Vehicle Overview Kia's front-wheel-drive minivan became the company's top-selling vehicle by 2004 after its launch for the 2002 model year. After four seasons in its original form, the South Korean automaker has developed a second-generation Sedona for 2006. Introduced at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, the redesigned Sedona is larger in every dimension and uses a lengthened wheelbase. Kia claims the Sedona is significantly lighter and passenger space has increased by nearly 15 percent. The 2006 Sedona has a 3.8-liter V-6 that generates 244 horsepower when using premium unleaded (242 hp when burning regular unleaded). Following the trend of other minivan manufacturers, the 60/40-split third-row seat folds into the floor. An electronic stability system, tire pressure monitoring system, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that protect outboard occupants in all three rows are standard. Power-adjustable pedals and a backup warning system are optional. Two trim levels are available: standard LX and upscale EX. Sales begin in late 2005. The Sedona's primary competitors include the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, but Kia invariably promises lower prices and greater value than its rivals. Exterior Built on an all-new platform with a longer, 118.9-inch, wheelbase, the Sedona is 202 inches long overall, 78.3 inches wide and 69.3 inches tall. Depending on the model, 16-inch tires on steel wheels or 17-inch tires on alloy wheels are available. Power windows in the sliding doors are standard. The EX includes fog lamps, a chrome grille and a roof rack. A power sunroof, power sliding side doors and a powered liftgate are optional. Sedonas have a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front, a multilink setup in the rear, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The front brake discs have been enlarged. Interior The Sedona's seven-occupant interior features one-touch flip-and-fold seats in the second row for easier access to the rear. All models have a 60/40-split third-row seat that can fold into the floor to create a flat cargo floor. Tri-zone air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control, second-row captain's chairs and keyless entry with an alarm are standard in the LX. The EX adds an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, a cassette/CD/MP3 stereo, an auto-dimming inside mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, powered rear-quarter glass and a compass. The Sedona's options list includes leather seats with front-seat heating, driver's seat and mirror memory, and an 11-speaker DVD entertainment system. Under the Hood The Sedona's new 3.8-liter V-6 develops 244 hp and 253 pounds-feet of torque when burning premium unleaded. The V-6 drives a five-speed-automatic transmission. Safety Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that protect outboard occupants in all three rows of seats are standard. All-disc antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution. Active front head restraints are standard. An electronic stability system and traction control with brake assist are also standard.
Vehicle Overview
Kia's front-wheel-drive minivan became the company's top-selling vehicle by 2004 after its launch for the 2002 model year. After four seasons in its original form, the South Korean automaker has developed a second-generation Sedona for 2006.
Introduced at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, the redesigned Sedona is larger in every dimension and uses a lengthened wheelbase. Kia claims the Sedona is significantly lighter and passenger space has increased by nearly 15 percent. The 2006 Sedona has a 3.8-liter V-6 that generates 244 horsepower when using premium unleaded (242 hp when burning regular unleaded).
Following the trend of other minivan manufacturers, the 60/40-split third-row seat folds into the floor. An electronic stability system, tire pressure monitoring system, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that protect outboard occupants in all three rows are standard. Power-adjustable pedals and a backup warning system are optional.
Two trim levels are available: standard LX and upscale EX. Sales begin in late 2005. The Sedona's primary competitors include the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, but Kia invariably promises lower prices and greater value than its rivals.
Exterior
Built on an all-new platform with a longer, 118.9-inch, wheelbase, the Sedona is 202 inches long overall, 78.3 inches wide and 69.3 inches tall. Depending on the model, 16-inch tires on steel wheels or 17-inch tires on alloy wheels are available. Power windows in the sliding doors are standard. The EX includes fog lamps, a chrome grille and a roof rack.
A power sunroof, power sliding side doors and a powered liftgate are optional. Sedonas have a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front, a multilink setup in the rear, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The front brake discs have been enlarged.
Interior
The Sedona's seven-occupant interior features one-touch flip-and-fold seats in the second row for easier access to the rear. All models have a 60/40-split third-row seat that can fold into the floor to create a flat cargo floor.
Tri-zone air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control, second-row captain's chairs and keyless entry with an alarm are standard in the LX. The EX adds an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, a cassette/CD/MP3 stereo, an auto-dimming inside mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, powered rear-quarter glass and a compass.
The Sedona's options list includes leather seats with front-seat heating, driver's seat and mirror memory, and an 11-speaker DVD entertainment system.
Under the Hood
The Sedona's new 3.8-liter V-6 develops 244 hp and 253 pounds-feet of torque when burning premium unleaded. The V-6 drives a five-speed-automatic transmission.
Safety
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that protect outboard occupants in all three rows of seats are standard. All-disc antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution. Active front head restraints are standard. An electronic stability system and traction control with brake assist are also standard.
