2016 Kia Sedona
January/February 2016
Jim Prueter
Minivans are as far from an aspirational vehicle as one could possibly get. They have an image problem. People see them as boring family transportation —something needed, not wanted. Yet, they’re practical for hauling kids and their gear in comfort. Mileage is decent and safety features are state of the art.
In a market dominated by the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Dodge Caravan, the Kia Sedona is more attractive and more SUV-like with more upscale appeal. Could it be a minivan you might actually want?
It all starts outside with a new design in the sharp Kia look. There’s a more pronounced front end and an attractive grille with a resemblance to other Kia products. Designers spent a lot of time making the Sedona look attractive. Lines are smoother and windows are smaller.
And the inside is even more appealing than the outside. My test vehicle with the top-of-the-line SXL trim level came loaded with every imaginable creature comfort. The sliding Nappa leather captain’s chairs in the second row recline with pop-out footrests. Even the third-row seats have generous legroom.
On the road, the Kia Sedona is the place to be, with a whisper-quiet engine and well-suppressed wind and road noise. The 276-horsepower, 3.3-liter, V-6 engine is quiet and smooth and matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, I did wish for more highway acceleration power.
For 2016, Sedona is offered in five trim levels — L, LX, EX, SX, and SXL — with seating for seven or eight.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2015 Sedona “Top Safety Pick.” With features such as a full complement of airbags (including full-length side curtain), an optional rearview camera and 360-degree surround-view camera, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems (without automatic braking), I expect the 2016 Sedona will achieve the same status.
Despite a few drawbacks, the Sedona was a delight to drive and an excellent alternative to more traditional minivans.
In a market dominated by the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Dodge Caravan, the Kia Sedona is more attractive and more SUV-like with more upscale appeal. Could it be a minivan you might actually want?
It all starts outside with a new design in the sharp Kia look. There’s a more pronounced front end and an attractive grille with a resemblance to other Kia products. Designers spent a lot of time making the Sedona look attractive. Lines are smoother and windows are smaller.
And the inside is even more appealing than the outside. My test vehicle with the top-of-the-line SXL trim level came loaded with every imaginable creature comfort. The sliding Nappa leather captain’s chairs in the second row recline with pop-out footrests. Even the third-row seats have generous legroom.
On the road, the Kia Sedona is the place to be, with a whisper-quiet engine and well-suppressed wind and road noise. The 276-horsepower, 3.3-liter, V-6 engine is quiet and smooth and matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, I did wish for more highway acceleration power.
For 2016, Sedona is offered in five trim levels — L, LX, EX, SX, and SXL — with seating for seven or eight.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2015 Sedona “Top Safety Pick.” With features such as a full complement of airbags (including full-length side curtain), an optional rearview camera and 360-degree surround-view camera, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems (without automatic braking), I expect the 2016 Sedona will achieve the same status.
Despite a few drawbacks, the Sedona was a delight to drive and an excellent alternative to more traditional minivans.
JIM PRUETER, an automotive writer based in Phoenix, has provided reviews and advice about cars for more than 20 years.
Details
Fuel Economy
- 18 MPG City
- 24 MPG Highway
The Good
- Sumptuous styling looks more like an SUV than a minivan
- Upscale interior, dashboard, cockpit
- Exceptionally quiet cabin and comfortable seating
The Bad
- Subpar fuel economy
- Could use more power for highway acceleration
- Second-row SXL seats don’t fold forward
Vehicle Type:
Van
Base Price:
$24,900
As Tested:
$43,495