2015-2016 Kia Sedona Minivan Review
The all-new Sedona is a big improvement for Kia’s new “Multi-Purpose Vehicle.” It’s arguably the sharpest looking minivan on the market with a tastefully upgraded interior and exterior. It is also more flexible for families than before. For example, all trim levels offer three full LATCH seating positions, two in the 2nd row captain’s chairs and a third on the passenger side of the back row. The third row center seat has a 4th top-tether location as well. The Slide-N-Stow feature in the 8-passenger trim offers the easiest 3rd row door access in any minivan. There’s a lot to like with the new Sedona, but does it stack up to the family favorite, Honda Odyssey?
Let’s start with some basic information and features. Please note that since this video was made, the NHTSA awarded the 2015 Sedona a 5-star overall safety rating. The IIHS updated its ratings methods for 2015, requiring an auto-brake front crash prevention system for its 2015 Top Safety Pick “Plus” award. The new Sedona did very well in all the IIHS crash tests but did not earn the “Plus” award, since it lacks such a front crash prevention system. Visibility is decent, with a standard rear-view camera on all but the lowest trim level. SX versions get the nicer Surround view monitor. Our Sedona also came with the accessory tablet holder is a handy feature, but it protrudes and is very hard so it seems like a potential risk to a child in a frontal crash.
In Part II of the video, we discuss some of the aspects of the second row in the 8-passenger trim as well as the third row that is common to both 7- and 8-passenger models. In the 8-passenger trim, the second row should fit various 3-across carseat configurations, as the middle seat is wide enough for some carseats. Since there is no LATCH or tether in the middle, that seat is best suited for a booster seat or a seatbelt installation of a narrow, rear-facing carseat. The seat cushion and seat back side bolsters may affect placement of wider carseats in the second row. In the third row, the middle seat is quite narrow and 3-across will be a challenge, but might be possible with a selection of very narrow carseats/boosters.
Photo Gallery:
A Maxi-Cosi RodiFix booster and a Britax Frontier 90 combination seat (below, left) work well in the 7-passenger lounge captain’s chairs. A Graco 4Ever carseat fits in the third row. There is also a nice location to attach a rear-facing tether accessory strap under the driver’s seat leg for a rear-facing convertible that allows this, like a Diono Radian RXT. (below, right).
There is ample cargo space behind the third row seat (below, left). The seats are relatively easy to stow and raise. In the 7-passenger SXL trim, you have luxurious recliners in the 2nd row (below, right).
Top Ten Likes:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
- NHTSA 5-Star Overall Rating
Slide-N-Stow 3rd row access in lower trims (photo, right)- 2nd row lounge seats in 7-passenger SXL (Limited)
- 3 LATCH + 4th top tether; anchors easy to find
- Greatly improved styling inside and out
- Quiet, comfortable interior
- Engine and transmission very smooth with adequate power
- Teen driver safety alert system with UVO eServices (LX and up)
- Rear view monitor standard on all trims except L
Top Ten Dislikes:
- No longer a bargain
- Many advanced safety features are a very costly option only on SXL trim
- No auto-brake front crash prevention system
- No LATCH or top-tether in 2nd row center seat
- Removable 2nd row center seat is $400 option on LX/SX, standard on EX
- Steering and handling like a large truck; highway ride is a bit bumpy
- Fuel economy is average, but poor on SXL trim
- Wish there were more power/USB charging outlets on low trims
- Contoured 2nd row seats in 8-passenger model (right) may be problem for wider forward-facing carseats
- Quirks: Full cargo area not quite as flat or roomy as competitors, touchy lane departure warning, some rattles in 2nd row recliners, Nav directions report non-existent traffic issues; some controls hard for driver to reach
Conclusion:
The previous Kia Sedona was a safe family minivan at a budget price. The new 2015 Sedona is upgraded significantly in terms of appearance and features, but now commands prices similar to the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Families who want 8-passenger seating at the lowest price should seek out a Sedona LX with Convenience Package. In addition to the extra 2nd row center seat, it also offers standard backup camera, dual power sliding doors, heated front seats, rear window shades, a cooling glove box and Slide-N-Stow seating. It is competitively priced around $29,000. That’s over $2,000 less than an 8-passenger Honda Odyssey EX or Toyota Sienna LE. Many families may opt for the mid-range Sedona EX with standard 8-passenger seating. With the optional Premium Plus package to add rear cross traffic and blind spot alerts, it is nearly $35,000 MSRP. For about the same price, the Honda Odyssey EX-L offers a better array of advanced safety features, better fuel economy and has more flexible options for child seating and cargo.
