California flaunts the famous fast-food
In-N-Out burger. Kia, based in
California, offers the less famous but more satisfying In-n-Out Sedona minivan,
which is new from the tires up for 2015.
It’s a brave move by the South Korean vehicle
manufacturer, coming during declining interest in minivans and against the few
remaining but formidable contenders: Chrysler's Town and Country, Dodge's Grand
Caravan, Honda's Odyssey and Toyota's Sienna.
In 2014, those brands together sold at an annual
rate of more than 540,000, which is not insubstantial. The Kia Sedona’s annual rate
is a blip at about 7,500. Nissan’s Quest does better but also trails the Big
Four with an annual rate of about 11,800.
A big reason the Sedona has not fared better is
that the company was forced to skip the 2013 model year because of new U.S.
emissions regulations that required a redesign of the gasoline tank, which
could not be done in time.
For the all-new 2015 model, Kia has invested a total effort,
redesigning it to look less like a minivan and more like the resoundingly
popular crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) that have been popping up all over.
The Sedona sports new styling, packaging and interior design, as well as a
recycled moniker — Kia calls
the Sedona a multipurpose vehicle rather than a minivan, echoing a Mazda model
of many years ago. Other manufacturers have used different euphemisms.
In the end, there’s nothing to be ashamed
of, notwithstanding the derision heaped upon soccer moms and other minivan
devotees by the SUV snobs. The minivan still is the most useful vehicle on the
planet, with superior passenger and cargo space, fuel economy and handling
compared with big SUVs.
Understandably, with its minivan already on
deck, Kia was reluctant to
give up, with the new design, what could amount to at least a tripling of
Sedona sales. That still would not challenge the Big Four but would be
profitable and occupy a nice niche in the Kia lineup, which
ranges from the economy Rio to the luxury K900 sedan.
The South Korean manufacturers have
traditionally challenged competitors with low prices and welcomed no-cost extra
features. That is becoming less of a positive because increasing quality and
sales are narrowing the price gap. Nevertheless, the Sedona still has a price
advantage over some competitors.
It comes in five trim levels, starting with
the L at $26,795. Next up is the LX at $28,995, EX at $32,995, SX at $36,995
and the subject here, the top-line SX Limited, with a starting price of
$40,595. The Honda Odyssey starts at $29,805 and tops out at $45,430.
The Sedona can be ordered with seven-
or eight-passenger seating. In the latter, a small seat in the second row
nestles between two outboard captain’s chairs. The seatback folds down to form
an armrest with cup holders. Second-row seats also slide forward and fold up
for cargo carrying.
Optional "first class" sliding
second row seats come with footrests and can be converted into credible
imitations of dad’s home recliner, though that mostly wipes out the third row
and cramps cargo space.
Depending on the model, the upholstery is either
stain-repelling YES Essentials cloth or soft Nappa leather, as on the tested
SX-L. Front seats and second-row captain’s chairs deliver good support and
comfort. Third row seats, suitable mainly for children or small adults, fold
into the floor.
The
tested Sedona had
motorized sliding side doors and a power tailgate that automatically opens when
the key fob is detected nearby for three seconds. It also can be adjusted for
height opening. An optional around-view camera aids parking. Also available are
adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.
No rear seat entertainment system is
offered, which might be off-putting to some families. However, there are many
aftermarket systems available.
A 3.3-liter direct injection gasoline V6
engine replaces the previous generation 3.5 liter six. It sends 276 horsepower
to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. With 4,720 pounds
to move around, it delivers adequate but not exciting acceleration.
Ride, braking and handling are competent,
with a rigid chassis and negligible body lean around curves. The interior is
whisper quiet with little intrusion of road, mechanical or wind noise. Fit and
finish look and feel are exceptional.
There are no substandard minivans on
today’s market. If you thirst for one, the Sedona could make
your cup run over.
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