For 2005, Kia tidies up the Sedona minivan’s line-up: the four trim lines offered in 2004 have been reduced to the LX Anniversary Edition, the EX, and the EX Luxury. The Anniversary gets ABS as standard equipment; all models receive a rear sonar warning system, second-row captain’s chairs, a low washer fluid warning light with a larger washer fluid tank, enhanced corrosion protection, and shopping bag hooks on the backs of the first-row seats.
All Sedonas are powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that provides unhurried acceleration but surprisingly quiet operation. Offered in a single wheelbase, the Sedona is sized between its competitors’ short- and long-wheelbase versions; its overall length is 122 mm longer than a Dodge Caravan, but 163 mm shorter than a Grand Caravan. Its interior space is excellent, with second-row legroom that doesn’t come at the expense of third-row passengers, although headroom can be a bit tight at the rear.
The base-line but very well-equipped Anniversary Edition comes with front and rear air conditioning, power windows, power heated mirrors, cruise control, CD player with six speakers, illuminated entry, floor mats, front passenger underseat storage, ABS and 15-inch steel wheels.
The EX adds rain-sensing wipers, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power passenger seat, CD/cassette player, power rear quarter windows, 15-inch alloy wheels and roof rack. The EX Luxury adds leather interior, heated seats and a power sunroof.
Pleasantly nimble to drive, the Sedona is a budget-conscious contender in the minivan field. It doesn’t have some of the amenities of its competition: power sliding doors are not available, and while the third row of seats tumbles, and both second- and third-row seats can be removed, the operation is not as simple as on some other brands. Still, it’s nicely-sized, and no other minivan can match its comprehensive warranty.
The Sedona is built in Hwasung, South Korea.
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