2015 Kia Sedona SXL VIDEO REVIEW

2015 Kia Sedona SXL VIDEO REVIEW

 

Though the minivan is often stigmatized as uncool family fodder, talk to those who own one and they swear they’d never go back to a traditional car.  That’s because they just come in so darn handy for a multitude of purposes and when you spec one like this, it’s practically an investment in a separate apartment.  This is the all-new Kia Sedona SX Limited.

Though there aren’t as many players as there once was, the minivans left standing are all strong entries and choosing just the right one for you will likely come down to some very personal reasoning.  And this 2015 Sedona provides plenty of rationale to make it your choice, not the least of which is its more crossover-like styling.  Kia completely erased its predecessor’s frumpy design and replaced it with this, dare I say, stylish body with a strong beltline, a broad, upright grille and flying roof elements.  This is a minivan I’d be proud to step out of at the next softball game.  19” chrome wheels and xenon headlights add even more cred with the other parents.

But a minivan’s worthiness is judged by how well it performs in here and in the case of this top-trim SX Limited, the Sedona is extremely well executed in both the important categories of ease of use and breadth of amenities.  Kia sweated the details here and gives you nearly everything a luxury minivan owner could ever want and does so in a manner that’s simple and highly functional.  Though the Limited trim loses out on the otherwise available 2^nd row heated seats and the nifty Slide-N-Stow feature providing an “on the go” cargo configuration, it does gain this incredibly spacious lounge seating with winged headrests, and a fold out ottoman affording enough legroom for a king such as Kia’s own Lebron James.  The seats also slide side-to-side for more comfort and flexibility.

Row 3 also does its job incredibly well by providing accommodating seating that’s as good as it gets in the outback and then when it’s time to make it disappear it splitfolds and retracts into the floor.  Other niceties back here include window shades, a sunroof and a USB port and AC outlet.  The only demerits include the climate controls being placed off to the side on the ceiling and as far as rear seat entertainment goes, there is an optional single screen system that sits at the back of the center console but it seems like an afterthought compared to the HD/Blu-Ray capable panoramic dual screens found in some of the Sedona’s competitors.

This next gen UVO Infotainment & Telematics system offers four new eServices: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score – all solid ways for parents to keep a watchful eye on their teen drivers.

…A brilliant touch screen infotainment system with colorful, high-res graphics, Siri Eyes Free, Google Search, Wi-Fi connection and much, much more.  And with perfect button redundancy and voice control, it’s one of if not the best such system on the market.  The uplevel organic LED central gauge cluster is perfection as well, with all the info you need at a touch of a steering wheel button.  All of the electronics – whether for safety or convenience – such as the smart cruise control and the gotta’ have it Surround View Monitor are A+ across the board.

At -25 degrees wind chill, this is the coldest car shoot I’ve ever been on but this Sedona has heated seats and a heated steering wheel that get fiery hot.

The cooled glovebox, the rich Nappa Leather seats, deep and configurable center console, conversation mirror and the welcome sequence reinforces Kia’s cut above minivan experience for a price that’s far below.  With the addition of the $2,700 Technology Package this Sedona SXL stickers for $43,295, thousands less than other high-end vans.

Though the new 3.3-liter V6 is incredibly strong at 276 horsepower, the Sedona’s ride quality is less compliant than the class leader’s and some vague steering presents itself at times.  But it is quite quiet and comes with a 3-mode drive selector, one of which is an agreeable ECO setting helping the Sedona achieve about 19mpg in combined driving.  It’s not the best driving minivan but its strong suits overshadow any lost motoring nuances.

With more ways to help a family conveniently, comfortably and safely navigate life’s journeys the Sedona SX Limited is a phenomenal effort from Kia.

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