Okay,
so we’re not reporting on our experiences behind the wheel of some drool-worthy
low-slung sports car that’s capable of braking speed laws on six continents. We
drove a minivan for a week – that’s right people, they still make them – and
not only lived to tell the tale, but came out of the experience with our
fragile ego remaining intact.
In this
case it was the Kia Sedona, which is refreshingly
redesigned for 2015, and right off the bat we have to give the automaker chops
for keeping hopes alive in this dwindling segment despite meager sales.
Of
course there was a time, back in the late 1980’s, when the minivan was the
family vehicle of choice in America,
with one in just about every other driveway from Maine to Mexico. Chrysler
ignited the minivan explosion with its wildly successful Dodge Caravan and
Plymouth Voyager models in 1984 (though some could argue that Volkswagen first
came upon the idea with its much beloved Type 2 “Microbus” that dates back to
the 1950’s). Unfortunately, by the time its rivals had caught up with equally
accommodating people-movers of their own, the fad had all but passed, with most
families moving on to more rugged-looking sport-utility vehicles and, more recently,
car-based crossover SUVs..
The
minivan field has winnowed recently, and with the Dodge Grand Caravan due to be
replaced by a new crossover SUV sometime next year, the segment will consist of
just five models (including the compact Mazda5, but not counting small
commercial vans that can be fitted with seats).
Still,
despite the minivan’s notoriously withering “soccer mom” image, it’s difficult
to argue against it being the ideal mode of transport for parents, with three
rows of flexible passenger capability, scads of family friendly features and –
something crossovers sorely lack – large sliding rear doors that make fastening
kids into their car seats easy even in a crowded parking lot.
While
the latest generation Kia Sedona doesn’t
really break any new ground, it’s nicely styled – especially on the inside –
and seems to be well suited for around-town carpooling and extended road trips
alike.
Mechanically,
the 2015 Sedona
is nothing special, packing a 3.3-liter V6 engine that delivers 276 horsepower
with an estimated 18/24-mpg in city/highway driving, which is about average
among minivans. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission it delivers
sufficient acceleration around town, but feels sluggish getting up to speed,
especially with passengers aboard.
We
don’t expect a minivan’s ride and handling qualities to be particularly sporty,
so it’s difficult to knock the Sedona
for delivering what we consider an uninspiring driving experience. At that, the
steering and suspension systems are tuned to favor effortless errands and
extended highway stretches, with the ability to soak up bumps, jolts and other
pavement irregularities nicely. Still, it’s a handful to parallel-park, given
its sheer size.
The
real selling point here, however, is the Sedona’s stunningly cast cabin,
which can be configured for seven or eight-passenger seating, covered in either
standard “YES Essentials” stain-resistant fabric or posh Nappa leather
upholstery. The dashboard is expansive, with large and legible gauges and
instinctive-to-operate conventional buttons and dials coexisting with an easily
mastered touchscreen infotainment system controls. Unfortunately, a few of the
controls, such as the radio’s tuning dial, are too spread out to be within easy
reach. Most surfaces have a rich look and feel, save for some cheapish vinyl
atop the dashboard and doors.
The
front seats are both comfortable and supportive, and even the tallest first-row
riders will find no shortage of leg, head, or shoulder room. There’s a large
center console and the usual assortment of cupholders, cubbies and storage
compartments spread throughout the cabin, with a dual glove box that offers a
chilled lower storage area for keeping drinks and snacks cool.
For
sheer opulence and unmatched road trip comfort we recommend the Sedona’s optional “First
Class” second row seats. Not only do they recline and can be adjusted fore and
aft, but feature retractable lower-leg rests and airplane-style winged
headrests. And they can be heated. The cramped third row is best suited to
kids, however. As one might expect among models in this segment, both second
and third row seats can fold flat for maximum cargo carrying abilities that can
easily transport all of a student’s essentials off to college.
As
befits an automotive segment in which models tend to be defined by their
signature features, here’s no shortage of novel gizmos offered here. These
include the latest version of Kia’s
Uvo infotainment system with smartphone integration, and assorted ways for
parents to keep tabs (just don’t call it “spying”) on teen drivers, including
receiving alerts when one is exceeding a set speed, is leaving a pre-set area
and is out after curfew. You’d think driving a minivan would be enough to calm
down those raging teenage hormones.
Meanwhile,
an optional Surround View Monitor displays images from cameras placed around
the vehicle for easier and safer parking. One nice touch is that the door
handles illuminate and the side mirrors unfold when the driver approaches the
vehicle with the keyless entry key fob in a pocket or purse; the optional power
liftgate opens automatically when the driver stands at the rear of the vehicle
for three seconds.
Other
available amenities include adaptive cruise control, an Infinity premium audio
system and both forward collision and blind spot warning systems.
One of
the more affordable minivans on the market, the 2015 Kia Sedona starts at
around $26,000, but nonetheless approaches the $40,000 mark fully loaded with
options in its top SX Limited version.
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