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Last year’s Kia Sedona placed seventh of ten vans in the
previous IFCAR minivan comparison. The conclusion: “A low-cost alternative to
a good minivan.” The redesigned-for-2006 version is far better, now meeting or
exceeding the previous class leaders in virtually every way. It is the only
van that can come close to matching the Honda Odyssey’s level of driving
enjoyment, and it beats that van in interior quality and refinement. And, as
Kia has been heavily promoting, the Sedona has higher safety ratings than any
of its competitors. A few details could be improved, like the mediocre gas
mileage and the uncomfortable third row seat, it has less cargo space than
several of the others here, and it does not lead the class in luxury, but it’s
the best overall van in its class that has a reasonable price.
The Sedona has a ride that’s rather firm, but still more
absorbent than the Odyssey Touring, and similarly well-controlled. It’s not as
nimble as that model, but more than capable for a minivan, and it has sharper
steering response than all others but the Honda. Acceleration is impressive;
the Sedona is nearly as quick as the Odyssey. The Odyssey’s engine is quieter,
but the Sedona has less road noise. Credit the Odyssey’s cylinder-deactivation
system and slightly smaller engine for its higher gas mileage; the Sedona’s is
mediocre by this group’s standards, though a drastic improvement over the 2005
model’s SUV-like fuel consumption.
Inside, the front seats are high, well-shaped, and
comfortable, though not as large as the Odyssey’s. The rear seats could use a
bit more leg space and could be a bit higher, but are otherwise comfortable.
The third row is disappointing. While it’s not as poorly placed as the Ford
Freestar’s nor as cramped as the Mazda MPV’s, it is too low and hard, and
somewhat lacking in leg room. Adults will fit, but they won’t be comfortable.
The split-section third row folds easily into the floor behind it. There is
plenty of cargo space, and the middle seats are easier to remove than in some
of the others here, but several competitors are roomier. The interior has a
more luxurious feel overall
than the Odyssey’s, but a few small trim pieces could use an upgrade. The
gauges are very clear, and the instruments are well laid-out and very easy to
use. Visibility is very good, and drivers sit comfortably. Entry/exit is very
easy to the first two rows of seats, but it’s a bit trickier to get out from
the third row than in some of the others here.
The Sedona has excelled in crash testing, it is the only
minivan (and one of only two vehicles on the market) that not only earned five
stars for both driver and passenger in both NHTSA frontal and side crash tests
but also was an IIHS Top Safety Pick Gold, with the highest ratings in offset
and side impacts, and for its head restraints. It also earned four stars from
NHTSA for its rollover resistance after it was determined to have a 13% chance
of rollover in a single-vehicle accident, only one percentage point more than
the top-scoring minivan in that evaluation.
The Sedona reviewed here came in at $28,206 fully loaded,
among the lowest prices in this group. It lacks satellite radio, but it does
include active head restraints, a tire-pressure monitor, a memory system for
the driver’s seat and mirrors, power adjustable pedals, power-down second row
windows, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system.
Overall,
the Sedona is very capable in most ways. It rides and handles well, is quick
and reasonably quiet, has a high quality interior, top-notch safety ratings,
and a reasonable price. It falls short in terms of its third row seat comfort
and its gas mileage, and some competitors have a smoother, quieter ride, an
even nicer interior, more cargo room, and better seats. But the Sedona is the
best of the value-priced vans in this group, and it’s definitely an excellent
low-cost alternative to a slightly better van.
NEXT: 1st Place
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