The LX is not a stripped model. It has power front windows, dual air conditioning, power locks, cruise control, tilt wheel, interval wipers and full instrumentation. The EX adds a folding table between the front seats, power rear quarter windows and options of power sunroof, leather seats and Homelink programmable garage door opener.

Compared to existing minivans, the Sedona is uniquely sized. Its 114.6-inch wheelbase is longer than short-wheelbase models such as the Dodge Caravan and shorter than longer vans such as the Honda Odyssey. This in-between size has benefits and drawbacks. Easy maneuverability is a benefit, but a smaller cargo area is a drawback.

The Sedona is a sign that Kia, now owned by Hyundai, understands the American minivan consumer and is able to fulfill her demands at a cost lower than most of the competition. It has seating for seven. The power driver’s seat adjusts eight ways. The second-row captain’s chairs are quite comfortable. Second-row legroom is not overly generous but more than adequate, especially considering that children often ride there and that the seats have fore-aft adjustability. Each side of the split-folding third seat can be taken out individually. Small wheels integrated into the bottom of the seat ease the task of pulling it out, although each side is fairly heavy. Luggage space with the third seat intact is slightly larger than that of a Grand Caravan, according to Kia.

Compared to other minivans, the Kia does not have power sliding doors, even as an option, and the third seat does not fold into the floor like the Honda or Mazda MPV.

The level of fit and finish appears to be on par with other minivans. I drove a well-equipped EX and it was quite pleasant. The leather upholstery and woodgrain trim gave it an upscale feel. The small table with cupholders between the front seats is a great place to carry incidentals, yet it folds out of the way for walk-through access to the back seat.

The instrument panel was nicely designed and appointed. The EX’s upgraded AM/FM/CD player has six speakers and reasonably good sound. There are three power outlets throughout the vehicle, one in the front, one in the third row and one in the cargo area. Cupholders, as you can imagine, are plentiful as well: eight in the LX and 10 in the EX.

Storage is ample. There are two glove boxes, an overhead console, a small bin atop the instrument panel and a lockable storage box under the passenger seat. Total cargo area with the rear seats removed is 70.6 cubic feet.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter, DOHC V-6 that produces 195 horsepower. This engine is smoo th and responsive, helped by the fact that it is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle’s curb weight of 4,709 pounds slightly impedes around-town performance as well as fuel economy. It is rated at 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway.

The suspension is straightforward minivan stuff: MacPherson struts in front and a beam axle with coil springs and five locating links in the rear. Ride and handling is not quite as smooth as the top minivans and there is a tad more road noise. Power steering has good road feel and easy maneuverability.

Brakes are disc in front and drum in back. Anti-lock is optional on both LX and EX models.

Price
The base price of our EX was $20,995. Options included anti-lock brakes, leather, sunroof and two-tone paint. The sticker price was $23,805.

Warranty
Five years or 60,000 miles and 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain.

Point: The Sedona fits the traditional mi ivan mold, but its low price belies its level of standard equipment. Dual sliding doors, V-6 engine, seven-passenger seating and a 114.6-inch wheelbase make it a strong competitor with current vans from other companies.

Counterpoint: Because the Sedona is smaller than most long-wheelbase vans, interior space is a bit tighter. The split-folding third seat has to be removed for maximum cargo space.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 3.5-liter, 195-hp V-6
Transmission: automatic Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 114.5 inches
Curb weight: 4,709 lbs.
Base price: $20,995
As driven: $23,805
Mpg rating: 15 city, 20 hwy.
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