2015/2016 Kia Sedona Convenience on Wheels - Review By Larry Nutson
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
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Bob Gordon, president and publisher of The Auto Channel drove the new Kia Sedona not long ago on a trip to southern California and called it the “no problem minivan.” Here’s the link to his write-up if you might want to reads what Bob had to say, HERE
I had mentioned in my Chrysler T&C story that my octogenarian parents-in-law have been minivan drivers for about fifteen years. They love the convenience this vehicle type provides and treat it like a big closet on wheels when they make their annual snow-bird trip south.
My tester-for-a-week was a 2015 Sedona SX Limited that had a base price of $39,700. An optional SXL Technology package added $2,700 and rear seat entertainment system another $995. With $895 for freight and handling the bottom line came to $44,290. A tidy sum, at that.
For 2015, the Kia Sedona is offered in five trims: L, LX, EX, SX and SX Limited. You can choose seven or eight passenger seating. Prices start at $26,100. For 2016 there’s still five trims priced, with a slight bump-up, ranging from $26,400 to $39,900.
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Powering all Sedona models is a 3.3-liter V6 engine rated at 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and is tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, offering 248 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. I was pleased to find the Sedona using a conventional automatic transmission, and not a CVT. The engine/transmission combination offered plenty of response and wasn’t lacking in any driving mode or condition.
Even though gasoline prices are staying low for now, don’t hold your breath. EPA test fuel economy ratings for the Sedona SXL I drove are 19 mpg combined, or 5.3 gallons per 100 miles, with 17 city mpg and 22 highway mpg. A nice surprise on a highway road trip of about 120 miles was exceeding the EPA highway rating with a 26 mpg average, notwithstanding my spirited driving style.
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The rear view camera is a god-send in a crowded parking lot or to eliminate the park-by-feel parallel parking that so often is the case on a crowded city street. Also available is a Surround View Monitor that provides camera images from all around the vehicle for further safety in maneuvering. The heating and air condition has separate controls for driver, passenger and the rear seat area. I can be cool; my wife can be warm; those in the rear can be cooler or warmer.
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And, Kia also makes Sedona ownership convenient with 765 dealers across the U.S. and a 5 year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty.
The 2015 Kia Sedona has gotten lots of awards and recognition. With its family focus most important is its 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
I found the Kia Sedona to be very user friendly and convenient. The sliding side door configuration is really the best solution for families with toddlers and also for elder folk with limited range of motion.
© 2015 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
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