Flash Drive

2016 Kia Sedona

June 20, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL

The 2016 Kia Sedona van has power rear sliding doors and a smooth highway ride.
The 2016 Kia Sedona van has power rear sliding doors and a smooth highway ride.

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: $39,900

As Tested: $44,690

Performance:

Pleasant, easy to drive

Acceptable fuel economy, our best was 21.8 mpg

Sharp looking 10-spoke chrome wheels

Smooth, refined V-6

Good power

Efficient 6-speed automatic transmission

Second row captains chairs have flip-up thigh supports for at home comfort.
Second row captains chairs have flip-up thigh supports for at home comfort.

Drive modes: Regular, Eco and Comfort

Blind spot monitoring

Lane departure warning

Forward collision warning

Brake assist

Comfort:

Loaded luxurious interior

High end Nappa leather in SXL trim

Heated and cooled front seats

Heated leather and wood steering wheel

Stretch-out driver legroom

Second row seats slide sideways and forward/back

The comfortable front seats and heated and ventilated. The steering wheel is also heated.
The comfortable front seats and heated and ventilated. The steering wheel is also heated.

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:

Hands free power liftgate

360-degree camera for parking guidance

Huge console bin, very deep with sliding tray

Huge front door bins

Two glove boxes, one has cooling A/C vents

Power sliding doors both sides

When the back row seats are folded there is a huge amount of cargo capacity.
When the back row seats are folded there is a huge amount of cargo capacity.

Big infotainment screen

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:

Power mirrors activate on approach/leaving

Hands free power liftgate

Lots of excellent safety features

Recliner-like Captain seats with flip-up leg rest

Great room for all passengers

More than ample interior small item storage

The rear lift gate can be operated hands free.
The rear lift gate can be operated hands free.

Looks and acts like a mini limousine

Whines:

Hard plastic around 3rd row seats and backs of front seats

Difficult for 3rd row passengers to see 2nd row video screen

Bottom Line:

The Kia Sedona was all new for 2015, so the 2016 model has only minor trim changes, but that’s fine since Kia got everything so right the first time. The exterior is stylish with an upscale demeanor and the interior space and amenities are near limo-like.