New for 2016 is a standard rearview camera and seating for eight on the SX and SXL trims.
Minivans take a lot of shots, but if you’ve got more than two kids or a small soccer team you can’t beat a minivan. There’s a lot of models out there some good and some not-so-good. The 2016 Kia Sedona SXL fits squarely in the good column.
The 2016 Kia Sedona minivan is offered in five trim levels: L, LX, EX, SX and SXL. This review will focus on the SXL trim.
The SXL is the top of the line with 19-inch wheels, dual power sunroofs, front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery and second-row lounge seats with airplane-style winged headrests and extendable leg rests.
Optional on the SXL is the Technology package (which was included on my model) which adds xenon headlights with automatic high beam control, a surround-view parking camera system, a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system and an additional 115-volt power outlet in the cargo area. Also on my model was the stand-alone option of a rear seat entertainment system.
Equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine expect to get 276 horses and 248 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic makes it all go. Mileage estimates are 17/city, 22/highway and 19/city mpg.
In government crash testing, the Sedona earned a top five-star rating for its overall crash protection, with five stars for total front-impact safety and five stars for total side-impact safety.
The Sedona is anything but minivanesque inside with its decidedly crossover interior. It has a shifter on the console instead of the dash which makes it easier to use but compromises some of the extra storage space minivans are known for.
Seating is comfortable in all three rows with room for adults even in the third row. With the SXL’s lounge style captain’s chairs second-row passengers will get even more legroom and an extendable leg rest. But they don’t have Slide-n-Stow, so you won’t have as much room for stuff. For cargo space the Sedona provides 33.9 cubic feet behind the third row seat.
Driving the 2016 Sedona is not a thrill but it’s not boring either. Acceleration is good and swift and road noise is kept to a minimum. Cornering is not bad considering this is one big vehicle and ride quality is good.
If you need to get a minivan but want to avoid feeling like you are driving a minivan, give the 2016 Kia Sedona SXL a test drive.