The high-end SXL with Limited Technology Package is the only trim to have a wide array of advanced safety features and also touts luxurious reclining seats like Toyota’s Sienna. At over $43,000, it seats only 7 and manages only an estimated 17mpg city and 22mpg highway. For comparison, an 8-passenger Honda Odyssey Touring trim costs over $1000 less with an EPA estimated 19mpg city and 28mpg highway. Even so, the new 2015 Kia Sedona has a lot more to offer than before and is much more competitive with Toyota and Honda. In particular, the Sedona LX trim with Convenience Package is one of the safest family vehicles available for under $30,000.
Thank you to Kia Motors USA for the Sedona used in this review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are my own.
I have a question-you said 4 top tethers in the vehicle. does that mean in the third row,you can put two FF carseats in the outboard and middle seat since they have two top tethers? Thank you!
Thanks CSO and Maggie, the Sedona is still somewhat cheaper than Odyssey or Sienna in some competitive configurations. The LX + Convenience package I mentioned has a very reasonable street price for an 8-seater. I do think they missed the mark with advanced safety features, though. Many of our readers place safety as very important consideration when buying a vehicle. It’s a mystery why many manufacturers refuse to offer these features at the very least as a reasonably priced options package on lower trim levels. And make them standard on higher trims so you can actually find them on dealer lots!
Thanks for the awesome review! I concur with everyone else – I think Kia missed the mark by a LOT. Yeah, it looks cool – but they departed from what made their minivan popular – safety and a reasonable price. They don’t have the brand loyalty that Honda and Toyota have, nor do they have the reputation for being super reliable and long lasting. They have priced themselves out of the majority of their customer base. I doubt anyone will choose the Kia van over a similar priced Honda/Toyota van. What they COULD have done is kept their price low, made it safe, and passenger rider friendly (car seats, or just seat belt using passengers) – THAT would have gotten people who buy the Chrysler vans to move over to them. Oh well, at least i know now not to even bother with considering it. I’ll stick to the Toyota/Honda! 🙂
I really think Kia missed a chance to compete with the Odyssey. I really like the outside looks of the Sedona but I won’t consider it because of their LATCH choices. By the time it doesn’t matter anymore, I won’t be driving a minivan. Clearly car makers haven’t realized that those lower anchors are great for booster seats. Parents get sick of reminding their kids to buckle empty boosters. Lower anchors have become more pointless for harnessed seat installs but still are great for booster seats. Also, I think a tether anchor in the third row center is fine but not at the expense of skipping the outboard seat. All minivans should have a minimum of 4 full sets of LATCH IMO. If they put in a full size seat, it should come with full LATCH. That should be true of all “people mover” type vehicles. Oh well, I’ll stick with my Odyssey.
Thanks! We definitely put all the pertinent details in text format in all our reviews:-) The Sedona definitely caught up to its competition in most regards. I think a lot of families will find it to be a great minivan and definitely more distinctive than Odyssey, Sienna and Grand Caravan that comprise over half the vehicles in almost any school pickup line!
Whew. Thanks for fleshng out this video review. I often puruse the web while putting a baby down for a nap or standing in line at the store so I avoid video formats.
I was speaking with a salesperson at a Honda dealership last year just after this model was unveiled at the auto show. He said they were a bit worried at first what Kia might be bringing to the table, but once they saw it they knew Honda would not be losing any significant portion of minivan buyers to Kia. I have to agree. I still want an Odyssesy. Or a $72,000 Suburban.
Your kids are all incredibly patient.