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    Categories: Kia

2011 Kia Sedona

The 2011 Kia Sedona puts its best foot forward as one of the most comfortable, safe, and affordable minivans today. Interesting upgrades were incorporated in its engine totally repackaging its performance. The exterior and interior designs of the 2010 models were generally carried over by the 2011 Sedona.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Minivan Base Price: $24,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.8 gallons (75 liters) MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 202 in. (513 cm) Width: 78.1 in. (198 cm)
Height: 69.3 in. (176 cm) Wheel Base: 118.9 in. (302 cm)
Curb Weight: 4374 lbs (1984 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.5 in. (16.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 32.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC V6 Displacement: 3470 cc
Horsepower: 271 HP Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 248 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Sportmatic, OD
0-60 mph: NA Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1587 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Sedona EX MSRP: $29,195; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Performance

The Kia Sedona is equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, which helped it achieve an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city and 25 highway. It has a straightforward acceleration at higher speeds but its cornering capability is a bit lopsided. The model is heavier than its counterparts but it feels lightweight on the road.

Exterior & Interior

Aside from the new front grille and turn signals added on the side mirrors, there’s really nothing more to say about its exterior. Majority of those who have tested the Sedona describe its appearance as passable otherwise very bland compared to its spiky contemporary, Honda Odyssey.

The seven-seater 2011 Kia Sedona is obviously bigger in value than in style. The cabin is spacious but lacking in feature. The seats are spacious and comfortable enough though not as jazzy looking. There is an abundance of plastic inside the car that is commensurate to the low pricing scheme of the Sedona.

The trunk has generous cargo space that could expand up to a whopping 141.5 cubic feet when the third row seats and second row captain’s chairs are tucked away and a lot of room for small stuff such as purses, cell phones, iPod and snacks. It has standard features such as a radio/CD audio system, keyless entry, power front windows, USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio control, and cruise control to give sheer comfort while on the road.

Safety & Reliability

Aside from value and comfort, safety is another hallmark of the Kia Sedona. With an efficient accident prevention system consisting of an electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist for its four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system, back-up warning system, and full-gear air bags on the front and side areas, there can be no doubt about its excellent safety performance. It fared excellent in insurance industry crash tests and generally garnered outstanding scores on other safety performance checks in the front, side, and rear impact and rollover categories.

The Competition

The minivans class is filled with many excellent performers. Two of them are the newly remodelled Toyota Sienna (MSRP $31,930; 17 city / 23 hwy), and the Honda Odyssey (MSRP $28,225; 18 city / 27 hwy). The other option is the Dodge Grand Caravan (MSRP $20,995; 17 city / 25 hwy).

The Toyota Sienna has a four-wheel drive option and offers a couple of dollar savings. However, if you add other useful options and talk about its fuel efficiency, the Sedona will prove to be a wiser choice in the end. Meanwhile, the Honda Odyssey flaunts its outstanding gas mileage and EPA rating of 19mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Pros & Cons

The hefty interior is a plus point to the satisfactory ratings given by most reviewers to the Kia Sedona. They also like the seating arrangement inside and overall comfort it provides passengers. It is praised for its strong acceleration, and of course, high safety ratings.

Some people note that the power train lacks in treatment and the minivan does not showcase high technology and entertainment options that much. Handling the Sedona was so-so for some. Others suggested that it would be better if the third row could be folded more easily.

Finally

Although lacking in tech savvy and handsome features other leaders in the minivan category sport, the 2011 Kia Sedona does not disappoint when it comes to comfort and value for money. This is highly recommended for those who are not so much concerned about aesthetic qualities but functionality and price.

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Kia Sedona is the South Korean automaker’s minivan. Like every other full-size minivan offered for sale in the United States, the Sedona is being spruced up for the 2011 model year, though with the Kia, the changes are less significant than those on the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.”Car Connection

“The Sedona is pleasant with generous standard equipment and a roomy, flexible interior.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 Kia Sedona delivers most of the features, comfort and safety of its more popular rivals without breaking the bank.”Edmunds

“In the world of minivans, the 2011 Kia Sedona is a giant.”KBB

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