WASHINGTON — Let’s face it: Minivans are very useful for transporting people and cargo, but they don’t have the best reputation as stylish rides. But Kia is trying to change that image with the redesigned Sedona. The $43,295 top trim level SX-L even adds a bit of class and luxury to the minivan segment.
The new Sedona looks more like a crossover in front, and even from the rear, with a spoiler on top of the rear power hatch. The large 19-inch wheels help offset some of the bulk of the body; from the side view it doesn’t look like a box with four wheels.
The outside look isn’t the only thing that’s changed. The interior is even more stylish than the outside. It really puts the segment on notice — a nice interior is possible and, again, there’s more of a crossover theme. The dash is not cluttered, because the shifter is down on the floor and not behind the steering wheel — but then, you do lose that floor space.
What really struck me was that all three rows had plenty of room for adults. The front seats were heated and cooled and comfortable. The middle seats are the place to be on the SX-L models; they’re captain’s chairs that recline and have foot rests for comfy travel.
The third row folds into the floor with a good tug, but if you choose that top trim level, the middle two seats don’t come out. If you need maximum cargo and seating for eight, choose another trim level. You trade first-class chairs for a normal second row bench seat that can be removed.
The Sedona also comes with several options you’ll want, such as NAV with a large touch screen and an available around-view camera system for backing out of a crowded lot. Power rear doors and hatch can be opened by the remote or inside the car. Make sure you’re in park in the car pool line, or the doors won’t budge.
The sound system sounds good and the Bluetooth hook up is quick and easy. But every time I backed out of a spot, I either changed the radio station or turned the volume up or down with my hand hitting the controls on the steering wheel. The optional smart cruise control was a nice feature, setting a speed and letting the car handle the gas and braking while keeping a safe distance.
Driving the Sedona is easy. It’s not going to blow you away with a sporty demeanor on the roads, but it handles well for a minivan. It doesn’t ride harsh with the big wheels and handles bumps pretty well. The V6 does a good job moving the Sedona, and the six-speed automatic is a smooth customer in most situations. Only when you’re really accelerating do you feel the quicker shifts.
Fuel economy of the Sedona SX-L is a little lower than other versions of the Sedona, with 17 mpg city and 22 on the highway. I managed 19.1 over 300 miles in a good mix of driving, which is just about what the sticker said.
If you are looking at minivans, you need to add the new 2015 Sedona to the list. It’s more stylish inside and out and it has the stuff most buyers are looking for in more of a crossover look. With good space and a top-notch interior, even people who don’t really like minivans might just change their minds.
