Kia has taken that philosophy to heart with their all-new 2006 Kia Sedona minivan. With a lengthy list of standard features the new Sedona (and its sister vehicle, the 2007 Hyundai Entourage) appears to offer a lot for the money. Just how much? Let’s take a look.
- Visit the 2006 Kia Sedona Photo Gallery
First look: It costs how much?
The 2006 Sedona is only offered in two trim levels: the base LX and the more feature-laden EX. The base model LX stickers at $22,995, and includes a lengthy list of standard features: a 3.8 liter V6 putting out 244 hp (@ 6,000 rpm) and 253 lb.ft. (@ 3,500 rpm) or torque, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), power windows, power locks, cruise control, AC and more airbags than you can shake a crash dummy at. The abundance of safety features is one of the reasons that the new Sedona recently aced recent crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA), giving it the highest crash safety marks of any minivan currently sold in the US.The exterior design is comparatively sleek (as far as minivans go), with modern sealed headlights and a nicely integrated grill in the front fascia. Overall the design seems a bit indistinctive, and could be mistaken by any other minivan model by the uninitiated. Frankly, swoopy styling and look-at-me exterior design don’t fit the minivan’s niche as a practical and useful people-mover anyway, so the Sedona’s evolutionary styling works nicely.
In the Driver's Seat
Our sample drive included some real-world testing, including bringing along my wife and three young boys. The car seat for our toddler hooked up easily using the LATCH system in a second row bucket seat, while our two older boys had plenty of room to stretch out in the third row. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is an option on both LX and EX models, and includes inputs for plugging in an Xbox 360 (or other videogame system) when on the road. A grand total of 14 cup holders ensure that all of your passengers can find a resting place for their beverage of choice, while numerous cubbyholes and recessed storage areas help keep hot wheels cars and Barbie dolls from rolling around the passenger compartment.
On the Road
The 3.8 liter V6 engine pulls smoothly and strongly, accompanied by hardly noticeable gear changes by the 5-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration isn’t quick by any standard – don’t expect to be racing Mustangs at the stop light – but it helps merge safely into rushing traffic.The steering is direct and responsive, but – like most minivans – seems to shield the driver from too much road information. The front independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars helps keep the Sedona well-planted on the road, but a bit of body roll is noticeable on sharper turns. Most minivan purchasers will be perfectly happy with the Sedona in the handling department, while those of you craving a slightly more car-like driving experience may want to check out the Honda Odyssey instead. As is the Sedona exhibits good, stable road manners and enough power to accelerate strongly into traffic, even when packed full of kids and their accoutrements.
Safety: Kia has you Covered
- Visit the 2006 Kia Sedona Photo Gallery