2007 Kia Sedona Minivan

What's New?
The Kia Sedona minivan was completely redesigned for 2006. For 2007, a new short-wheelbase version joins the lineup. About a foot shorter than the long-wheelbase Sedona, the new version features the same powertrain and seating for seven.

Overview
While automakers like General Motors and Ford are moving away from the minivan market, Kia is going in full-throttle by expanding the Sedona lineup. The introduction of the short-wheelbase (SWB) Sedona, which complements the all-new long-wheelbase (LWB) version introduced last year, makes Kia the only automaker besides Chrysler to offer both short- and long-wheelbase versions of its minivans. Both SWB and LWB versions come with seven seats, though the "disappearing" fold-down third-row seat from the LWB Sedona doesn't make it to the SWB version—it gets a removable third-row seat instead. The seats are shifted slightly forward in the SWB model, decreasing second-row legroom by about four inches. Accordingly, there is 12.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the third-row seat of the SWB model, compared to 32.2 for the LWB model.

While the LWB Sedona is sold in both LX and EX trims, the SWB has only one trim level, which is similar in content to the lower-level LX and includes power windows, mirrors, and locks; front and rear air conditioning; a CD player; cruise control; and keyless entry. However, options such as power-operated sliding doors and a DVD entertainment system—optional on both LX and EX versions of the Sedona LWB—won't be offered on the SWB model.

Like the LWB Sedona, the SWB Sedona is powered by a 250-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 engine that drives the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. Safety equipment includes front and front-seat side air bags, full-length side curtain air bags covering all three rows, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. All Sedonas are covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

The Competition
The Kia Sedona competes in the Midsize Van segment, which consists of 13 models. Buyers in this segment look for reliability, safety, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study. ^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Dodge Caravan/ Grand Caravan (211,140 units sold), Honda Odyssey (177,919), and Toyota Sienna (163,269). The Kia Sedona sold 57,018 units in 2006, an increase of 7.9 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Van segment include the Chrysler Town & Country, Chevrolet Uplander, Ford Freestar, Nissan Quest, and Mazda5.