Source: Kiausa.com
The 2016 Kia Sedona SX-L seats seven passengers, offers a dashboard designed with the driver in mind and is a slightly better version than its 2015 redesigned model. How did it perform for a woman who has always been loathe to drive this family friendly mode of transportation? Let’s find out!
Source: Victoria Mason
I have a theory about minivans. It’s a new one because despite having three kids and tons of activities we have stuck to our SUV. Not only do I love it, but H and I made a pact back in our early days of dating that we would never buy a minivan. Never. Yet, I really wanted someone to give me on to test drive. My friends adore them. Would I? No one dared to send one, it seemed. Until earlier this month when Kia stepped up to the plate with the Sedona. I was giddy and that is when I discovered my theory. Do minivans make you a better parent? Possibly and here’s why.
Source: Kiausa.com
The 2016 Kia Sedona SX-L is slightly smaller than other minivans in its class but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. The week we tested the Sedona was jam-packed with end of the school year activities that had us driving all over Northern Virginia for lacrosse playoffs and stowing a good amount of gear while toting kids too. With a minivan there was no question we could take ALL THE STUFF plus all the kids in one vehicle and still have room, if needed.
I noticed that while in it the kids had enough personal space to not fight quite so much. I didn’t feel the need to do anything other than shuttle them around and load in more gear. I found myself relaxing into my mother mode in a way that was new to me. I know, I’ve been doing this parent thing for 10 plus years, but this minivan had me all chill like, “Sure, add another kid in there and bring a friend. I can totally still go to Costco.” OH MY WHAT? Yes, I felt that and it was all brand new. I felt like I was a more relaxed parent who was prepared to take on more kids, more cargo, more tasks. Does that mean minivans make you relax into parenthood more than other cars? Perhaps for some, yes. That’s my theory anyway.
My kids loved the Sedona. They legit cried when it had to go back and I was a bit sad too. While I didn’t love the front window and how the wide spaceship like dash threw a reflection all the time or its lack of acceleration, I did love the size. The Kia Sedona does not drive like a boat. It handles corners well and has a 360 camera that knocked my socks off.
Source: Victoria Mason
The dual sliding passenger doors were either a click of the button on the inside, on the key fob or overhead near the driver. No more yelling about dinging other cars doors. I was definitely more relaxed when we were on the go. Yes, the 19-inch wheels make you feel the bumps more, but the dual power sunroof add light and distraction to backseat travelers. The front and rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery and second-row lounge seats with airplane-style winged headrests and extendable leg rests were a hit with every passenger or driver.
While the mpg isn’t quite up to par with the fuel-efficient rock star Honda Odyssey it was 18 city / 25 highway. I didn’t have to fill it up nearly as much as I thought I would. That had me more relaxed too.
When my week was up I knew I would miss some of the features that only a minivan can possess and I was sad about that, just like my kids were for the same reasons. I like the size of the Sedona. It’s slightly less robust frame but more aggressive look works well for it and makes it stand apart from others in its class. It’s easy to drive and its stow and go storage adds to its appeal.
The Sedona offers five trim packages with a starting MSRP of $26,400 for the L and goes up to $39,900 to start on the SX-L (tested model). If you are in the market for a minivan you cannot go wrong with the Kia Sedona. Like other vehicles by Kia you money goes a long way and the value is obvious the moment you step inside.
*Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Vehicle provided by DriveShop. Opinions are 100% my own.
