The optional Around View Monitor camera system also made short work of parking maneuvers with its large screen, multiple-angle views and parking guidelines. It leans around corners and floats over bumps, but is easier to park than other vans because it has one of the smallest turning circles in the segment. The Sedona handles like the long, hulking van it is, with a lack of agility that’s shared across the class. It took small pavement imperfections in stride but was outmatched by Chicago’s never-ending construction season larger potholes unleashed a ripple of bumps throughout the cabin. On the road, the ride is on the firm side. In terms of fuel economy, the Sedona is midpack, with an EPA rating of 18/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined, a notch above the Chrysler vans (17/25/20) but trailing the Honda Odyssey (19/28/22). The 276-horsepower unit performed adequately from a stop, and the six-speed automatic transmission easily delivered more gusto for passing and merging.Ī button near the steering wheel engages a fuel-saving Eco mode that dulls accelerator response, but not annoyingly so. Loaded with kids and gear, the Sedona is a confident highway cruiser whose direct-injected, 3.3-liter V-6 engine never felt strained. The overall look is smart, aggressive and even - dare I say it? - sporty. Its giant, multifaceted grille is studded with plenty of chrome and flanked by sleek LED-accented headlights the back finishes strongly with a liftgate spoiler.
The Sedona can’t escape the body style’s chunky, Dustbuster-wedge profile and telltale sliding-door tracks, but up front it’s all style. The automaker says the Sedona wears crossover-like styling and calls it a “midsize multi-purpose vehicle.” Whatever Kia says, there’s no mistaking the Sedona’s identity as a minivan - but it is the best-looking minivan in the segment. Compare them all here.Īpparently, Kia doesn’t know that “minivan” is no longer a dirty word. Major players in the class include the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and a pair of twins: the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.
The Sedona was redesigned this year with bolder styling, a new engine and more convenience features compare the 20 models here. The redesigned 2015 Kia Sedona is a well-executed family-hauler that will keep Mom, Dad and the rug rats comfortable and entertained while it’s leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor, though, it doesn’t quite leapfrog its competitors. Kia’s redesigned minivan, however, perked me up quicker than an extra-large, double-shot vanilla latte. As the mom of a preschooler and infant twins, I seldom get excited about anything other than sleep these days.