Flash Drive

2015 Kia Sedona

August 21, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Kia Sedona

The Kia Sedona mini van is handsome with an almost SUV appeal.
The Kia Sedona mini van is handsome with an almost SUV appeal.

Engine: 3.3-liter V-6 gas, 276 horsepower 248 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 17/City—22/Highway—19/Combined

Base Price: $39,700

As Tested: $43,295

Performance:

Smooth, refined V-6

Good power

Efficient 6-speed automatic transmission

The sole engine choice is a smooth 276-hp V-6 backed by a 6-speed automatic.
The sole engine choice is a smooth 276-hp V-6 backed by a 6-speed automatic.

Pleasant highway ride

Two drive modes: Eco and Comfort

Blind spot monitoring

Lane departure warning

Forward collision warning

Smart cruise control

Decent fuel economy, we averaged 20 mpg

Comfort:

Wonderfully loaded luxurious interior

High end Nappa leather in SXL trim

Heated and cooled front seats

Heated leather and wood steering wheel

Second row comfort in the Sedona SXL is like being at home in a favorite recliner.
Second row comfort in the Sedona SXL is like being at home in a favorite recliner.

Excellent auxiliary controls on steering wheel

Stretch-out driver legroom

Second row seats slide sideways and forward/back

Near limo second row legroom

Sunscreens for sliding door windows and third row

Split third row seats recline

Adults can fit in third row

Utility:

Huge console bin, very deep with sliding tray

Huge front door bins

Two glove boxes, one has cooling A/C vents

Cargo space is cavernous when the seats are folded down.
Cargo space is cavernous when the seats are folded down.

Power tailgate

Power sliding doors both sides

Big info screen

Six large grab handles

Big sunroof over rear seats

Huge second row door bins

Deep rear storage well when third row seat is up

Large cargo capacity when seats are folded down

Wow Factors:

Lighted exterior door handles

Recliner-like Captain seats with flip-up leg rest

Great room for all passengers

More than ample interior small item storage

There is a huge storage well behind the third tow seats. When folded the seats are in the well.
There is a huge storage well behind the third tow seats. When folded the seats are in the well.

Excellent sound system

Forward video camera

As handsome as any mini van

SXL model is absolutely loaded

Whines:

Passenger seating is nicer than driver’s seat

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2015 Kia Sedona SXL is so luxurious and pleasant to drive that it can convert even hardened anti-mini van people like me. It’s an efficient, super comfortable people/cargo mover that can’t be faulted. The Kia Sedona is how the original mini vans should have been built.